Tour Planning - Ten months out

[Rep]

With the Menomonie, WI to Green Bay trip of 540 miles completed I now look to MN next week.  I had a ball and met so many wonderful people.  I will be making some equipment adjustments this next trip. 

I had an extra duffel bag I loaded on top of my Bob's dry sack.  I learned it was a hassle to get things out of it when needed and it was a wind catcher.

Therefore, I will compress my sleeping bag and maybe place it on the rear rack.  In addition, I will carry rear panniers to store food, stove and light gear that may be needing easier access.  Eventually I will get low rider front racks and panniers but that must wait. 

I will ride about 260 miles from central Minnesota back home to Wisconsin.   

[paddleboy17]

This is so awesome.  And I am very happy for your adventures.

This is why I advocate short trips to shake out your technique.  You will converge on a way that works for you, but you still need a chance to try things out at first.  Something may really bug you, and you can put up with it for a day or two unit you complete your ride, but living with it for weeks is another matter.

Well Done!

[Rep]

TY for all the comments.

I piked up a pair of Keen Commuter cycling sandals the day before I left.  When I put them on they felt just like the regular pair I have used for a couple of years.  I love them and no break in period was needed.

That said, I do need some advice.

I also took a pair of those plastic clogs that are popular to use a off bike shoes and shower shoes.

Anybody simply use their sandals as shower shoes?  I would not mind cutting down on some bulk.

Comments?

[paddleboy17]

I have a pair of foam flip flops that I take on my tours.  I put them in a mesh pocket on the outside of one of my panniers.  I am more concerned about the weight than the bulk.  That is what works for me.

[Rep]

Prior to leaving on a short tour I read a thread somewhere either here, Bike Forums or Crazy Guy about what people like about touring.

As I rode my first day or two I began to wonder what kind of a tourer I would be, or, if even I would like it.

I stopped in a small town restaurant to have a meal and ask directions.  The staff enjoyed our conversation as they do not get many people touring via bike.  They were very good to me. 

As it turns out a a week and a half after the end of my tour I had to take a car trip through that same town.  I stopped to have lunch. 

The owner said, "Are you that guy on a bike from a couple of weeks ago?"  We chatted a bit and as I stood in line to pay my bill, the cashier also recognized me.  It was fun to relate to these people.

For me, this and other instances may add up to the people I meet as being the enjoyable part of touring.

[T. Park]

Best of luck, and have a great ride.

One quick consideration--think about using a mirror, if you're not already.  I wouldn't ride the roads, city or country, without one.  I've been riding bikes for 50 years, and for about 35 of them with a mirror.  There have been several times I've had to take evasive action, i.e., riding off the road onto the shoulder or into the ditch, because of approaching cars from the rear looking like they're going to hit me.

I know most riders don't use them.  I've got a friend who claims he can tell by the sound if a car is coming too close.  Bou, I sure can't hear well enough to tell if a car is coming a foot or two closer to the right where I'm riding!

Again, all the best!

Thanks for the suggestion about the mirrors.  I do have one on all my bikes.  I keep an eye on approaching cars and wait to see them break for the, "line", then I know I am safe.

In addition, I run a P7 led flashlight on strobe whenever I leave my garage, night or day.  I turn my lights on just like the newer autos do when their key is turned.  In addition, I have a Vetta taillight that does not wash out in the daylight.

Yes using mirror is quite useful. I am also using bike for at lest 10 years and i think mirror is a good practice.