First time riding this year and wanting to get a sense from experienced riders whether or not panniers are a good idea.
Between rain gear, spare tubes and tools, water bottles, snacks, pump etc. I can't see doing without, yet I've heard from someone who's done it before that he doesn't recommend them.
My ride partner had panniers on his bike and acted as my pack mule carrying my pants and jacket and I was grateful. Even if I wanted to, there's no method for attaching a rack on my bikes. We will touring on the June 11/12 weekend, not racing so I don't see any reason you couldn't use them if you choose. I'd try to limit the weight carried to what you need to get you to the next pit stop.
I commute regularly with panniers, but strip them and the rack off for the ride. Most of my gear will fit in my seat bag or in the jersey pockets. Taking the rack&panniers off reduces weight and drag - especially on a windy day. Over the course of a day or 2, it will mean less effort.
My midsize seat bag holds my tools, patch kit, 1 tube, cell phone, id. In my jersey I was able to carry food, a camera and a jacket and a second tube.. Water bottles and pump were frame mounted.
The big concern is rain/cool weather clothing - the necessity of which will depend on the forecast. Leg and arm warmers are easily removed and shoved in a pocket. For rain, unless you have a high quality, breathable jacket you will get wet. The important thing is to have good clothing (and additional spare tubes maybe) packed in the bag that is transported for you from start to finish.
Patrick, I carry my tube kit in a small saddle bag. My water bottles are in cages on my bike. IF there is rain in the forecast, I carry a shell in my jersey pocket. There are 3 rest stops on the ride where you can restock water/gatorade/fruit/snacks so I don't carry a lot with me.
At the end of the day, it's up to you. In my first year, I carried a backpack and cursed it most of the way. Now I travel light and I'm much happier. It's a long ride. Do what you're comfortable doing.
I just found one in the garbage that fits onto the front of my bike (like a basket, but it's made of nylon and it zips closed). It's exactly what I need. I'm carrying the essentials that I need, jacket, spare tubes, snacks for the day (I have to have ones that I know will work with my diabetes), glucometer. It's gonna take some weight off of my back, as I use a camelback for water (I was gifted with it - I don't think that the person who gave it to me wanted me to take my hands off of the handlebars again!)
I would avoid panniers for the extra weight and drag they cause. This is a well supported ride...you can get by with a single water bottle because the rest stops are frequent enough (I did 100M last year and felt that). My only caveat would be if the weather looks to be highly variable like it was last year. I packed very efficiently with a small under seat carrier and extra layers in my jersey pockets. I gave out all of my stuff to riding companions though and by mile 75 was freezing riding in only a jersey with in wind, rain and 16-17 degrees. I would have croaked without full-fingered gloves.
That said, the weather this year is going to be perfect, so you woun't really need tons of clothes. I'd do whaterver I could to avoid panniers.
2011 will be my 4th ride on a hybrid using some variation of a pannier. It's reassuring to have my comforts close at hand since this is the only really long ride I do annually and I'm no longer driven to be a minimalist. You'll be in good company whatever you decide.
I have a small bag that attaches to my seatpost that fits the raingear, plus knee/leg warmers if the weather looks cold. I was glad to have it all last year. But rack and pannier would be too much for me to think about.
I have something like this, but it's a little smaller and lighter: http://www.bikebagshop.com/vaude-offroad-trunk-bag-5-p-1781.html
As dgoldman said, the final decision is yours and you will not be judged. That is one of the great things about this ride, all types of people and all types of bikes will be there with a common goal.
Thanks everyone for weighing in with your thoughts. It seems to me that weight isn't much of an issue as the panniers themselves don't weigh anything and I'd just be redistributing the stuff in them anyway. But drag does seem like a concern, especially having done some windy training rides this spring. Man, I really hope we're not riding into crazy wind. Guess I'll look into a seat bag.
