Leaving bike with panniers outside

[amino]

OK I'm going on my first trip and it will be solo.  Like most, I have my fear of leaving my biked locked up somewhere and coming out to find a bag or all bags missing!  I'm a seasoned non-bike traveler around the world, but obviously you don't ususally have to leave your pack unattended like the bike.  Any advice or solace?  PS this first trip will be in Canada, which I know is generally safe, but....

[transam9296]

I have done a lot of bike travel in North America and I have never had a problem with my leaving bags on my bike.  I do follow some common sense rules....

1. Leave noithing of value in your bags (no cameras, wallets, etc), if someone wants my stinky socks and sweaty jersey they can have it.

2. Make your bike as visible as possible in front of a store or info center.  If it is stashed around back where there are not many people it would be much easier for someone to cause problems without being noticed.

3. Be creative and ask aorund.  I have asked a movie theater to let me stash bags in their office, or a park ranger office to do the same while I went for a hike.

Good luck!

[don quixote]

I suggest you use at least a 2 person tent which will give you extra room to store your bags in. With the tent closed up, I have been comfortable with leaving the bags while I took a hike (especially if you at not at an isolated site) and at night. But I would take valuables, such as wallet, camera, cell phone with me.

George Olmstead
San Diego