Getting Ready to Go

The first step was making a commitment, which required much more than "Yes, dear!"    A large part of me is terrified that he may simply forget to look where he's going.  But, he's going.  The list below is largely inspired by Bill Hancock and will be revised as we begin stomping through REI and checking out other resources.   I wouldn't mind a few tips for the SAG lady, either.

Checklist

  • On the bike: 

    • Under the seat:  bike-repair kit, poncho, $40 in cash, $100 in traveler's checks, VISA card, compass, EXIT sign, spare tire tube, and a tube repair kit.
    • Fanny pack:  cell phone, sunscreen, note paper, pen, lip balm, and pepper spray (for dogs that don't like bikers)
    • Bag behind me on the seat:  water bottle, road map, camera, reflective vest for dawn and dusk, cheese crackers, granola bar.

  • In the car:

    • Laptop, five extra tire tubes, one extra tire, one extra rear wheel, two bike-repair manuals, Gatorade.  A separate cell phone for the SAG driver.

  • The bike and equipment:

    • 27 speed Cannondale R600 model, aluminum frame, Shimano 105 components, CODA Slice Echelon fork and Shimano RSX hubs.  Odometer and Speedometer.  Adjustable handlebars (raise or lower handlebars to avoid numbness in hands).
    • The biker can wear:  Giro helmet, long-sleeved cotton T-shirt, padded biking gloves, padded biking shorts with nylon running shorts underneath (clothes need to be tight-fitting to reduce wind resistance).  Cotton socks, running shoes (NOTE:  Cycling shoes with clip-on pedals).  Two bandanas (to use as a sun drape).
    • Food:  Go for salt, Gatorade, and a balanced diet, include fruit, not all junk food!

And for the SAG Car

  • Camping gear
  • Computer gear
  • Music/books

Bibliography

  • Hancock, Bill.  Riding with the Blue Moth.  Champaign IL:  Sports Publishing, 2005.
  • Weir, Willie.  Spokesongs:  Bicycle Adventures on Three Continents.  Seattle:  Pineleaf Productions, 1997.