Bike tour of mid-coastal Maine with Pocket Llama and trailer - 10

I just finished a 10 day bicycle tour by myself the first two weeks in mid-coastal Maine.

This was my first bicycle tour on my BF Pocket Llama and I used the suitcase trailer system for the first time. I brought a milk crate as a carryon for the airplane, fashioning a shoulder strap with my bike cable lock. I could carry the trailer wheels in it and lighten the load in my luggage. It also made a great stool to sit on while assembling and disassembling the bike. I have toured using panniers in the past with other bikes so the trailer was new for me. I LOVED IT! the bike handled better, no fish tailing or sluggishness particularly when I got out of the saddle to ride. Was very nice and easy to detach for those days I stayed in one place and took day trips.

My milk crate made for a great basket on the rear rack, securing it with Zip ties. By the way, keep lots of extra heavy duty zip ties with you - saved me. Some of the rutted roads rattled some of the screws out of my rear rack and the zip ties came in handy (my extra screws are itting on my dining room table at home...) and worked well.

I got a flat on one of my trailer wheels within the first 6 miles - big shard of glass. Took some time to figure out how to get the acutely angled tube nozzle out - one must twist and turn the tube perpendicular to the rim for it to get out. But glad I had an extra wtih me. I felt the trailer sucked up rough roads pretty well considering no suspension so that was not an issue at all. I only felt tugging with heavier load and usually only on climbs or dips, but certainly nothing to stress about - ended up mailing all my camping gear home as the campsites were mostly closed this time of year; those that were not were quite far from biycle friendly roads, grocery stores and restaurants. Made a huge difference!

I took a leg strap that was all yellow reflecting tape and velcro-d it to the rear of the suitcase/trailer across which I am sure saved me one nite I ended up riding in the dark for an hour after finding camping areas closed along the way. I did have a rear red flashing lite on the back of the milk crate as well.

I had no squeaks, or creeky sounds come from my bike on the trip. The trailer system made for ease of putting the bike and suitcase onto a train fully assembled (people were unbelievalby friendly in Maine - I had a bike shop give me a free t-shirt asking me to wear it for advertising) - to bypass 40 miles I had already done, so I could tour elsewhere. I was also glad I had the very lite weight fenders.

My BF has also become my bike of choice for commuting. If ever I get caught somewhere later than planned, it is easier to cram into a friend's car if need be. I look forward to more adventures on my Pocket Llama. A very comfortable ride!