I rode and livestreamed for several hours in probably the most intense downpour I’ve ever streamed or even ridden in. The drops were huge and it was literally like I was taking a shower at some points. I’m happy to say that all the electronics made it through without a problem using the rain protection I’d been preparing for months.
That last one about committing my beloved Keshy to just adventure cycling on mostly paved roads and trails was a huge decision, but I’m confident it is the right one. I’m never streaming with a backpack from the bike again. It’s just not worth it. After just a few rides without the heavy IRL backpack on I realize just what a huge difference it is. That comfort and easy setup make me want to ride and stream more and at the end of the day more riding and streaming is always better than randomly being able to stream going into a store or restaurant. Besides, with all the gear I have on Keshy that I’m carrying with me I am never leaving her alone for any significant amount of time. Having the live camera on the bike should terrify most would-be thieves because they know they are being captured. Plus the bike is a perfect moveable tripod for getting great shots.
Eventually I can use the other tires on another future bike. My beautiful Salsa Marrakesh is, after all, a (heavy) touring bike with a very low bottom bracket. If and when I ever did anything that it could not do (like Tour Divide) I would defintely just get another bike. But here’s the thing, I don’t want to do anything I cannot live stream, and live streaming with a camera attached to the bike is just best when the vibrations are at an absolute minimum.
After yesterday’s very successful but very wet ride, I’m emboldened more than ever to plan much longer adventure cycling trips and take my remote office with me. Perhaps my DNB dreams are still alive. Once I have the budget to stay in a hotel at least every three days I think I would be totally golden.