oldskoolwrench

What to pack, and how much to pack are probably two of the three most subjective questions out there when it comes to loaded touring, next to what type of bicycle to use.

IMHO (read: humble) I'd say it really comes down to how much one is willing to sacrifice (or not) with regards to 'creature comforts'. Some can do with the bare minimum; others need all of the 'little things' in order to feel comfortable on the road. I know from personal experience that I tend to take too much stuff whenever I camp, tour or travel.

I agree with staehpj1... there's always gear that's redundant or not needed for the riding conditions of the particular tour. Personally, I'm going to spend the next couple of months working on gear lists and see just how light I can pack for a multi-week tour, using a BOB trailer. I'd love to hear everyone's ideas and input, and I'll post on what I discover as I try different things out.

staehpj1

Generally true for some I guess, but the funny thing is that I have not really found that going with a very light very optimized list is actually less comfortable. There is something to be said for the simplicity of minimal gear beyond just weight savings.

Joe Padilla

Yeah being that its my first tour I may have packed a few things I didn't need, I got rid of a coat and a book and some loose odds and ends in crozey VA. It seems that I packed too much food though. I figured I'd be eating all of it fast but every time I stop somewhere to camp I met someone who wants to feed me and hear my story! People have been extremely nice here in VA. I'm in Troustville VA right now. I got caught in a storm last friday that wiped out most of the power of the places I pass thru. I was glad I had that expensive Marmot tent when those winds came screaming thru the trees at around 60 mph! But even with all the weight I averaged 9 mph going over the parkway. The trip has been hard work but all worth it. I've met so many nice people. It seems that the TA route has me going all over the state of VA. Think they want me to ride every hill in the state! I still got Kentucky and the Appalachians. Can't believe I'm saying this but I can't wait for Kansas! Oh and I trued my own wheel the other day which made me even more confident! now that I know how to fully work on my bike! I'll post again soon if another storm doesn't whip out all the power in my area! Happy fourth!

Carbonfiberboy 

I asked a friend who's ridden with his brother across the US twice and from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego how they managed it. He said that every time they saw a group of people, they stopped and talked to them. Asking directions is a good start, even if you know exactly where you are going.

simplygib

You're giving me the tour bug, Joe. Glad to hear things are continuing to go well. But my guess is after a bit of Kansas, you're going to be missing the hills. :-)

Best wishes.

Joe Padilla

Well knowing the ACA map set Kansas will be the only state where I won't be climbing for hours! They really know how to find those hills!

Machka 

I wouldn't hold your breath about Kansas ... Kansas is surprisingly hilly. Not long hills, just lots and lots and lots of tall rollers.

Gus Riley

Well Joe, in the end it doesn't matter what others may think of your trip. It is your ride. You will have extremely great days on the bike, and you will have a few days that are tough. Pedal through the tough ones, and enjoy the many great ones! It will be well worth it! Take it from a rider who is well out in front of you on the TransAm. On this 4th of July I am camped out in Lowell, Idaho and enjoying my TransAm ride to the fullest! Keep on pedaling my friend...if you can lighten your load...do so...if you can't...that's okay too! Tailwinds to you!!!!

Gus

shelbyfv

Well, how's it going? Looks as if you may have had some interesting weather recently. I hear there are lots of dogs in KY, ride fast!

skilsaw

Joe buddy,
How you doing on the donations?

Jamoni

Man. Sounds like some of you folks have never been begged at. Try practicing this simple yet reliable alternative to trying to change other people:
"Sorry, no, can't spare anything."
Then go on your way.
Joe, if you make it to St. Louis, I'd be happy to hook you up with a couple meals and a couch to surf on. I might even give you a fiver just to piss off the Scrooge brigade.

staehpj1

Anybody know how Joe is doing, it doesn't look like he has updated his blog since the 4th. I hope he is doing OK.

indyfabz

While I find cyber begging to fund a vacation in poor taste, I wouldn't be pissed of if you gave him money. Sorry to spoil your fun.

Doug64

I was also curious about how this drama will play out. I am wondering if reality is starting to kick in; and averaging 100 mile days is looking a little tougher than what I remember in the pre-ride hype.

staehpj1

I don't know that this is the case here, he may just have been off of the grid for a while. There was a bit of a lag between his last two blog posts so this is not too outside of the norm. Either way I hope we hear from him.

valygrl

WIth the amount of ill-will displayed on this thread, I don't really know why the OP would bother to come back here!

OldZephyr

I agree. While I wouldn't make a request for donations the way the OP did, I really wish some of the posters would give it a rest about the OP's request for donations. The point has been made, many times over.

I hope his trip is going well.

znomit

Obviously he has done the logical thing and sold his smart phone or computer to buy food.

DTSCDS

Okay folks, the horse is dead. Nothing more to do than take your saddle off it and move on.

Hope Joe is doing okay and having a grand time.
BTW--if you are looking for flat land to ride you might want to try a dry lakebed Utah--I think Kansas will disappoint you.

unterhausen

I hope his trip is going well too. The continued discussion of other threads the OP started borders on harassment, and are off topic here. I deleted some off topic posts in this thread.

Joe Padilla

Still Truckin' In Hindman KY right now! And haven't had to sell a thing just eating a lot of peanut butter and oatmeal! There hasn't been any internet any where I swear! Oh yeah and its been raining like crazy! I made another post on my blog and posted some pics! After my fourth broken spoke I decided to lose some stuff and move more weight to the front and things have been rolling smooth since! Friends at the bike shop sent me some electrolyte tabs and energy gels, and cookies!! Happy for that! But food is a small part of this ride. I can eat the same thing over and over again. Oatmeal, noodles, rice, instant mash, and peanut butter seem to be working well and are remarkably cheap! Thanks for the kind comments and if I pass thru St. Louis I'll have to email you! I'm gonna make it to Oregon! I'm a machine!

Joe Padilla

100 miles a day thru the mountains isn't happening but I still get 60 and don't have to rest on the hills anymore after Hayters Gap!

Joe Padilla

A lot of mangy untended dogs! And coal trucks.

alan s 

Glad to hear you are making progress. Sounds like the weather's been throwing you a few curves.

Newspaperguy

If you're averaging 60 miles a day, you're doing very well.