As I prepare to launch this adventure, I’m focused on what I need to bring, and what I need to leave behind. Hard choices, indeed. Even with the hard choices, I feel like I’m bringing way too much. I expect I will end up shipping some of this stuff home after getting tired carrying it. But for now, here is my starting-out list:
Bike Stuff:
- helmet (Giro – serial # Y7632452)
- Road I.D. bracelet
(in case of an accident, it lists my name and contact numbers for Mary Sue, Nick and Veronica as well as my health insurance number) - tire pump
- extra tubes (2)
- tire change irons (3)
- puncture seals for tubes
- all-in-one tool kit (Allen wrenches, screw drivers, spoke wrench, etc.)
- crescent wrench and cassette nut
- FlashStand (Topeak brand – alternative to a kick-stand that attaches onto crank arm)
- replacement spokes (4)
- no extra tire or extra chain (I’ll be riding through towns with bike shops, so if I need replacements, I’ll be able to find them — I hope!)
Bike Clothing:
- bike jersey long sleeve (1)
- bike jersey short sleeve (2)
- bike shorts with padding (2)
- bike socks (2)
- bright yellow safety vest
- bike jacket (water proof)
- rain pants
- rain booties (to pull over shoes)
- bandannas for under helmet (2)
- bike gloves (padded) (2)
Off-bike Clothing:
- long pants (1)
- shorts (1)
- down jacket
- underwear briefs (2)
- long underwear, top and bottom
- light-weight walking shoes
- socks for off-bike (2
Camping Gear:
- tent (REI quarter dome 2) (3 lbs. 9 oz..)
- tent footprint ( ” ) (9 oz..)
- sleeping bag (Kelty Cosmic DriDown 550fill, 41 degrees F.) (1 lb. 14 oz..)
- pad (ThermaRest Evolite) (1 lb. 7 oz..)
- pillow (SeaToSummit Aeros Premium) (3.7 oz.)
- sleeping bag liner (Cocoon Coolmax travel sheet) (11 oz..)
- lights (MPowerd Luci inflatable solar lanterns – 2) (4.4 oz..)
- headlamp (Ptezl Tikka Plus)
- stove (JetBoil MiniMo) (14 oz..)
- gas cans for stove (2 @8 oz.)
- bowl, cup, knife/fork/spoon
- bug head net (Ben’s InvisiNet) (0.7 oz.)
Tech:
- iPad (Air 2 with Logitech keyboard case)
- iPhone
- Dynamo with USB port (built into bike)
- Solar charger …
- external battery pack (RAV Power Deluxe, 16750 mAh)
Personal:
- hygiene (tooth brush, toothpaste, razor, nail clippers, etc.)
- sun screen
- toilet paper and trowel
- a few first aide supplies (band-aids, etc.)
- extra pair of glasses
galvindbiketrip 