About Us

My photo
Based in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, we three are longtime single cycle riders. After early retirement, Karen and David bought a jumbo-sized Cannondale tandem. It's white (very), trimmed in red. We call it the Pillsbury Doughboy. We were joined by Bill, an old friend, on his 14-year old single Cannondale and made the call that started this adventure. He's supposedly retired but continues to find real work when he chooses.We planned to pedal self-supported across the U.S. in Spring 2011 from San Diego CA to St. Augustine FL. In beginning this adventure we agreed philosophically with Jean-Jacques Rousseau: "The person who has lived the most is not the one with the most years but the one with the richest experiences."

Packing

Tent at bottom is now condensed.

After a test ride through NKY and Cincinnati last week, we're looking forward to an overnight trial. Our goal for equipment is below 30 pounds. As veteran backpackers, we find the ultralight frame of mind, and equipment, transfers well to cycling. We followed Bike Tour Guru Ralph Mitchell's advice:  "Place all your packed items on the bed. Remove half and  pack the rest."

In our two rear panniers, back top trunk and front handlebar bag are jammed:
  • Two pairs bike shorts/person (one to wear, one to carry)
  • Two tops/person, one short sleeve, one longsleeve
  • Gender-appropriate underwear, two sets (consult michrider for what's ok)
  • Balaclava
  • Ear warmers
  • One pair full finger gloves/person
  • One pair cushioned bike gloves/person
  • Windbreakers
  • Rain jacket/cape
  • Rain pants
  • Silk/poly underwear to layer
  • One pair bike tights each
  • Two pairs sox, one lowcut, one wool
  • Postride zip-off pants/shorts
  • Tent
  • Full zip sleeping bag to open and share
  • Space Blanket
  • Big Agnes Air Mattresses
  • Steripen to treat water because I can't use iodine
  • Pain medications
  • Prescription medications*See note below
  • High octane zinc oxide sunscreen (thanks, Deb!)
Important Extras are:
  • Road ID band for Karen (also a fashion accessory in bright yellow) with a cool website for medical and emergency info noted
  • Tools
  • Maps
  • Flashlight
  • Cellphone  
  • Extra tire
  • Tubes
  • Extra spokes
  • Chain
  • Emergency Medical Kit
  • Camera
  • GPS 
  • Handwarmers
  • Medical Alert band for David
  • Bill carries pump and computer plus his personals
*  In preparing for our trip, we ordered extra quantities of our prescriptions. We discovered my one RX was cheaper if I paid out of pocket!
  
For any female readers, I note my  personal additions. 
In the interest of slashing pannier weight, I'm taking sunscreen, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, all purpose soap, deodorant, lotion and a comb. 
 However, if I'm feeling less than a woman, waterproof mascara is lightweight and packs well. 
Credit: Kathy Reindl, for the thought!



Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)