well, when it comes to the things i'm packing with me, i'm assuming i'll have to handle a few different scenarios:
- large variations in weather clothing considerations, camping considerations, sunscreen...
- bugs (in particular, manitoba) for the bugs, i'm thinking of bug repellent (obviously) as well as some clothing demands (mosquitos will go right through spandex)
- surviving at most a day or two without seeing civilization this will involve camping equipment, stove, some food, water storage, etc...
- bike breakdowns this will be tough. for bike breakdowns, you want to be as prepared as possible while at the same time you don't want to bring too much. in preparation, i'm going to read a road bike maintenance book as well as bring standard tools, bike tubes, bike pump, tire levers, etc...
- getting injured well, i guess there are always some injuries that i'm not going to be able to do anything about (god forbid). but most of them should be treatable... for these, i'm thinking an all purpose first aid kit and hydrogen peroxide should be good.
- who knows... for the catch all of problems, i'm also bringing my cellphone.
here is my complete list of things i'm taking with me:
- bike & trailer (see bike setup)
- bike repair items
- regular bike tubes
- bike tubes for smaller trailer tire
- tire levers
- bike pump
- all purpose bike tool (contains allen wrenches, chain breaker, spoke tool, etc)
- chain oil
- extra spokes
- extra chain links
- extra pads for seat
- camping equipment
- one person tent
- sleeping pad
- sleeping bag
- cooking equipment
- stove
- fuel
- lighter(s)
- water containers
- pot
- pot handle
- pot scrubbers (small, thin pieces of plastic)
- soap
- spoon
- food (small portions, typically only for emergencies)
- oatmeal
- rice
- transform+ (protein & greens+ supplement mixture)
- powdered gatorade (need to restore electrolytes)
- clothing
- 2 bike jerseys
- 2 pairs of bike shorts
- 5 pairs socks
- 5 pairs underwear
- 1 pair long tights
- 1 pair arm warmers
- lightweight rain jacket
- regular fleece jacket
- 2 pair regular shorts
- 1 pair regular pants
- 4 shirts
- running shoes
- speedo (swimsuit)
- goggles
- bike shoes
- sandals
- running shoes
- bike gloves
- helmet
- sunglasses
- toiletries
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- floss
- shaver
- shaving gel
- deodorant
- misc
- wallet (id, bank card, credit card, cash, etc.)
- bike lights
- road map & travel guide
- sunscreen
- compass
- mesh storage bags
- toilet paper
- heavy duty bike lock & cables & key
- first aid kit
- hydrogen peroxide
- swiss army knife
- cellphone
- cellphone recharger/adaptor
- woolite
- tiger balm
i should note a few things... first, i've noticed on similar lists of other cross canada cyclists that they have omitted several things. one thing that was removed from one list i saw was the whole cooking equipment & food list. this was removed by a fairly experienced cycle-traveller and so i might do the same. i think that for the most part, i'd rather err on the side of carrying too much than too little. this way, if i find i don't need certain items, i can always ship them back later. if i was going from the west to the east, the weight considerations might play a greater role right at the start of the trip because of the rockies. seeing as having a few extra pounds at the start of the trip shouldn't be a problem, i think i should be fine. i am still considering other items to bring with me (some of them from other lists i've seen and others that might make the trip more enjoyable):
- camera & camera batteries
- patch kit
- grease
- brake pads
- pliers
- spare tire
- journal & pens
- thermometer
- books
- pair of regular shoes
beyond that, most of what i might be missing i should be able to purchase along the way. got a suggestion? send me an email at derek_eide@hotmail.com. cheers!