I got to do another S24O this weekend, and managed to get through it with only a few small hitches and no logs.
This video isn't exactly epic. I can sum it up in a few words:
I rode 60 miles, camped out and read a book, then rode 60 miles back home. So, a vacation instead of an adventure.
Gear this time was more sophisticated. I brought a hammock, tarp, and mosquito net setup. The whole thing together cost me about $50. The pitch on the tarp could have been better, and the hammock was hung higher and longer on one side than the other, but because of the slope it was that or have my butt hit the ground.
I also brought a sleeping mat to insulate the hammock, and my wool sleeping bag liner for warmth. It got chilly again, but I was ready with underarmor and insulated rain suit. I forgot to bring a sock hat, but I just made a ninja mask with my spare t-shirt and all was well.
Otherwise, gear was pretty much the same as last trip.
Food: Muesli, dried fruit, oatmeal, spaghetti, meal bars, and beef jerky. I'm not a big chef, food is fuel.
Water: I should have brought more bottles. I ran out twice, once with about 8 miles till the next water point. Luckily some people getting off at the trailhead had some extra. Worst comes to worse, I could have stopped and filtered/bleached some river water, but would rather not.
Memorable moments:
One lady and her very small boy (maybe 6 YO) were having technical difficulties. His right pedal kept unscrewing itself about every 70 revolutions.
The bearings were totally corroded, and the cheap pedal was crimped together, not bolted. I got some oil down in there, but when I tried to tighten it on, my wrench wouldn't fit. Some weird size. So I made a strap wrench out of some paracord and a screwdriver and managed to get it on pretty tight. Hopefully it got them back to their car.
Also of note, I am convinced that the Park Rangers purposely plant poison ivy in any spot that looks ideal for stealth camping. Next hammock will be OD or camo, which will give me more options.
Overall, I had a great trip, got my zen back after Finals and dealing with idiots, and managed to get some reading, exercise, sun, fresh air, and peace of mind, all between 1PM on Friday and 1PM on Saturday.