Packing Light

If you will be following our blog, let’s explain one thing you may notice: in pictures we post, we’ll always seem to be wearing the same clothes. For the benefit of those who still believe the Apollo 11 moon landing was a hoax, be assured we will not stay home and post fake photos. The thing is, since we’ll carry all our stuff across the country, and especially since we’ll  pull it all up and over mountains, the less stuff the better. In our planning, we have tried to be almost obsessive about packing light. Two jerseys and three pairs of cycling shorts apiece, one off-bike outfit, a few days of socks and underwear, rain jackets and pants, a few warm items, and that’s it for clothes. We’ll have to wash them often, but that’s better than carrying extra. Our total burden will be as light as we can manage it, but some things are unavoidable. Tools and spares for the bike will add some weight. The only paper we’ll carry will be Adventure Cycling route maps plus a few puzzles; no books at all. No camera; we’ll use the phone. We’ll carry a smartphone, with a bluetooth keyboard, a second cell phone (Verizon, to use especially in the West where ATT has less coverage), and a Kindle for reading. We plan to eat in restaurants or pick up supplies for picnics, and to stay in motels. But if we get stuck, or if lodging and food spots are more than a day’s ride apart, we’ll have bare minimum camping gear and a small supply of granola bars or such food.

We could have joined a group which would travel together, and have a support vehicle carry all our stuff from place to place. It would have made for easier and faster riding, and wouldn’t have cost any more. But we decided we’d rather go on our own, set our own pace and schedule, and stop to see what interests us. Our only deadline is to finish before it gets cold, so we aren't in a rush. We'll ride long or short distances, and take days off or not, as we choose. We’ll forego the support, and miss out on the camaraderie of a group. But we'll rely on ourselves and meet more local people along the way. Besides, we’re good company for each other.

I remember reading a remark from a WWII general that a battle plan lasts only until the first shot is fired. The same is probably true of our bike tour plan. Once we get on the road, no doubt our careful planning will be overtaken by unexpected challenges and surprises. I hope so; otherwise, why go?