Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Any advantage of using 4 vs 2 panniers?

« on: April 06, 2011, 12:29:59 am »

I am one who thinks less is more so I'd go with just rear panniers. One way to help balance the load and take weight off the back end is putting heavy items in a handle bar bag and/or attaching items such as sleeping pads to your handle bars.

2

Gear Talk / Re: GEAR - It's adding up! Where can I compromise?

« on: April 06, 2011, 12:21:37 am »

I agree with an earlier post. You need to look into going light.  It will save you money, decrease the weight of your load and make your tour much more enjoyable. The most expensive items on your list will also be the heaviest so research lightweight tents (single layer silnylon) sleeping bags (800 fill down) and panniers/racks (no need for bombproof ones beacuse your load can be under 20#)  will save you serious weight and dollars.  Adventure Cycling's how-to department(www.adventurecycling.org/features/ultralight.cfm) and backpackinglight.com are good resources.
Less is more.

3

Gear Talk / Re: Touring weight

« on: April 05, 2011, 11:47:42 pm »

Go on an overnight trip with all your stuff.
When you get back if you did not use it leave it at home next time (1st aid items for self or bike excluded)
The lighter you go the more enjoyable your trip will be.
Less is more

4

General Discussion / Re: Food for Ultalight cross country touring

« on: April 05, 2011, 11:04:40 pm »

In my experience these instant foods (ie everything from protein shakes to freeze dried dinners) all lack one essential ingredient: calories. We burn an incredible amt of calories biking all day so it is best to supplement them with calorie dense foods (ie fat) like nuts, cheese, peanut butter while on the road/trail and burgers, fries and milk shakes in town.

5

General Discussion / Re: Mistakes and Attitude while on the road.

« on: April 05, 2011, 10:55:59 pm »

"Planning is invaluable. Plans are useless." - D.D. Eisenhower