I just completed my first overnight tour, went solo on a Trek 6700 with two buckets and camping stuff back on a rear rack. Made a few wrong turns, met some nice people and learned a craptonne of valuable lessons, number one being dont forget a lighter or matches to light thy stove. ill have a pic or two up soon

Congratulations on the first tour

I just did 57 miles today training for 1st tour in 20 years - at the end of this month. Man, I got to get my gear together.

John

forgot to mention that i did this on a singlespeed. a 32x18 because we have some good hills around here but i figure after a few good workouts itll be a 32x16. I plan on doing an ontario to prince edward island trip in the summer and this was a sort of test for me and my gear. Im pretty sure ill end up using a 1x9 for the big one though.

I can't remember my first tour. It was about 40 years ago. I remember my first few tours, I just can't remember which was actually "the first". However, I remember the feelings during and after. I loved it so much that I'm still loving it 40 years later!

I've made my share of mistakes in what to bring too. I've compiled a checklist that I've refined over the years. If I actually use it and carefully check things off as I pack them, I do pretty well. I take notes while on tour as to what to bring and what I could have left at home.

I'm a fan of gears - the wider range, the better. I like a 3 x 9 for touring, with at least a 24-tooth granny, and the biggest cog in back I can fit.

I don't "get" the single speed thing or why someone would want to minimize their gear selection on tour. But I'm old. You go, friend!

Picture after i missed a road i was looking for and entered the next county

Good Job on the first tour. I've been there a stove without matches. Lucky for me it was in a car and I could go get them easy enough.

And Bigbluetooth I'm with you on the gears thing. but you have to admit it takes some guts and strength to do a tour on a singlespeed

Mike

Would you be interested in sharing this sort of "check list". I am leaving for my first week long tour in a month and want to make sure I don't forgot........... everything I'll be needing

Nice buckets! Do you think you'll keep them for the longer tour? They might make your life harder in a strong headwind. Anyway, I like 'em.

Cycling through Quebec is awesome. There are some good threads already about the Route Verte.