Everyday Backpack and Gear

October 13th to 16th - 250 km

At only $40, this is a great buy if you're in Beijing

Trying to increase my daily mileage....it's a a bit difficult, as it means I will be getting home later. 

I've been spending a minimum of 2 hours a day on the bicycle, so comfort is definitely a biggie.

Monday through Friday, I ride with a loaded pack. For a weeks, Iv'e been using the Tilt 5 backpack from Decathlon. I picked it up here for about $40 USD. It's been a great backpack so far, although at 21L, it's a little on the small side for 

me.

The backpack has a rigid back plate, padded by four individual pads, which run alongside your spine. Water proof abilities have not been tested out yet.

I really like the roll top design, however, I wish the velcro strap was a little longer, so I could pack in a little more.

Perhaps I'll upgrade soon to one of Osprey's commuter packs. They have some in 32L sizes!

Osprey Spin 32

Sometimes I'll have to carry more

 This is the daily load I carry. 

• Laptop
• Bluetooth Speaker
• Flashcards and other documents
• 2 jackets
• jeans
• t-shirt
• long gloves
• cell phones
• Vibram five fingers (not pictured)
• u-lock
• Wet wipes and tissues
• Headphones, misc cables

All in all, it adds up to about 20 lbs or so.

Colder Weather

The weather is beginning to get colder now as well. When I leave in the morning, temperatures are at about 5 - 7 degrees Celsius (about 43 degrees F). I expect it to drop below 0 soon...

Currently, I ride with regular shorts and socks, with knee warmers, a thermal base layer and light wind breaker on top. Seems to be a good combination so far, as I am a little cold when I get started, but don't overheat while I am riding. My Respro does a good job of keeping my face shielded from the growing winds. The amount of sweat kept on the clothes will be a key factor...if I stop long enough the sweat will freeze me!

Luckily, I should have some cold weather gear coming in the mail soon...Santa will deliver early this year.

Happy Dinners

Near the end of my rides, I usually have to find dinner somewhere, if I don't feel like cooking anything at home. If I am short on time or very tired, I usually just resort to McDonalds. It's as little pricey out here....$1.50 for a McChicken....yeah right. That 50 cents makes a big difference!

If I'm feeling a bit homesick, or want a good, decent, and clean meal, I will stop by my friend Keizo's little Japanese restaurant near Pinganli Station (Line 6 and 4). I've been coming here all summer, sometimes up to 6 times per week. It gives me a chance to practice my limited Japanese language skill, and also eat food I'm used to eating at home.

Much better than the ones I make

One of my favorites after a long ride....omurice. They usually give me a little extra food as well, like some soup or a rice ball, or whatever they were going to eat for dinner. Meeting him, his wife and  eating at their little restaurant are definitely one of the high points of my time in Beijing so far.

Sweet korokke. Nothing beats my Mom's though!

Air quality has been decently steady for the past few days, mostly due to afternoon winds coming and sweeping everything up. Keeping my fingers crossed....