Stuff to Bring

Ok, this trip is 48 days, broken down into 10 day increments for “rest” days. On those rest days, you have to take care of all your stuff. So laundry is a big deal which then translates into how many clothes you bring and how often you want to do it. Plus factoring in weather and will your stuff be ready to go the next day. So laundry planning is a driver in how much stuff you bring.

Second thing to consider is that you have to get all your stuff to the start and back home after the ride. You have limited space and your ability to deal with the type of storage, aka suitcases. So another driver in your planning.

For me, I don’t want to do laundry between rest days if at all possible. That means I need fresh bike clothes daily plus some spares in the event of some food miscue or the weather is so bad you need to swap. Second, I am flying home and have restrictions on suitcase size. So, solution is 2 carry-on suitcases with wheels, 1 gym bag, 1 back pack. Only 1 carry-on will be needed each night. I laid out all my stuff and put into appropriate bags so I know I have room with some extra space for any trinkets along the way.

Here’s the break down of stuff by bag:

Carry-On Suitcases

• Bike Clothes
• Off Bike Clothes
• Shoes
• Spare Toiletries

Gym Bag

• Daily Toiletries
• Foul Weather gear
• First aid and lotions
• Electronic/Chargers
• Anything Miscellaneous – transport for on bike items – helmet, pedals, foul weather bike shoes, electronic mounts, and bike saddle

Backpack – for in the support van

• Spare Bike Clothes for the day
• Contingent foul weather gear for day
• Spare toiletries that maybe needed
• One pair off bike shoes

Yes, it is a constant, “what will I need the next day?” Plus dealing with the cycle of laundry with dirty clothes bags. I hope I don’t have to many mismatched items when I’m done. Plus I’m sure there will be multiple things left at various overnight locations. Will always be something, so have to accept and not get bent about it.