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| What I'm Packing... |
| When traveling on a bike, I bring as little as possible... No guns or notebook computers or spare derailleurs... I do take a simple repair kit--two inner tubes, tire wrenches, patch kits, spare spokes and spoke adjuster, bike lock, philips and standard screwdrivers, allen wrenches, chain tool, wrench, locking pliers, pump, duct tape, freezer bags, hefty bag, wd-40, grease, spare derailleur and brake cables, plastic ties, a heavy chain whip for my cassette freewheel, front and rear light, a few spare nuts and bolts (especially for the rear rack that takes a lot of weight)... add a down sleeping bag, mat and one-man tent, compass, swiss army knife, propane stove, notebooks, lonely planet guide, a few novels, aluminum pot, spanish language books... plus 2 water bottles, jeans, shorts, a couple shirts, 2 sweaters, rain gear, dainty unmentionables and sox to change into or trade, a chess and backgammon set, camera and spare batteries, bungee cords, rope... i stick the junk in a set of rear and front panniers, and a light canvas pack, and pray i haven't forgotten anything... I could make it with less, and have. My first long-distance trip's gear was all contained in an old yellow frame backpack.... |