So, what does it take to do a bike tour like this one? Fortunately the company organizing this ride has a lot of experience doing these types of rides and provides a recommended packing list, which makes a very handy checklist to use when getting prepared. So, under the supervision of Jordan’s panda, I did a ‘test pack’ with all my gear to 1) check the weight of my bags and 2) check off things that I had and to identify the few remaining items I need. We are limited to two 90 liter duffle bags, each weighing 50 pounds or less and, of course, our bike box.
Test Packing
First off is the bike. I will be riding a Surly Long Haul Trucker bike. It’s the same bike I rode on the Route 66 ride. It has a steel frame and is specifically designed for touring and carrying heavy loads. These touring bikes have a triple chain ring on the front and I have an 11 – 32 cassette on the back for a total of 33 gears – all of which I’m sure I will use!! I will be riding on Schwalbe Marathon 700 x 35 tires with heavy thorn resistant tubes (I hate flats!) And, most importantly, I installed a Brooks leather saddle – by far the most comfortable saddle I have ever had on a bike.
