Touring - I can hardly wait for Spring

I'm getting a bit excited. The racks and panniers arrived and I finally got around to seeing if my gear would fit in them. It fits fine with a little room left over. On the Lone Peaks, a side note: I was told that they are manufactured in a cottage industry. Seamstress's are suppied with industrial sewing machines, patterns, materials, etc. and they manufacture Lone Peak's designs at home. Leaving them free to be homemakers and mothers (or fathers, whatever). What a boon to be able to earn a living and raise a family without having to have someone else watch and instruct your kids while you're at work. Another reason why I'm glad I went with Lone Peak.

Anyway, I'm quite happy with the way things are shaping up. The bike and loaded bags weigh about 50 lbs., according to my bathroom scale and of course there is no water on the bike yet. There are a few more things yet to go on the bike, and I'm sure, a few things to come off. Can't wait for Spring to start doing a little camping and get things in order. Till now, everything had been strapped to the rack and stuffed in a pack on my back. This is pimp'in.

Racked-up:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee215/Savaje/rack.jpg

Packed-up:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee215/Savaje/Packed.jpg

What a beautiful setup!

staehpj1, that Windsor of yours (beautiful shot in front of that gold digging machine) and another fella's blue Windsor w/blue LP's (I saw it on this forum somewhere) have been a big part of what I've aspired to put together. Which reminds me, the Crocs aren't in there.

Beautiful bike. I can't wait for spring as well. I've been doing the same thing. A new Surly LHT, the new Arkel Dolphin bags, loading all my stuff and then watching the thermometer. Why does this winter have to be the snowy one?

class

Wow. Beautiful.

I tour with those pedals too - I bet you already know this, but definitely bring spare cleats with you, they tend to jettison the little square thingy with no notice.

nice equipment and all. so um... where are you planning on going in the spring?

valleygrl, I've heard that. It's either I re-invest in spares or go to power straps or clips and straps—I'm undecided right now.

NeezyDeezy, a few three day'ers locally, then it's off to see the country. I've been up and down the East Coast, the Maritime Provinces of Canada, and a few islands (not on a bike), but I've never been West of the Mississippi. Have never seen the Mississippi. It's time to go exploring. There's a couple of hitches in the plans: Newport to Bermuda Race in June (if I'm invited on) and the J29 National's in Nova Scotia in August. I don't know how it will all shake out, but I'm definitely going riding.

That is a beauty. There's no more needs saying, other that,enjoy the trail.

Does anyone make front panniers that are white? :)

That is a beautiful set up you have there.

Foamy,

I'm really impressed with your rig. Well thought out and gorgeous to stare at.
I also use Lone Peak bags and like how they allow me to organize the load. I didn't even know the story behind how they are made. Another plus in my book.

BTW Foamy, when you cross the Mississippi, and then the Rockies, you'll be in touring heaven!

Like you, just waitin' for Spring.

Does anyone make front panniers that are white? :)

You're on to me. If you think that thought hadn't crossed my mind, then you would be mistaken. I'm an art director/designer by trade and something can't be "right," if it doesn't look "right." Yet, I can barely dress myself in the morning.

Ted, thanks. I checked out your site(s) and that Specialized is a down-right beauty. Very, very well done. Is that drive train original? Wow. The flipped bars give it an industrial/purposeful look. I like it. The Pinarello is sweet as well (what a great name; Pinarello Surprise). I have yet to go through your tour journals and photos, but I certainly will. I like the layout already. Thank you for the encouragement and yes, I'm very much looking forward to riding out west.

Thanks for the comps everyone, it's been a lot of fun.

Does anyone make front panniers that are white? :)
They would look great, but I don't know how long they would stay white on tour or how well the would clean up after.

They would look great, but I don't know how long they would stay white on tour or how well the would clean up after.

Plastic is the answer. Rigid, streamlined (for style and looks), RubberMaid garbage can-like plastic. If someone doesn't start injection molding panniers soon, I may have to figure it out myself (have designs already). The kitty litter/plastic bucket jobs just ain't purdy.

"location: the land of pleasant living" nice