Space and weight = stuff

The next phase for the trip is what stuff to bring. You do lots of reading of what others have brought for this type of trip and you start to formulate what you think is essential. I'll be taking a minimalist position and take what is necessary with few creature comforts. Being 6'2" many of the items such as sleeping pad and bag had to be ordered in long which equals more weight and space.

I'm not a "weight winne" so I've not considered every gram, but rather focused on the space factor. I'm forcing myself to use only rear panniers and a handlebar bag. The challenge is having the warm stuff to start with until you get over the Rocky's. Most TransAm cyclist will then mail stuff home. To qualify, every item must have a multi purpose. Rain jacket doubles as a warming jacket, fleece jacket will double as pillow, etc. No cooking on the trip so no stove, pot and pans etc.

Special thanks to the following folks on equipment selection;

The Touring Store out of Fort Collins, CO - Wayne Boroughs is super knowledgeable when it comes to bicycle bags and more than willing to share his wisdom. http://www.thetouringstore.com/

BicyclingHub out of Portland, OR -Doug Duguay was most helpful selecting my foul weather gear ..... can you mention Portland without discussing rain. Doug know foul weather and Shower Pass gear. Bicyclinghub.com

Zane's Cycle out of Branford, CT - Everyone has been so helpful. I must have stopped in a dozen times with odd request and tons of questions and they are always willing to help out. http://zanes.com/

No need to bore you with the list of items, there are plenty of list on the Web. And no, the cigar box will not be going on the trip or the candle on the table. 

Next step is a trial run on a fully loaded bike. Stay tuned. 

Turning my Steed Into a Touring Mule

I've had my Surly for a while using it as a gravel grinder. A great bike for dirt road riding. The Surly Cross Check is known as a "do all" bicycle. Now the change over to a touring machine.

The Cross Check will need to carry all my equipment, safety and most importantly be reliable. 

The wheels and tires are ideal for long distance touring. Heavy duty cyclocross rims with Schwable Marathon tires ... Nice and wide - 700 x 35c. I'll be putting on a new set of tires which should last 4k plus miles. 

Added a Tubus rack to hold the Ortlieb panniers. Nice big handlebar bar for easy access to everyday items. Safety items include front/rear lights and rear view mirror.  The Brooks, B17 is a leather seat that is well broken in and a proven seat for long distance travel. Lastly the fenders were added to keep the rain away. 

Next post I'll list out the items that I'll be carrying. 

Where do these ideas come from?

So the idea of bicycling riding across country has been rattling around in my head for a very long time. I think it first started sometime in high school. I've always thought about it through the years, but never acted on it. Lot of crazy thoughts bouncing around in there.

In the last several weeks, the stars seemed to have lining up. As I transition from my current work position, the correct time of the year to do the ride and the blessing and generosity from Ramona left no excuses. Now putting the thoughts into action.

The planning seems daunting .......... lots of unknowns. First is timing. When to leave and which direction? I'm looking forward to my niece's wedding so I'll not be leaving before John and Lisa's wedding. This means the date will likely be June 10th. As for the direction, I've decided on West to East. Lots of folks justify heading West as the early settlers did, but I'm more attracted to heading the bike in the direction of home. Then comes the decision of which route?

The ride will be starting in Astoria, OR and I'll be following the Transamerica Trail. Lots of history on this trail as it relates to bicycling - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikecentennial

Lots of options on the style of touring ...... group riding, organized riding, credit card riding. I've elected to do a solo, self supporting ride. This means carrying all your essentials on the bike. Shelter, sleeping clothing, tools etc. For purposes of weight and space, I'll be passing on the cookware provisions. Mostly camping and relying on stores and restaurants for food and drink.

Why solo? It's not that easy to find someone who can just pick up and go  ride a bike for this long a period. Besides, I've been told a long distance riding partner is like entering into a marriage ..... you find out lots of new thing about your partner after the honeymoon! The good news there are lots of people from all over the world riding these established trails and a good chance of meeting up with someone for periods at a time.

Please don't grow accustomed to my semi coherent blogs ... when on the road I'll be using my iPhone for blogging. At least there should be some good pictures.

Okay, back to making list.

Creating blog for big adventure

Testing out the new blog site I'll be using. Adventure - begin in Astoria, OR and head east..... more to follow.