things to carry on bike

Date: Jun 28, 2004

things to carry on bike

Date: Jun 28, 2004

Carry with you on the bike what you will need that day only. You can put two bags (total 50lbs?) on the truck each day. You can get a lot of stuff in two bags. Remember to pack everything in ziplock bags in case it rains (no! not on C.N.C.!), after the trucks are unloaded. I tour on my own, fully loaded, and see no reason to do so when a ride provides trucks. You can also look into groups like Bubba or Llama and they can carry gear and even provide a tent if needed. Look for Team Pok-A-Dot when you get there and stop by for a visit. bAd dOG

Date: Jun 28, 2004

I like to carry a set of empty rear panniers during the CNC ride. I am cold nature and dress warm in the mornings, as the day warms up I have a place to put my gear. Plus it provides a good place to store anything I may pick up during the day. We will be stopping at a vineyard on this years ride.

Now about the Camel back. I am still toying with that one. One year I almost lost mine because I took it off while taking a nap at a rest stop and then rode off and left it. Luckly for me someone took it to the lost and found. Large water bottles or water pack, bottles or packs. That one is up to you. A pack does encourage you to drink more but it is also one more thing to keep up with. The rest stops are never more than 20 miles apart. I will probably carry mine again this year

AKA "Whistle Dog"

Team Poke a Dot

Date: Jun 29, 2004

My opinion is don't bother with the Camel back-there are rest stops every 15 or so miles (in addition to the occasional country store), so if you've got 2 water bottle holders you should be fine. Also, using a Camel back for 7 days straight might cause some unpleasant mold or bacterial growth-much easier to wash out your water bottles.

As for the bag/panniers. I usually carry a small set of panniers as they're very helpful to stow your cold weather gear as the weather warms up and you start peeling off layers. My buddies and I usually stop and get a couple of 6 packs and some munchies when we get into town too, so the panniers are invaluable for that.

Happy riding

Date: Jun 29, 2004

Personal preference.

I would recommend that all cyclists have an under-seat bag with a spare tube, tire levers, multi-tool, and glue-less patch kit. I also carry a compact CO2 valve and 3 CO2 cartridges for rapidly and fully inflating tires.

I almost always ride with my CamelBak Blowfish. Since there are several rest stops each day on CNC I'll only half-fill it with diluted PowerAde or Gatorade in the morning (save weight). I'll also carry in my Camelbak a compact pump (to partially fill a tube to hold shape - then I use CO2 to fully inflate once the tire is back on), some White Lightning lube, cell phone, wallet, spare CamelBak bite valve, a couple packs of GU and/or bars, and a VERY small/light lock. Most people carry far less, but I like to be prepared and have helped others who don't carry what they need on several occassions. I'd rather be a helper than stranded and in need of help.

Date: Jul 2, 2004

Thanks everyone for your comments, I appreciate the advice of those who have been there before. Thanks again

Date: Jul 29, 2004

I have a rack with a bag on my bike. I was a very popular guy when I would ride into camp with 2 cold six-packs. Also who knows what you might find on the way that you would want to take home.