I learned a couple valuable lessons from this overnighter. When your body tells you to get up and get on the road, do it. I ignored it, slept a couple of hours, and now regret it. I didnt get on the road till 1030 and had to ride in the hottest part of the day, through a canyon with no breeze and then some hills. Another thing, is to always take a new canister of butane or have a spare. I ran out in the middle of boiling water to drink. I have a Katedyn water filter, but the taste of lake water is not too pleasant. Third thing, do not visit a lakeside campground on the weekend during the summer. Tons of people still, and they will play music all through the night.

On the plus side, I did learn riding and not knowing what to expect is kinda fun. This trip was an nothing like I had imagined it was going to be. Also, I know that I am self efficient enough to handle what touring can throw at me, if I do run out of water I am prepared to filter it so I can drink and not be worried about what might happen. Also, a empty CamelBak 100oz Unbottle makes a wonderful pillow. Take and blow up the bladder through the drink tube to your liking.

The overnighter was 40 miles away from the town I host a ride on Saturday mornings at. I ended up using part of the ride to get me part of the way there. The group decided that they could do a loop which included part of the way I was going to ride to get to the campsite I was going to. I love having disorganized organized rides. We change the route at the last minute to accommodate a single rider.

I make camp, and thats when I experience the setbacks that I mentioned above start to happen. I made it through the night and actually slept really good. I needed it.

The worst part of riding was on the way home. I started to bonk at mile 18. I could only ride 3 miles at a time and then would have to take a break. I drank some gatorade the first break, rode 3 more miles stopped. Rested for 15 minutes ate some clif bloks. rode 3 more miles, ate some more clif bloks. I started to feel better and it was good I did. I approached a monster of a hill. I ended up riding the hill going 2-3 mph all the way up. I dont know why but I felt great after that hill. Rode the next 13 miles with no problem. I did miss a cut off road that I needed to take. I ended up riding an extra 10 miles because of it.

So it was 40 miles to get there, and 50 miles to get back. I had a wonderful time, saw some beautiful scenery, rode some hellacious hills. It was really what I needed.

Sounds like you had a good time.When you going on another one?

Outstanding Know what you mean by the lake water Nothing like a mossy aftertaste

It is kinda funny how different lakes waters have different taste.
I am probably going to do my next overnighter at the end of this month. This month has me busy, this weekend I am going to the coast. On the 19th I have my first Triathlon. I love bike touring, and I am alway trying to figure out where I can go next. I am actually getting into a better time to tour, so I am hoping to be back on the road doing trips every weekend.

Great to hear. You will learn lessons every time you go out. It is a lot like hiking and backpacking, you could do it your whole life and never feel like you know it all.

That's the way to do it! Keep doing those weekend tours ... you'll have fun doing them and get to know the area where you live ... and when you decide to do something longer, you'll be ready.

Investigate S24O's...they are about the only type of touring I can get in these days.

Aaron