A List of What I Will Bring

Time moves along towards my departure date. Right now, here in Barrington, IL, it is snowing out, again/still/more! Training continues on my bike in the basement and will increase slowly to assure that I will at least be ready physically.

Today, nothing more to report than what I will be bringing on this trip. I am certain I have forgotten something and have added more than I need, but from what I read of other's journals, this is about right.

Cycle Clothes
Cycle gloves
Cycle shoes/Sandals
2 Cycle shorts
3 Cycle shirts
Rain jacket and hood

Non Cycle Clothes
1 Pr. Shorts
2 T or Golf shirts
1 Long Pants convertible to shorts
1 Nylon Pullover jacket

Toiletries
Toothbrush/paste
Brush
Shaving gear/cream/after shave
#50 Sunblock
Deodorant
Kleenex
Toilet Paper
Camp towel
Blistik with sun block
Chapstick
Cortizone-10
Insect Repellent
Bar Soap/plastic container
Nail clipper
First Aid Kit
Vitamins

Electronics
Digital Camera w extra batteries and charger
Cell phone w charger
Thumb Drive

Bike and Packs Equipment
Helmet w rear view mirror
3 Water Bottles
Handlebar bag
Fenders, front and rear
Flashing rear light
Front light
Bike Lock
Front and Rear Pannier Carriers (Racks)
2 front and 2 rear Panniers
Compass
Nylon tie-downs
Rags to clean and oil chain and bike
Hand washing towlettes
Tools/Spare parts
Tire pressure gauge
Combination Allens Head Wrench set
8/9 box wrench
Spoke wrench
Extra spokes
Swiss Army Knife
Crescent Wrench
Chain lubrication
Assorted nuts and bolts
Tire pump
Chain tool
Derailleur cable
Brake cable
Tire removal tools
1 spare tube
2 tube patch kits

Camping Equipment
Tent
Tent poles/stakes
Ground cloth
Sleeping bag
Mini Solo Cook Set
Forks, knives and spoons
MSR Superfly Canister Stove + 3 extra cannisters
Clothes line
Interior tent light
As needed, dehydrated foods

As it is my intention to camp 2 nights out of 3 on this trip, my access to things like washing machines, dryers, showers, etc is speculative. Some campgrounds have some or all of those conveniences, otherwise perhaps a sympathetic motel or B & B owner will let me borrow theirs.

It is also my intenrion to update my blog with the day's activities and pictures in local libraries as I move along my journey, thus no computer need come along and take up space and add weight.

All of the above, everything, should not weigh more than 35-40 pounds. I think I am on track to stay within that weight limitation.

That's all for today except for a two hour training ride.

Departure Date, Training and Other Stuff

In the several weeks since I last posted, I've continued to train, research my route and the equipment I'll use and set the departure date.

The plan is to leave from Muscatine, IA on May 15th. As the date approaches, the reality of what I'm going to do becomes much more real! Training now is up to 2 hours a day, 3 days a week and 3 hours a day, 2 days a week! This month, I will increase that to the above except 1 day a week, 4 hours on the bike.

The outcome of all this is that the physical exercise is good for me, the time spent not physically taxing, except on my seat - what a pain in the backside, but I see that tolerance increases as training continues - and most frustrating, sitting in a solitary location inside trying to keep the mind occupied while the body works!

I'm beginning to accumulate equipment and will go into the bike store later this month to get a lesson or two on bicycle maintenance.

This adventure is beginning to get a life of its own and as time draws closer, my excitement grows. Most friends are encouraging with the biggest hesitation being my safety. Mine too, but from what I read, common sense and a good route will prevent the kinds of risk that could result in an accident.