seely

So, I'm losing my job soon (contract is ending) and I'm planning on hopping on my bike for awhile. I have a 29'r/cross/touring/mountain bike I built up that should be perfect for the job. I guess I am curious if there is any recommedations on routes and gear you can make. I realize early October isn't the smartest time to leave Michigan, but I'm going to give it a shot.

Right now I have a 3.0lbs 20 deg. bag, bag liner, 3.0lbs 3 season solo tent and two old frame pack bags to use as panniers. One is water proofed, the other is not. I'm looking at single burner propane stoves presently as well.

I appreciate any recommendations on routes and gear. I have family in CO so I was thinking of heading that way, but I know NE and IA can be really dicey in fall, and I'm not sure how long I'll be able to stay out. I'm also open to offroad routes as well, as my bike is built for it.

Thanks!

Oh and if anyone is curious, the bike is an Origin8 Cross700 frame, Deore 26-48 crank, Deore Shadow R/D, XT 12-32 cassette, Velocity VXC's on Shimano XT hubs, Avidd BB7's (185f/160r), Shimano Dura Ace 9spd bar end shifters, Cane Creek S-8 headset, WTB Sport Comp saddle... and recommendations on the setup are helpful too, but I'm pretty confident this is a pretty practical setup.

Hydrated

You'd probably get better advice from the folks in the touring forum. The folks here will be more likely to tell you how to do that ride without stopping to sleep!

seely

Haha, thanks. I just saw the "Touring" forum after I posted this!

StephenH

That time of year, you could have really nice weather or be riding in snow, and that makes it kind of hard to guess how it'll work.

It helps to test your gear out ahead of time. I did some rides last winter that started about 30 degrees or so, and had a hard time keeping my hands and feet warm. Fortunately, it warmed up during the day, and I was okay after the first hour or two.

Personally, I have found the temperature ratings on sleeping bags to be optimistic. If you've used yours in cold weather before, you should know what to expect.

And be aware that propane does not work well when it gets cold.

Good luck with the trip.

bengreen79

For a stove, check out the cat stove. I don't tour but I made one for fun and I was impressed.

https://jwbasecamp.com/Articles/Super...Super_Cat7.htm

unterhausen

since this was in the wrong forum and the OP has started a new thread, I'm locking this one