Mark reveals all

_*Mark's technical bits:*_
I weighed my kit on return, when all emergency rations had been consumed, as follows:

1. _rear Carradice Camper Longflap saddlebag _@ 6.3kg containing:
first aid kit & waterproof jacket * [LH outer pocket] toolkit [RH outer pocket] folding outer tyre * Altura waterproof shoe covers Rainlegs cycling drybag A containing:
3 pairs ankle socks
3 pairs pants
1 pair knee length 3/4 padded longs
1 long sleeve top
1 knee support
1 merino wool vest *
evening drybag B containing:
Rohan trousers
lightweight T-shirt
lightweight fleece
1 pr socks
1 pr cotton boxers for nightwear
red T-shirt for British Heart Foundation washbag
1 book

in addition I was wearing:
1 cycling shorts
1 short sleeve top
1 Altura Nevis yellow jacket
1 pr socks
1 pr pants
1 pr gloves
1 helmet

2. _Front bar bag Ortleib_ rather ancient model @ 1.92kg containing:
1 pr warm gloves *
1 pr arm warmers *
1 hat liner *
front/rear LED lights *
1 mobile pone and charger
1 notebook
1 camera
various documents in waterproof pouches
1 tyre pump
emergency rations usually [muesli bars, dried fruit; but not at this weigh in]

3. _My bike is a Caygill _audax type road bike in 753, with Shimano Ultegra 10-speed groupset, with triple chainrings and 11-27 block.
I was not happy with the 24/42/52 chainrings - really difficult to change down to the 24 tooth granny, sometimes not changing, sometimes slipping off; and I never really needed the larger chainring; but my attempt to replace the standard Shimano rings with smaller 38/50 Stronglight rings was abandoned since there was not a good change.
I wonder now if I should move to a 34/50 'compact' double chainring with a 13-27 block?
Wheels were built about 3 weeks before departure, having sat waiting build for a year, were Rigida Chrina 36 hole rims on Sh Ultegra hubs with ACI spokes db and plain for drive side, built with brass eyelets.
About 350 miles running in and 2 re-tunes before departure, these wheels behaved like a dream and were very comfortable to ride. Thanks, Neil, for assistance.
Tyres are 700x25 Continental Gatorskin, narrow mudguards Plus Ortlieb barbag bracket, Carradice SQR bracket, and 1 waterbottle bracket + bottle.

* denotes *not* used at all, but I would still take these items on a similar trip, to cope with bad weather.