Tomorrow, I'll embark on my first bicycle tour. I've waited sixteen years for this. Life just got in the way and after a move, the fire was rekindled for cycling.

I really appreciate the help of many people on this forum and appreciate all of the emails and replies. Thank you all.

I know I've overpacked and I am OK with that at this point. I know this will be a real learning tour and I'm looking forward to it.

Are you on your new bike already?

Have fun - I'd love to give touring a try some day.

Enjoy! Did anyone warn you that bike touring is addictive? We expect a full ride report

Bon voyage

Be careful about adding last minute items that you just "thought you might need". You don't need them. Now is a better time to eliminate anything on the bike that you "think you might need". Even on a short tour you can still stop by a post office and mail stuff home.

Most of all: Enjoy your tour!

You can always subtract or add things you need while beginning your tour. Best wishes.

Have a great time. I'll be three weeks behind you for my first tour.

that's exciting!

Thanks all for your help. I am immensely humbled and appreciative for everything and all the advice you've helped me with.

i owe you a message back. I will send you everything when I get back.

yup, bike is done and I inked it up late last week. Got a few short rides in but the tour will really break it in. Lol

Good luck and bon courage (as the French would say).

Have fun!! Relax and enjoy!! And do tell us all about it when you get back.

I'm now sitting here in my office thinking, "lucky bugger". Enjoy the tour!

Have a great trip!

You can always mail yourself things when you decide you don't want them...

Enjoy!

Keep the rubber side down and enjoy the ride!

Have fun and enjoy the ride!

Enjoy! (And we all want pictures.)

You haven't said how long, how far, or where to.
Come on, give us a hint.

Enjoy the ride

I'm back and the tour went great. I learned a lot, both the easy way and hard way. Excellent to be on the tour. I'll post more later this week.

I haven't read the Touring Forum in quite a while, and I just came upon your post. Where did you go? I'll keep checking back.
My wife and I haven't toured since around 1986, but we did do a cross-country honeymoon ride in 1977.

Pictures and write up is ready. https://chefonabicycle.com/2013/05/23...-bicycle-tour/

Good job!!!

Good job, chef. You aren't the first and won't be the last to lose a small item on tour only to find it again when unpacking at home.

Glad to see the Trangia did its job with some hearty meals, too.

You've started to live the dream. That Trans-Am trip isn't that far away from reality.