Touring - Heading out across the country tomorrow... wish me luck!

I'm heading out on my first major tour tomorrow. I can't describe how nervous I am right now.

Macon, GA to San Diego, CA (except for most of Texas which I have to skip due to time restraints).

Did I remember everything? Did I pack too much? Is something going to break?

Argh!!!!!

Hopefully everything will go well.

You can follow the adventure at my website:

http://bengarland.com

(the first post includes my itinerary)



My rig is a Giant Iguana disc converted to an Xtracycle. The left side weighs 26 lbs, the right side weighs 22 lbs. Plus a handlebar bag at 8 lbs or so. It's a heavy-duty beast. Altogether the loaded bike weighs close to 100 lbs. But I wanted less than 60 lbs for the gear and I met that goal. If it wasn't winter time I'd probably be able to get it under 40 lbs.

I put a pic of the Xtracycle load on my Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bengarland/343423292/

Everything is stored in two Seattle Sports brand dry bags (like used for kayaking).



And for the die-hard gear heads, here is my packing list (more or less):

Frame:

- Cateye computer
- 2 Stainless steel water bottles
- Topeak pump
- 2 Blinkie lights
- Bell
- Xtracycle conversion
- Planetbike fenders


Handlebar bag:

- DSLR Pentax with 18-55 mm lens
- Maps
- Addresses
- Camera cleaning cloth and blow bulb
- Cell phone
- Sunglasses
- Money + passport
- 4 AA rechargeable batteries


Seat bag:

- Topeak Alien multi-tool
- Crank Bros tire lever


Right side:

- Marmot 0˙F sleeping bag

- Repair kit
-- tube
-- kevlar tire
-- chain lube
-- various small parts

- Clothing
-- 2 pr bike shorts
-- 1 pr regular shorts
-- 1 pr Dickies work pants
-- 5 pr underwear
-- 3 pr liner socks
-- 3 pr wool socks
-- 2 50/50 t-shirts
-- 1 lightweight jacket/vest
-- 1 pullover fleece
-- arm warmers
-- balaclava
-- tights
-- headband

- Rain Gear
-- rain jacket
-- rain pants


Left Side:

- 1-person MHW tent
- Light sleeping pad
- First Aid essentials

- Random electronics
-- iPod
-- 12 AA rechargeable batteries
-- homemade iPod charger
-- LED flashlight
-- battery charger
-- cell phone charger

- Tarp
- Neoprene booties
- Ultralight daypack (like a stuff sack with shoulder straps)
- Small vise-grip pliers
- 1L Nalgene bottle
- Toiletries
- U-lock
- Small cable lock
- Misc things I forgot already

Good luck. The nerves will disappear about ... day 35!!

Don't worry though... anything you've forgotten you can get on the way. Anything you don't need you can send home.

Above all -- ENJOY the achievements!

My nerves disappeared after the first hour. You'll be fine.

DOn't forget to have fun!!! (jealous!!!)

Have a good time!

Bon Voyage!

YEH!!!! Have a great ride!---You're gonna have a blast!!!

What is your homemade Ipod charger??

keep a log, take notes, write names of people & places....your efforts will be the reward

We'll leave the light on for you.

Safe, beautiful travels!

Neil
San Diego (though hanging out a bit north of there right now....)

Homemade iPod charger:

1 Metal band-aid tin or other suitable box
1 Cigarette lighter socket
1 8-AA battery holder (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062242) from Radio Shack
1 9V lead from Radio Shack (the 8AA holder has a 9V connector, this gives you an output)
1 Griffin PowerJolt (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powerjolt/) iPod car charger

Just solder everything together appropriately, cut a hole in the side of the tin for the socket, and pack everything inside. I used a small piece of syrofoam to keep it all from rattling. There is no right way to do it, as long as it works for you :)

The 8AA batteries will power the car charger, which can then be used to charge your iPod. I use 2700 MAH rechargeable AA batteries and they provide enough juice for it, even though it's only ~10V. It gives another 30 hours of use to the iPod.

And now, I need to eat breakfast and hit the road. I was so anxious last night I only got 5 hours of sleep. Ugh. Well, I guess that means I'll sleep like a baby tonight!

Ben

I used to live near macon (warner robins).The road to Americus is very nice (or was 3 years ago--they just paved it). Take care and good luck!

Homemade iPod charger:

1 Metal band-aid tin or other suitable box
1 Cigarette lighter socket
1 8-AA battery holder (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062242) from Radio Shack
1 9V lead from Radio Shack (the 8AA holder has a 9V connector, this gives you an output)
1 Griffin PowerJolt (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powerjolt/) iPod car charger

Just solder everything together appropriately, cut a hole in the side of the tin for the socket, and pack everything inside. I used a small piece of syrofoam to keep it all from rattling. There is no right way to do it, as long as it works for you :)

The 8AA batteries will power the car charger, which can then be used to charge your iPod. I use 2700 MAH rechargeable AA batteries and they provide enough juice for it, even though it's only ~10V. It gives another 30 hours of use to the iPod.

And now, I need to eat breakfast and hit the road. I was so anxious last night I only got 5 hours of sleep. Ugh. Well, I guess that means I'll sleep like a baby tonight!

Ben

Thanks Ben---good luck

Boy, I can relate. In about 60 days I'll be heading out on the ST, W to E. I lay awake at nights imagining all sorts of things. It looks like you are well prepared, & I'm sure you'll have the experience of a life-time. Good luck.

I will ride vicariously through you. Good luck, and may the wind be ever at your back.

Just wanted to let you guys and gals know that I made it to mile number 616, New Orleans, LA on Day #9. I'm resting here for a couple days and will head up to Baton Rouge and across towards Houston, TX on Sunday morning (tomorrow).

I will update my travel log sometime today (hopefully with pics).

http://bengarland.com/


Ben

Whats up with the "nerves" thing? Last year, after a long hiatus from touring, I started doing mini tours, regular and long weekends prior to my planned 4 week trip in the summer. No problem. Summer comes and the big ride looms. No problem. Lots of planning and anticipation. The day before departure day...my guts are in a knot. Do we all go thru that? Sorry not meaning to hijack. And good luck on your trip, Nebben. I envy you southern types. No touring these days for those of us in the Great White North.

Somehow I missed the update. Hope all is going well!

Whats up with the "nerves" thing? Last year, after a long hiatus from touring, I started doing mini tours, regular and long weekends prior to my planned 4 week trip in the summer. No problem. Summer comes and the big ride looms. No problem. Lots of planning and anticipation. The day before departure day...my guts are in a knot. Do we all go thru that? Sorry not meaning to hijack. And good luck on your trip, Nebben. I envy you southern types. No touring these days for those of us in the Great White North.


Its the "first tee" jitters. Everyone gets them.

Well, I made it exactly 1200 miles from Macon, GA to the center of downtown Austin, TX. The trip has been great, and I decided that this will be the end of the road for the bike. I was able to find a plane ticket to Portland, Oregon (where I have a temp job) for only $100 and I can start my job next week... so since everything came together I decided it was good to stop now while I have good memories of the ride.

I have put the final trip log updates on my website at http://bengarland.com

I'll put the pics up sometime in the next couple weeks when I have the time.

Ben

I think you forgot one thing for your trip....

http://www.sahra.arizona.edu/programs/water_cons/home/images/kitchen_sink.gif

:)

Personally I'd leave the electronic doo-dads at home (except the cell phone). But for those who must bring an iPod, another charger option is the solar iPod charger. (http://www.solio.com/v2/)

Good luck with the new job. If you do purchase a motorcycle and decide to tour on it please share your adventures at www.advrider.com