Bike = 2005 Cannondale T800 (purchased new)
Set-up and gear will be pretty much exactly the same as 2013 trip.
Components/accessories – mostly stock, but:
Saddle replaced with a women’s Terry Liberator in 2010. Exterior seat covering started to tear in last month of 2013 American tour.
New Continental Top Contact II tires for 2014 tour (these are easy to get on the rims, yeh!).
Bottom bracket repacked/greased prior to 2014 tour start.
New small chainring (swapped a 26 for a 24)and handlebars rewrapped prior to March 2013 Grampians tour.
Will get new chain and check brake pads in Des Moines, Iowa on 2014 trip (have replaced all of these numerous times).
I use a Topeak Road Morph pump (nothing bad to say about this one).
I use toe clips instead of clipless pedals (always been happy doing it this way).
I have Planet Bike fenders (with which I have a love-hate relationship – it seems like I constantly adjust the front one but it is all worth it on rainy days).
Front rack – Tubus Ergo
Rear rack – what came stock.
Front left pannier – Lone Peak P-099
Contents:
**tent and rainfly (2013 REI Passage 2 tent – it’s okay, but probably wouldn’t buy another one of these. I liked my old North Face Tadpole better.)
**groundsheet (I use a foil emergency blanket.)
**tent pegs
**flip-flops
**(chain lube in outside pocket)
Front right pannier – Lone Peak P-099
Contents:
**two or three spare tubes (tube repair kit/valve converter/tire levers kept in outside pocket)
**bike tools – allen key for each size on bike (not full set); 2 wrenches (1 10mm; 1 adjustable); multi-tool with mini-pliers; spare zip ties; small roll black electrical tape; 2 fiber-fix spokes; chain tool; spare nuts and bolts for each size; spare rags
**rain covers for Lone Peaks
**small folding bucket (I use this to stuff clothes into to make a pillow at night; carry my toiletries to showerblock; wash up when there is access to water but no shower; rinse rags for bike repair, etc.)
**a few Tide Pods (can get small bag of these at Walmart)
**toiletries, medication and diaper rash cream (just the small, travel-size basics)
**fork, knife, spoon in a little bag
**headlamp
**basic first-aid kit and extra hotel shower cap
**(sunscreen and bike lock in outside pocket)
Left rear pannier – Ortlieb Sportspacker
Contents:
**On-bike clothes packed in ziploc (2 jerseys; 2 pairs bike shorts; 1 pair thin tights to go over bike shorts)
**Off-bike clothes packed in ziploc (2 t-shirts; 1 pair convertible pants; 1 pair shorts; 1 long-sleeve thermal top)
**Warmies packed in ziploc (winter hat and thin gloves; 1 pair warm socks for sleeping)
**Rain gear (jacket and pants)
**(extra water bottles and food as required)
Right rear pannier – Ortlieb Sportspacker
Contents:
**The ‘office’ – journal; iPod; expenses notebook; maps not in use; battery chargers; touristy notes/brochures; itinerary (keep track of miles on this)
**Sleeping bag – Kelty Women’s Light Year 20F, long
**’Delicates’ ziploc (2 pairs underwear; 2 sports bras; 3 pairs socks; sarong; travel towel; sunhat; sleepsheet)
**Warm, light-weight jacket packed loose
(extra water bottles as required)
Rear rack contents:
**Tent poles in own bag rolled within Ridge Rest sleeping pad
**Thermarest Ridge Rest 3/4 length closed cell foam pad. The roll is held with two ladies’ belts from a thrift shop. The roll is secured to the rack with adjustable webbed luggage straps with clips [purchased from auto store].
Handlebar bag:
**Cheap pre-paid dumb phone
**Camera
**Wallet
**Asthma inhaler
**Lip balm
**Tiny cosmetic mirror
**Any directions/extra maps for day not in map case on top of bag
**Two hotel shower caps tucked in outside side pocket (one to wrap over the cycle computer and one to go over the seat if raining or threat of dew/frost overnight)
**Cycling gloves
**Verne and Kermit in front pocket
Camelback – I stay better hydrated using one of these. I don’t keep anything else in the backpack usually. I attach my rear blinkie-light to this on my back. It is more visible this way than attached to my rear rack (it gets hidden under the thermarest if attached there). I have also purchased a second rear blinkie light to attach to the rear pannier closest to the road.
NOTE: Clothing listed assumes I’m naked (e.g. I wear one jersey and have one spare).