Spain and Portugal tour prep 2

Bit more prep this week, Lindsay is starting to get the V-Strom ready, pannier system fitted. I like these black Givi Trekker Outbacks, and he's gone with a Givi airflow screen too. Looking good now with the sump guard on to hide that single down pipe and oil filter.

After last weeks ride with Mark, we decided to get some of those cheap BT Interphone Bluetooth intercom headsets he uses. Often is the case that you need to chat while on the move , and perhaps agree on slight route changes etc, and playing music without cable headphones is a real advantage. Especially with the single button mute too. It turns out they do pair with the TomTom rider after all, and on trip away in Yorkshire a few years back with Mark I was quite impressed with this simple intercom - up to 800 metres line of sight, and they paired well with my iPod and phone. They are not as good as the more expensive setups from  Scala or Sena, but for a mere £58.00 for the pair being able to communicate inside a helmet with regular earplugs fitted makes life so much easier.

Saturday myself and Lindsay met up and tried them out. After fiddling a bit to get the correct position when fitting the Velcro ear pads and boom mic in our helmets, I was very impressed, reasonably clear audio at 70mph and able to switch between music and bike to bike intercom easily by pressing a single button, and mute, vol adjust using the other large round glove friendly button. Lindsay tried pairing with the GPS, but this kept breaking intercom with me each time the GPS tried to give him instructions. On Sunday, I went out on my own and tried my TomTom Urban Rider pairing which was good. I found the first word of instruction or so was missing by the time the TomTom had switched into the headset, but I was able to hear the most important instruction e.g turn left or turn right etc. Having heard the instruction a quick glance at the TomTom screen to confirm and all was well. I can see this being really useful in built up areas where it's easy to miss an instruction if relying on the screen alone. I think we will use the GPS pair mode on its own though, without music or intercom for best results. I guess the more expensive systems are better at switching between multiple devices  but for a cheap option I'm chuffed with their overall function.

While considering security options when parked up, and what disc locks I will take, I discovered via an internet forum, the GS has a special storage area for a DLock under the seat. I've often wondered what this moulded plastic shape was for, next to the tool tray under the seat ......

I had a large D Lock in my garage used for days out with the kids on their bicycles and voila, was able to slide it in to the recess space. These D locks must have a standard dimension ( diameter width). I was able to store the lock part in the tool tray. I guess these Germans think of everything!

Finally, I had quick go at loading the camping gear on the bike with the new Rok Straps. Found a great place to slot the camping tarp at the rear under the top box support bracket ...

Coming together nice 😃

Some Campsites Leon->Astorga->Ponferrada

http://www.campingancares.com/

http://campingriveradelcua.webs.com/

http://www.campingbierzo.com/

http://bembibreaventura.com/

http://campinglosrobles.com/acceso-al-lago/?lang=en

http://www.campingvalledoseo.com/en/index.php