The Arctic Dirt Tour 2013 was just another ride. I like to give them names, print T-shirts and the lot. Makes it more fun.
Anyhow, the ADT-13 lasted ten to eleven days, depending on how you calculate, and covered 5349 km, according to my GPS. There was a lot of different terrain but I did my best to ride mostly on dirt. This turned out to be very difficult in Norway.
You can find everything regarding the trip here (The daily reports are in a chronological order, so please start at the bottom): Arctic Dirt Tour 2013
Concerning the equipment I carried, here’s a list of what I will carry from now on. The things that I had and did not need were mostly my GoPro equipment. I found out that I just don’t have the patience to shoot video when I ride. Shooting stills is irritating enough.
Other than the GoPro, none of the stuff I mailed back from Salla will be on my solo trips. I mean especially the tarp is useless if you’re all by yourself. You’ll be a lot more comfortable in your tent.
So here’s my gear list. Observations and comments on selected items below:
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KTM 690 Enduro R K13
Garmin Montana 600 GPS |
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Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag
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Adventure Spec Magadan Panniers
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Tie down straps (4)
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KTM tool kit
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Road maps
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Puncture kit
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Work gloves
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Tube 21”
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Tube 18”
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Pump
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Tire iron
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Tire spoon
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Bead buddy
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Valve puller tool
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Marker
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Spare fuel cap
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Hobo Stickers (20)
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First Aid Kit
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Garage remote
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Spare key
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Passport
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Driving license
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Registration
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Service record
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Base layer pants
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Base layer shirt
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Mid layer shirt
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Sport T-Shirt
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Hiking socks
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Riding jacket
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Riding pants
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Sidi boots
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Nolan helmet
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Sunglasses
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Ear plugs
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MTB gloves
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Waterproof gloves
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Waterproof helmet hood
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Buff
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Camelbak Chaos
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Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight Tent
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Marmot Always Summer Sleeping bag
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Air mattress
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Pak Towel
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MSR Pocket rocket
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Pocket rocket fuel
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Lighter (2)
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MSR soloist pan
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Cup
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Wash pad
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Spoon
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Leatherman
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Notebook
Pen (2)
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Laundry bag
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Instant coffee
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Bug spray
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Tooth brush
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Tooth paste
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Deodorant
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Razor
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Sewing kit
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Wet wipes
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Soap
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Mobile phone
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Phone charger
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Pocket camera
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Pocket camera charger
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MicroSD card 64 GB
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Earphones
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Underwear (3)
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T shirt (2)
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Long sleeve shirt
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Happy socks (2)
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Hiking shoes
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Travel pants
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Shorts
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Ultralight shell jacket
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Skull cap
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All my doubts concerning this bike are now gone. It performed admirably and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to go for this bike instead of an Adv 990, 1190, GS, Tiger or similar.
Riding over 26 hours straight is not exactly smart or safe, but I did it. My maximum rides on road bikes have been probably something around 700-800 km after which I could not go on. Not so with the 690. I think the main advantage is the comfortable position riding on the pegs. Every time my speed would drop to around 80-90kmh, I’d stand up. I’d only sit while going fast. This really keeps saddle soreness at bay.
I will do something about the suspension though. It feels a bit stiff on fast compressions. Also, I would like to have more fuel on board. I’m working on this.
GARMIN MONTANA 600
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A wonderful bit of kit. I can’t believe it didn’t drown in the rain. It obviously is water proof. It did shut itself down without warning once or twice during riding. Also when planning routes, during route calculation. Other than that, it worked flawlessly.
I tend to plan my routes with Google Maps and then upload them as tracks to the Montana. I rarely use it for strict navigation or use routes. |
YOKO YS-1 RIDING PANTS AND JACKET
They look good but do not breathe and are not waterproof. In dry weather they are ok. I will most likely bin the Yoko and get Klim.
YOKO YG-20 WATERPROOF GLOVES
They are not waterproof. I will probably bin these and get Klim.
GIANT LOOP FANDANGO TANK BAG
I was very happy with this. I meant to waterproof the seams, but never got a round to it. I’ll get it sorted at some point as during heavy rain water will enter the bag. For riding on the pegs I found the tank bag to be pretty unobtrusive.
ADVENTURE SPEC MAGADAN PANNIERS
These are wonderful. All my stuff fit in these. The only issue I had was that the front and back pockets have drain holes. I usually keep extra gloves, a buff and a hood in the front. They will get wet if they are not in plastic bags. I’m considering using the rear bottle pocket for extra fuel. All my kit stayed absolutely dry in the main dry bags. A very nice system.
The connection loops were excellent and the bags didn’t seem to move at all once they settled in. I used two straps per side to secure them to my luggage racks.
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