We're talking about the stage where there are mini piles of gear throughout the house, checklists of things to do, and growing pre-trip jitters that can easily compete with coffee. I'm nervous about the unknown, but, mostly, I'm excited. In one week, I'll be standing in the Pacific Ocean with the goal of getting to the Atlantic.
The Why
As in, why do something like this?
Sometimes I just want to. Sometimes I have a long break and need to fill my time. Other times I want to prove it to myself that I can.
Biking across the United States’s southern tier is all of those reasons and more. I have a glorious two month break from work/school, and I want to do something I haven't done before: bike packing. I've mastered backpacking and relying on my own two feet for transportation, but a bike? The most I've ever done in one go is 130 miles, and I had to recently learn what my derailleur was. This trip is going to be 2,800+, so I am thrilled to challenge myself (and my butt) and become a skilled cyclist.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't heavily influenced by Rickey Gates in his Forrest Gump quest across America, featured in the documentary Transamericana (I've now watched this four times). He wanted to learn more about his polarized country, especially the people living in it, and I feel driven to do the same. I have never been in the southern U.S., besides driving to a Miami cruise dock after graduating college. This trip would take me through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, and it would be powered by my own two legs. I want to see landscapes I've never seen, meet new people, and experience the different lifestyle and culture of the south, scorpions and crocodiles included (but, like, from a distance).
The Pack
My favorite part of bike/back packing is realizing just how little you actually need to live, and what is actually important. While this list may seem like a lot, it's only about ~45 lbs (including the bike) and everything can be stuffed into 4 panniers. The whole weight breakdown is here.
Clothing
Biking shoes with clips
2 pairs of cycling shorts
1 moisture wicking t-shirt
1 moisture wicking long-sleeve
1 shirt for town
1 light puffy jacket
1 fleece jacket
1 rain jacket
1 pair sleeping pants (leggings)
1 sleeping top
2 sports bras
4 pairs underwear
4 pairs socks
1 brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Gloves
1 pair teva sandals or crocs
1 beanie
1 buff/bandana
Cycling jacket (bright yellow)
Cycling Accessories
Front lights
Back lights
USB light charger
Tire levers
Bike multi tool
Patch kit
Bike mirror
tire pump
Water bottle holder
Water bottles (4)
Sawyer squeeze bags (2)
Bike lock
2 wheel racks (front and back)
Front handlebar bag
Front panniers (2)
Back panniers (2)
Helmet
Map (digital gpx files)
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Sunscreen
Floss
Diva cup
Toilet paper
Chamois butt'r
First Aid kit: Acetaminophen, allergy relief, K tape, leukotape, safety pins, hair ties, antiseptic wipes
Dry bag
Cooking
Talenti jar (for cold soaking)
1 spork
Camping
1 person tent (w/ hiking pole)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Headlamp/batteries
Electronics
Phone
Phone charger
Power bank
Power bank charger
Charging blocks
GPS spot
Dry bag
Other
Wallet
ID
Mace/alarm
Journal
Pens
I’ll do my best to blog as we bike, so stay tuned!
Comments