thanks for the advice - I think I DO have too much gear - will send some back if needed.
I am concerned about rain, cold. Its fall. I am riding anywhere from 450 foot ASL to 9500'. I have things pared down to a weight of 60 pounds including helmet, one pair of shoes, three water bottles, panniers, handlebar bag, full rain gear, clothing for all these climates, a 1.1 pound down bag and 1.5 pound down throw blanket. I know its a lot. I'll ship what I dont need as I go. I could ship the colder weather gear ahead to western KS, but it isn't the problem, really. AND in late october, if I shipped the cold gear ahead, it would get cold right after I did that. I could cut significant weight if I didn't camp, or if I didn't cook when I camp - but I want to camp and cook.
the garmin 305 surely is not the problem, and I like to see things like climbing footage, cadence (I've never toured, what will I learn about cadence) mileage, time in the saddle, and sometimes compass. I keep a journal. I'm a quadruple virgo, I want this data. it is not heavy. I am taking a cell phone.
"Who am i going to call?".
anyone I want to call. A motel, an LBS on the road ahead, My LBS in order to get parts shipped to an LBS ahead of me. My tarot card reader... my kids.... whomever
it also isn't the problem - its TINY. I am carrying oatmeal and brown sugar, enough for maybe 4 mornings, is this the problem?
no - EVERYTHING is the problem. EVERYTHING is tiny. there is a lot of things though. ITs my first tour, I'm told that 55-60 pounds is do-able if not desirable, and many have PM'd me that 50-60 is what they carry. Some have told me they do it with under 20. I've read thos packing lists - not for me. I do appreciate all the input. And its my call.
so I'll winnow it down on the road. ITs the only way I can end up with the things that only I can determine as being "essential". The list is settled. and posted today at
www.crazyguyonabike.com/jbpence. I'd appreciate your feedback on that list, but I am unlikely to do anything with your feedback at this point unless you know of an antigravity device better than helium baloons (too much drag to pull them along) - I'll pare it down as I ride.
thanks for the offer to go to lansing, If I had the time I'd do it. Its too far - feel I should not do 120" miles the weekend before I depart (Tuesday I start riding). I don't want to be totally lame when I leave. I am picking up the bike tomorrow, heading out about 15 miles from the LBS so I can head back there if the (fully loaded) shakedown cruise fails due to bike problems.