Nerdy bike stuff :-)

EQUIPMENT LIST AND PACKING LAYOUT

I am writing my equipment list as a way of remembering what I need/ organizing and also as after months of thought and research I am about to begin (about a month later than planned and further down the route, but nevertheless about to set off). I have noticed packing instructions are lacking in all other sites, I guess as there is no-one formula that will work and people like to do it themselves, but I have found establishing this system the most time consuming so, though I’d share it. How lovely am I?

Sp: As always budget fairly limited so decided to go for cheaper bags and save money for better bike. So far I am pleased I did. They are working really well and the ease of removal of bags is good for hiker/ biker sites and no problems. They are waterproof and all seems hardy although attachments are pealing. I guess Axiom are aware that these are the weakest point as they provided spares. Ortleib are undoubtedly the best and if I were 110% committed to cycling the world, these would be what I would choose. However there is no way I would do this alone. I don’t like my own company that much and would prefer to share the adventure of life with someone. The days are fine, cycling is after all a solo activity; but definitely evenings and night times are best shared and with the coolness of autumn a fire is necessary a feel but rather decadent if alone.

Still I am really glad I am doing this and although the end of the tourist season the benefit for me is that I am actually in America and travelling with Americans rather than a trail of other European tourists. The anthropologist in me loves this :-)

In normal text is my start packing. EV: are my changes. I have posted the rest of my bits on to San Fran. There I will try and sell bike I think. Although I am already missing being in the saddle and feel it is my ‘horse’ and I have just about broken it and the saddle in. Maybe I just need to get a knee strap.


Pannier 1: FRONT

Tent & pegs (inner and outer - I guess outer would’ve been fine if weather better and my tent is great but a little heavy. Still, fine for now) Waterproof layers and head torch (for setting up tent if dark and cold etc).

EV: This has now just become my ‘wet bag’ as tent is almost permanently damp. Touring book in waterproof freezer bag.


Pannier 2: FRONT

Cooking stuff: Trangier and cutlery and lidded bowl/cup thing. Fuel (meths - doubles for cleaning bike too as alcohol)

EV: This now contains my sleeping stuff: sleeping bag and liner; sleeping mat; head torch and wash bag/ toothbrush.

Pannier 3: REAR
This contains my clean clothes and computer/ camera when really wet in a small zip bag in a waterproof stuff sack and dirties in a cotton sack.

Pannier 4: REAR

Ok now this is a little crazy but I will be near the pacific all the way and know I won’t be able to resisit the sea/ days off. So: Suncream; sunglasses; teva’s; lightweight wet suit; swimsuit; sarong. sketch pad and crayons. Reading book.

EV: Still the ‘crazy bag’ but contains all my adapters and electrical wires in two waterproof sailing boxes. Cooking stove and fuel; cutlery and thermal cup. Bike repair kit and spares, washing line and firstaid kit. Suncream and girly stuff: jewelry, make up and perfume (for rest days). Reading book (still unread). TEVA’s in cotton shopping bag. Sketch pad and crayons (a little underused at the moment).

Perfume actually keeping me happy when petrol fumes from 101 get too much (Thanks Matt and Jen). I spray it on neckerchief and cover mouth and nose.

Addition: Mini back pack: (no bar bag) sunglasses; facial sunscreen; passport; cash in ortleib phone case with mobile. Tampons. Wet wipes; Vaseline.

Clothing each day: Cycling shorts; Warmer layer for legs (thermals or leggings for cold down hills); sports socks (could probably have done with ankle protectors for first few days as kept losing balance when practicing emergency stops and have a few ankle chain scars) Northface paperthin thermal/ sunprotect layer. Supportive sports bra. Mountain hardware ‘inuit silk’ windbreak layer (tucked on rack under when not needed). Reflective vest. Reflective ankle ties.