Monday, April 30, 2007

1st run on my pack list - I need to update since I've added, but it gives you the idea

Paul's Packlist

Clothing

3 pairs padded bike shorts
1 sleeveless jersey
2 short sleeve jerseys
1 long sleeve jersey
1 vest
arm warmers
leg warmers
1 pair tights
SPD shoes
helmet
3 pair bike socks
1 pair waterproof socks
1 pair waterproof gloves
1 pair rainpants
1 rain jacket
1 lightweight windbreaker
1 pair sandals
1 pair convertible pants
1 pair gym shorts
1 pair underwear
1 t-shirt
1 fleece
1 light merino wool long sleeve shirt
sunglasses & mirror
half finger and full finger gloves
wool riding cap
fleece hat
5 bandanas

Campgear

15 degree sleeping bag
solo tent w/ground cloth (Black Diamond One Shot)
1 sleep pad w/chair
1 camp pillow
1 headlamp
WhisperLite camp stove
11oz fuel bottle (white gas)
titanium spoon and fork
titanium cook kit (small)


Bike Gear

1 multi-tool
1 patch kit
1 tire boot
2 tire irons
3 spare tubes for bike
1 shifter cable
1 brake cable
4 spokes
chain lube
pump (Topeak Morph w/guage)
tail light
handlebar bag (Arkel)
front and rear panniers (Arkel)
rain covers for panniers
cable bike lock
spare SPD cleat w/screws
cassette removal tool



Personal Care

pack towel
washcloth
toothbrush
toothpaste
floss
1 bottle hand sanitizer
1 small Camp Suds
emergency toilet paper
chapstick
sunscreen
Body Glide
first aid kit (including EpiPen)
hand sanitizer

Misc.

Cammelbak 70oz
3 hydrolite dry bags for clothing and sleeping bag
digital compass/clock/alarm/thermometer
pocket knife
leatherman Crunch
1 storm lighter
zip ties
duct tape
cord (for clothesline or whatever)
mace (for people and wild dogs that apparently are in Kentucky)
insect repellant
1 bottle potable aqua purifier tabs
2 water bottles (mounted on bike)
1 4 liter dromedary
photo ID
health insurance card
credit card
cash
digital camera
cell phone with charger and headphones
Ipod shuffle w/ charger
2 paperback books
1 small notebook for journal
2 pens
maps

Pre-Tour Training

I haven't done on too many long distance rides - and have never ridden with any gear packed on my bike - until a few weeks ago. I rode from Zion back to St. George -- 49.4 miles. My bike was loaded with most of the gear I plan on taking on my cross country trip. It was a huge success - only taking me 3.5 hours! Very encouraging - even if there was a lot of downhill.
Since then I've added more weight - food, water and other odds and ends.
This past week has been a trial. I've given myself a week and a half (with the half still remaining) to do some long rides on consecutive days. Oh buddy - it's been tough - exhausting. The rides have gone well but I am a little nervous about keeping up with the group. That's not to say I'm discouraged, but I've had to go over my gear more than once to lighten the load. I don't know how much it all weighs, but tomorrow I'll have access to some scales and will find out.
Wednesday, May 2nd I will be leaving to go to Salt Lake - and Saturday, May 5th I will be catching a ride to Astoria, Oregon - then on May 7th - I start my journey across the country.