Gear & Supply Inventory

Love my CROCS!

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Some of you may be wondering what I've brought with me on this trip.  If not, skip this journal entry as it will bore you to tears. 

Item

Bike (duh): I'm riding a steel Strong Racing bike that I picked up from a friend this winter.  Carl Strong is a bicycle maker in Bozeman - specializing in high-end racing frames. It's not the perfect bike for the trip - they do make touring bikes specific for a trip like this.  But, trying to do this without breaking the bank I didn't figure I would need another bike.  I've modified the bike slightly.  Put new gears on it better suited for steep climbing and towing a trailer - thank goodness I did this.  Added fenders - this makes the bike look very dorky but these work great and keep you drier on wet days.  Put on fatter, heavy duty touring tires: makes the ride a bit smoother - and less likely to have a flat -so far so good.  Added flashing lights on front and back of bike and a large yellow triangle reflector.  Added aero bars - very comfortable and changes up the riding position and gives the back a break.  That's about it.  I've been very pleased with the bike so far.  The first week or so my back would get very sore and fatigued.  I'm sure a true touring bike would have been more comfortable.  But, by now I"m over this and have worked out the riding kinks. 

Trailer: You pretty much have two options for a self-supported tour.  Pannier bags or trailer.  I opted for the trailer.  You need a touring bike for panniers to attach properly - at least that's what I'm told.  Once you settle on the trailer - you have two main choices - the two wheel Burley Nomad or the single wheel Bob trailer.  I opted for Burley Nomad and I've been very pleased with it so far.  It's spacious and easy to attach and take off.  The Nomad gives you more room to put stuff in than you will want to pull - trust me.  The trailer is rated for 100 lbs.  I'm pulling about 50 and wishing I was pulling 25. 

Tent: Sierra Designs Nova - two man tent.  OK tent.  Gets the job done.  Wish I still had my North Face Bullfrog. 

Sleeping Bag: Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) synthetic bag rated for 30 degrees.  Great bag.  Brigitte and I have had these bags since 1990 when she worked in an EMS store in Syracuse, NY.  They are awesome - wish I had the same version in 50 degree weight.  It's a bit hot and heavy for this trip - so far. 

Camp Stove: Jet Boil brand.  This is new for the trip.  Love it.  It is incredible.  Boils 1 litre of H20 in about 2 mins.  Is twice as efficient as any other stove - therefore uses very little fuel.  My first 3 oz. can lasted 10 days.  Is lightweight and very ergonomic.  I'm in love.  Is this an infomercial?  I just use this for boiling H2O for dehydrated meals, ramen noodles  and hot tea.  If you are wanting to get fancy and cook up gourmet meals - this is not your unit. 

Eating Stuff: Two plastic bowls with plastic utensils.  I brought a plastic plate but haven't needed it.  I would have tossed it out but I think that it belongs to Dan Martin.  One plastic cup for hot tea, and beer (when available).  I've been eating dehydrated camp meals by Mountain House - they are very good - really. Or, Ramen noodles with tuna fish.  I've found  Starkist tuna in a foil pouch rather than a can.  This is quick and has lots of carbs and protein.  

Bike Repair Kit:  The most important tool I have is a Crank Brothers multi-tool.  It has everything you need to get the job done in a pinch.  I've used the spoke wrench quite a bit.  The trailer load puts a lot of stress on the back wheel - which tended to get a bit warped early in the trip.  I'm self-taught in the art of wheel true-ing - the Appalachian School of Hard Knocks.  Chain lubricant.  Spare spokes.  2 extra tubes for bike and 2 tubes for trailer.  I think that's about it. 

First Aid Kit:  So far, the only thing I've used liberally have been the chafing ointment and ibuprofen.  Other than that, knock on wood - I haven't need anything else. 

Toiletries: Pretty basic.  I'm not planning on attending in fancy parties.  Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, Carmex lip balm, sunscreen.  No comb or brush - that's what my hat is for. 

Maps: The TranAmerica Trail maps by the Adventure Cycling Association are wonderful.  They are waterproof - good thing - and have info on camping, libraries, grocery stores, bike shops, motels, etc.  The route so far as been very well planned.  90% back roads - very few highways - and not much traffic to date.  I truly am seeing the backroads of the good ol' USA. 

Bike Helmet, Gloves, Bike Shoes and Bike Shorts:  Not much to say here except get yourself some damn good bike shorts if you ever want to try something like this.  I splurged for the Pearl Izumi 3D Pro shorts.  They are spendier than an ounce of gold - but worth every penny. 

