Here in northern Ontario, Canada, I have to settle in for a long winter - in fact, there is a snowstorm warning today with predictions of 15+ cm of snow. So no local riding for the time being.

I was just out in the garage going over the bike for any sliver of maintenance required and found I needed to lube a few bolts to prevent rust. Boring and minimal. Furthermore, the bike needs nothing replaced or renewed. Cables are fine, Marathon+ tires are in great condition, Brooks has been treated, scratches touched up. I wondered about a suspension seatpost, but decided not for the time being. I wondered if I needed some new type of touring bag, accessory or tool - no, no and no.

In conclusion... I guess I'll have to go out and look at the bikes occasionally and pine for the road. Anyone else excited for the next cycling season?

I bought a new to me touring bike a couple of  years ago that had every goodie possible. A Steer Stopper was included. I was initially unimpressed. Using it did impress me, and Jacinto as well. When he sent his bike back to Rodriguez for frame repair (rack braze on cracked), he had them add a steer stopper. This helps stabilize a parked bike, especially so when combined with a two legged kickstand. I think it’s also a potential theft deterrent, as the stopper has to be released to steer the bike. 

This is definitely a want and not a need, but it’s sure a handy gadget. 

As for summer 2026, we have hopes of returning to Europe. As you soberingly said at the end of your current journal, at some point there will be a final tour. We are hoping to get a few more good years first. 

That might just be a 'want' that I 'need'.

EDIT - I just saw the price and fell onto the floor. I'll think about this a bit more.

You could try my "steer stopper", a strip of velcro run snugly around the down tube and through the front wheel. That and a deployed hiking pole make for relatively stable bike parking.

FWIW, we have one on our touring tandem Schnooks and we love it.