BikinNige66's Profile

Nigel Francis

Bio

Bike touring! The bike is an old Orange P7, a British build. Originally a mountain bike back in 1998 when purchased and I completed a few mountain bike races with it. The bike received a face lift pre my travels down to South Africa and Namibia in 2003 to follow another dream and train as a commercial pilot. The bike enjoyed a good thrashing through South African woods and over rugged Namibian bedrock as further adventures pursued. Back in the UK now, the adventurer still lives on, so a second reincarnation is due for my trusty steed. As a British islander we are fortunate enough to inhabit a beautiful isle (the 5th largest in the world). Generally we do not see or get out and take in this stunning piece of real estate, so how best, by my own steam on a bicycle. I cycle to work, using a Cannondale Bad Boy for the commute, really more as a life style choice. This beautiful, peaceful commute through the Cornish back lanes I feel has put me in a fair condition so as not to worry too much about struggling with my years of 43. The bike rebuild was a pleasant project over the summer of 2010, been conscious to it's load bearing requirements. I will only know it's true potential once on the moors, woods, beacons and vales. I have found an ideal medium to documenting my trips, through the BikeTrippin site, so here goes.

Email Address: nigel-francis@live.co.uk

Location: Constantine Bay, Cornwall, England

Occupation: Pilot - Cyclist - Adventurer

BikinNige66's Trips

  • Dartmoor

    • So the second installment, Dartmoor.

    Dartmoor is an area of moorland in the centre of Devon, England. Protected by a National Park status, it covers 368 sq miles. Approximately 2.5 times larger than Bodmin Moor on my previous trip back in October 2010. Dartmoor is known for its Tors - hills topped with outcrops of granite bedrock.

    I have upgraded my sleeping mat system. Doing away with the Thermarest Z-Lite foam mat, just not up to the job. Still taking the Z-Lite as I feel I might use it, which is the big yellow thing on the back. Now trying out an Exped Synmat 7 with an in built pump. This will give me 7 cm of thickness plus with the added bonus of a  built in synthetic insulation, also available is a down feather option. This rolls up to no bigger than 4 baked bean tins. Clothing is improved with an Endura waterproof/breathable jacket. Sealskinz waterproof/breathable socks and gloves.

    The bike has had an addition of a 20 mm riser handle bar, this helps me to lower the stem from the forks. The rear rack is replaced by a Topeak Expedition rack, more robust I feel. Lastly, something I thought I would never have on a bike, a kickstand!

    As usual I have been following the weather patterns for the last few weeks. It should be fine, temperatures around 12-15 degrees for the day, lowing to 5-8 at night, very manageable.

  • Bodmin Moor

    • This first trip will be out onto and around Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, England. The moors are on my doorstep with the Camel Trail been a flat and steady start. The timing is not the best as it's now late October but I cannot wait any longer to get out. The temperature here is dropping down to around 10-12 degrees during the days and 5-7 degrees at night, so not so bad. The contributing factor though is the windchill, it does get a bit breezy here. Going by the Met Office's forecast a good opportunity arises over the next few days for fair weather.
     
     
    The tent and gear has been tested, should keep me warm and dry. The toes and fingers are generally a different matter as I tend to suffer from poor circulation around those appendages, if I have it wrong, some uncomfortable nights ahead! Could be some prolonged visit's to cafe's and pubs to warm up with tea or beer, not so bad! I have extensive experience with wild camping if required and not deterred by inclement weather, which is good, considering the time of year!
     
     
     

  • The Commute