Hydration/Fuel/Snacks: I use a 70 oz. Camel Bak and love it.  I brought along a handy tool that my good friend Josh Kuntz gave me for Christmas.  It's a Camel Bak plastic hanger that helps dry out your Camel Bak bladder at the end of the day.  Helps keep the sucker from getting rotten on you.  I forgot to do this one night after a long hot day and my sports drink had soured.  Getting the Camel Bak dry is important and Josh's handy gift does the trick.  Also, I've got two water bottles for backup water - they come in handy during midday for tea and dehydrated meals.  I've been drinking a high-end sports drink I purchased in Charlottesville, VA called E3.  I don't care for it.  I'm sure it wasn't too bad but after drinking the stuff for one week the smell of it made me dry heave.  I've switched over to Gatorade which is available everywhere.  When I can get them, I've been munching on Clif bars and Power Gel, etc. during the day.  In the hinterlands, I eat Snickers if that's all that is available.  The key is to eat early and often.  I've learned to time my calories every hour.  If not, you go down hill fast.  I figure I'm burning about 5000 calories a day - you need lots of carbs and protein.     I've learned not to eat a big meal during the middle of the day.  It's better to snack often - eat a modest midday meal - and chow down at the end of the day.  For breakfast, I've been eating 2-3 packs of instant oatmeal which sits well on my stomach.

Clothes: Two thin short sleeve Patagonia Capilene shirts, one thin longsleeve Patagonia Capilene shirt, one thick Patagonia polypro zip turtleneck (haven't worn yet - but may need in the Rockies), Nike running shorts for camp and sleeping, Sporthill light windbreaker - I love this thing, Patagonia rain jacket and pants - hotter than the dickens if you are exercizing but keeps me dry if its cold, Patagonia bike cold weather long pants - too hot for these thus far, but maybe I'll need them in the Rockies, 1 Patagonia fleece vest - I wear this alot when I'm not biking, 2 pair of biking socks - and 1 pair of camp socks. Fleece stocking cap and warm gloves in case it gets nasty in the Rockies.  Ball cap (remember no brush or comb).   I"ve been very pleased thus far with my clothing's performance - I know, I'm the Patagonia poster child - thanks to Nicole Perrin, Patagonia sales rep in Bozeman.  I don't have to say this, but Patagonia makes very, very good outdoor clothing.  It's spendy (if you don't know Nicole)- but it lasts forever and doesn't ever let you down. 

Zip Lock Bags/Garbage Bags: Thanks to my mom, I've got everything in huge zip lock bags and/or garbage bags.  This is very, very important when it rains.  Having dry clothes and sleeping bag is the key to happiness on the trail or road.

Electronics: Cell phone, digital camera and iPod with chargers. 

ID + money: Driver's license, visa card and cash held together by rubber band.

Sunglasses and mirror:  I've got a good pair of sunglasses and purchased a bike mirror that attaches to the helmet or sunglasses.  At first I had it attached to the helmet - which I liked best - but the double sided tape failed in the first rain storm.  So, I've got the mirror attached to my sunglasses.  Having a mirror is helpful.  However, on most of the back roads I can hear the cars/trucks coming from a long ways away. 

Journal and paperback book: My buddy Tim Hoffer gave me a Moleskine journal before my trip.  This is very cool.  I'd never seen one before.  You can probably find them in highend shops or bookstores.  Or, at modoemodo.com.  I've learned that there is a rich history to these little travel journals.

And, my CROCS: This is an infomercial!  Love does not describe the feelings I have for my CROCS.  They are the perfect shoe for this trip.  Lightweight, cool, airy and comfortable.  After having my little tootsies bundled up in a tight, stiff  bike shoe for 7 strenuous hours, CROCS bring me rapturous joy at the end of the day.  OK, enough.  They just feel good. 

That's about it.  As I was saying, I'd love to get the weight down.  I figure the trailer weighs about 8 pounds.  It all adds up - I don't have anything heavy that I haven't needed and used daily.  The iPod is a luxury that is not necessary.  But having tunes at the end of a long day is good company.  By the way, thanks to Andy Howes in South Dakota for introducing me to Blue Mountain.  This now defunct band from Mississippi has been my partner on the journey.  If you lean toward alt-country/Americana and enjoy listening to Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco, etc., you'll enjoy listening to Blue Mountain.  It's too bad they are no longer playing together cause these folks were onto something good. 

Take care and thanks for your journal comments.  It's kept me going more than you will ever know.