The Obligatory Fully Loaded Bike Picture

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Slackin’ on my Mackin’

So not only haven’t I been blogging much, but I haven’t been planning my preparation, nor training as much as I should. Admittedly, my work has me deep in it’s gruesome clutches lately… but it is going well at least. I’m not here to really promote my non-cycling self, but if you’re interested, there’s an amazing video from an amazing artist at the end of this blog, which is a major reason why this tour slid down the priority ladder for the time being

But no more.

Tonight, I’ve shared some floor space in my home with a couple bicycling from Memphis to Maine. They’re about 1500 miles into their ride, and found my info on a bicycle touring website called Warm Showers. Despite the potentially awkward title, the site is really amazing. This couple has truly reminded me how great bike touring is. How enjoyable the simple things become when you’re out on the road. Like sitting in a chair. Or showers and full-sized towels.. They’ve also – through the tumultuous mechanical day they had today – reminded me about the importance of quality gear and preparation.

So I’m blending both work and bike together tomorrow. I’m going to bicycle south 35 miles to work with my video editor on another video for the aforementioned amazing artist. That round-trip will make for a nice 70 mile training day. It’s time to get back in the (brooks) saddle and with just a few weeks left until I depart….

Check the amazing work of Billy Drease, Dom Luongo, and so many more, in the video for “Shut The Gate”. And yes, my niece is the bride.

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Packing List

I’ve become fixated on packing only the absolutely needed items for my tour. I’m sure extra weight will be regrettable on day 1, as will a forgotten necessity. So I’ve started a list, slowly narrowing it down; packing and repacking; weighing it each time. Here’s where I’m at thus far:

Socks — wool or synthetic (2 or 3 pair) 

Bike touring sneakers
Sandals
Rain jacket
Rain pants
2 Short-sleeved shirts 

1 Light, long-sleeved shirt 

2 Pair Shorts
Military Thermal Underwear
Wool or fleece hat

Wool sweater or fleece jacket
rear view mirror
Solar powered charger
Sansa MP3 Player and speaker
Spare AAA batteries
Sleeping bag
Crashpad
Tent and ground tarp
Jetboil stove
2 Jetboil fuels
Coffee Press
Citronella oil
Lightweight Towel
Basic first-aid kit
Sunglasses
Orange safety triangle
Flashlight/headlamp
Sewing Kit
Compass
Maps
Wallet/Passport
Matches/Lighter
Emergency Survival Wrap
Rubber bands
Soap
Toothbrush
Plastic newspaper bags
2 Water Bottles
1 Hot/Cold Thermos
Empty Gallon Jug
Pocketknife
Twine
2 feet of rope/clothesline
1 Foldable Spare tire
3 Spare Tubes
Cassette removal tool
All in one bike tool (wrenches, spoke tool, chain tool)
Rain cover for saddle
Tire levers/patch kit 

Pump
Electrical tape
Duct Tape
Spare spokes and Teflon Temp Spoke
Brake cable 

Derailleur cable 

Extra nuts, bolts, and wire (particularly for racks) 

Assorted plastic zip ties 

Small chain lube and rag

Patch kit

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