Thanks for your input, everyone! I'm gathering up a list of items I need to get and making a plan. I will bring a pillow, likely a compact one. I discovered compression sacks today. So I think I can squeeze one onto the load. I do want to bring some shoes. I already wear walkable cycling shoes. But I think I'll want to get out of them after the ride. I'll at least bring slippers. That's just me. The ride leader is bringing a camp stove and has offered to share. I'll explain in a sec.
I'm still researching whether a larger bag, such as the Dolphin 48
(liters), will fit without my heel striking it. Although the Dolphin 32
(liters) will work, I may want my initial purchase to be the largest bag I can use so I don't find myself wanting more too soon. Then again, starting with the 32s and then needing more could influence me to buy the 48s soon enough to have a matching set.
Back to the ride leader, he's organizing the ride as an "Intro to Bicycle Touring." He and I are not aware of any touring cyclists in our immediate area. I'm sure they're here. They just don't ride with us. He hopes to expose our club's riders to a small dose of the touring experience to see if he can form a group of riders who tour regularly in this region. He's open to riders bringing a SAG vehicle to carry gear, particularly useful for those who are not equipped to carry their own gear. It's not touring in its purist form. But it's a start. He's bringing at least one additional rider with touring experience from out of town. The three of us, at the very least, will ride with our loads even if there is a SAG vehicle. He WANTS others to use his stove and other camping equipment so that we may get the bug. He's assuming a mentor role for us. I'm happy to try different products before I commit to a purchase.
I hope to learn a lot from them, including equipment selection, and then see where it goes from there. If I were touring by car, I'm sure I could find whatever's at the local outdoor shop and make a good run at camping. But packing a bike for weight and efficiency is a learned art, I think. So I'll just experience the weekend with their help and then make my moves later.
Thanks Again,
Scott