As Luke has a good amount of touring gear from his previous trip, I have been madly researching and purchasing. I have made a list that is 6 pages long of everything we may need or want... I will have to cull it down of course... Many people have asked me why I'm buying it all now in Australia, and not waiting until we get to America as it is much cheaper over there, even though the AU dollar is about on par with the US dollar.
Well, it's because A. I don't have much experience cycling or camping and I want to know my equipment inside and out before I get there. I want to be able to finish a days ride and snap my fingers and a tent and camp kitchen appear, without struggling to learn how to set it up/pack it up on the trip! This will also mean I can have confidence we have everything, and it all works accordingly.
B. I hate shopping, and it would put a huge downer on the trip, if for the first few days we were madly rushing around a new city (Salt Lake) trying to procure everything for our obscure needs.
And why not support some Aussie retailers!!
I have devised a practical system of having 3x outfits that will be on rotation, so whilst I have to wash every 3 days, it's pretty economical for weight. So far I have two Netti cycling tops, one short sleeve, the other long. They are seriously sweat-wicking and sun-shielding, and seriously fluro yellow. High visibility is a big priority for being on the road such long distances.
I've also picked up some snazzy Sugoi padded bike pants. Restrain yourselves boys! One pair is just your average bike short with a chamois, the other is a really sexy thing called a Bib Knicker. It's like a wrestling outfit, or for those rowers, a zoot suit. Regardless of just how good it looks on, this item is full of fabric technology. It's insulating and has 'perforated forward ventilation'. It's all good stuff and I hope it keeps me warm during those colder rides.
I now have some shoes that clip in, and a very bruised knee to show for it. Picked up these Shimano bad boys that you can clip into my new Shimano pedals. These are a versatile pair that you can also walk around in. I got home and immediately went for a spin. And then immediately went for a topple over, as I wasn't used to the whole being attached to your bike as you ride scenario. I haven't put them on again since, but I will!
I now have 2 Ortlieb 40L panniers. Fully waterproof and rip resistant fabric. The silver bag is a Topeak handlebar bag, for quick access to food and camera and food whilst on a ride.
Finally I have some sleeping equipment. This is most important as we will be camping alot, and I feel the cold!! I have a small inflatable pillow, from a $2 store, a Kathmandu silk liner, which is good for warm nights, and also adding some extra warmth on a cold night. It is very light weight and packs down to nothing.
I went all out with my sleeping mat, comfort will make a huge difference to my overall happiness when camping! It inflates in 20 breaths to 2.5 inches, has a honeycomb inner to trap warm air, weighs 730g and pack down very small. YAY!
I will update purchases and make a final list of all equipment before we leave!!
Ada
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