Pondering time away from cycling and a first look at the Arkel Seatpacker 15

With my cycling accident back on Labour Day weekend and the concussion recovery that has followed, I’ve had plenty of time to think about riding and the rides I’ve completed this year and what’s to come in 2017.  I still hope to get back on the bike soon, but it’s looking more and more like I won’t complete my “50-in-50” rides in this calendar year.  I will, however, complete them before I turn 51!

At this time of year, I’m usually putting away my road bike in favour of my off-road riding – either gravel grinders or mountain biking. With the nice fall weather, it’s hard to heed my doctor’s advice to rest and recover.

Head injuries are not to be taken lightly and this is concussion number four or five for me.  Past recovery from these has taught me to ease back into physical activity since higher heart rate can magnify the symptoms and prolong the recovery.

And so… I sit and I rest.  And I plan!  Part of this planning is to look ahead and think about new cycling adventures.  I want to gradually build up my cycling inventory to include the accessories for bike packing.  Thanks to the friendly folks at Arkel in Quebec, I obtained my first cycling pack this week – the Seatpacker 15.  Made in Canada, this pack includes a mini frame that attaches to the seat rails and seat post.  The waterproof bag then attaches to this frame easily.

I haven’t taken it out in a ride yet but I’ve packed it with shoes and clothing.  The published storage capacity is 9 to 15 litres so it holds a lot.  When I get it out on a ride, I’ll comment on that, but for now, I’ll report that it’s dead simple to install and seems to hold a lot.  The design is functional yet simple.

Look for more on this Seatpacker on my blog as I put it to use!