Newbie/Number of Bags ?

Date: Aug 18, 2004

Newbie/Number of Bags ?

Date: Aug 18, 2004

Hey, Brinn

This is my first CNC, but I've done many similar supported rides. Here is my solution.

Yes, the 2 bag limit includes camping gear. I find that my 2 man tent, sleeping bag (backpack size), pad, small folding chair and misc. camping tools fit nicely in a large duffel bag. I use an extra large LL Bean bag, but there are lots of similar bags on the market. The second bag carries my clothes. Be sure that everything is packed in plastic bags. I put each day's riding kit in a one gallon freezer bag, squeeze out the air and throw it in the bag. Off bike clothes usually go by type, shorts in one bag, t-shirts in another,etc. You don't need much. Everybody will be wearing their cleanest dirty shirt most of the time. Be sure your sleeping bag is in plastic, and have a plastic bag for your tent, you will pack it wet most mornings in October.

The CNC weight limit of 30 lbs per bag is a little less than most rides allow, but you shouldn't have any trouble making that cut.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

Brinn,

Earl has hit some of the good stuff, esp the tip to pack in clear baggies. Your bags may get rained on before you pick em up. I also carry a few empty plastic grocery bags, and toss in a few self sealing empty baggies too. Handy for a disposable camera, or your wallet or a snack.

Be sure to get bags that roll on wheels. Walmart sells a good quality one for about $50. Get 2 and use one for camping stuff as Earl suggests, and one for all else.

Don't sweat the weight limit. However, you have to carry it from the trucks to wherever you set up, and you will initially pack waaaaayyyy too much your first time. You do not need a fresh change of clothes every night, so cut back on tee shirts. One pair of jeans and one pair of shorts will do. Be sure to bring stuff you can layer up in for warmth-it's been 27 degrees on some CNC mornings. Both bags should be about 3/4 full when you're right.

Many folks wash their cycling clothes every night. I pack 4 full sets, and thus I only wash 3 sets over a week. Sometimes they do not dry out overnight.

Good question, Brinn.

See ya in a few weeks!

Yeeee Haaaaa!!!!

Jack

Date: Aug 18, 2004

I echo Earl's comments.

I have had great luck with an EMS duffle that is "rubberized" - sort of PVC coated nylon. Swallows tons of gear - I usually put everything including a second duffle in it so I only have one bag to lug around getting to and from the first day (including airports) - then split out the camping gear (and ever increasing dirty clothes) into the second duffle during the tour. This way I stay under the 30-40#/bag rule.

I have had that bag left out in the rain and it kept everything dry. Of course most of the critical stuff (T-shirts & Sleeping Bag) were in separate plastic bags but no water got into the big bag.

Date: Aug 19, 2004

Remember that most every town has a laundromat, and you can reduce your packing needs if you take advantage. Plan to stop in a laundromat some time during the week.

Date: Aug 19, 2004

Thanks everyone. This is very good advice. I hope to meet everyone of you.

See you in Sparta!

Date: Aug 20, 2004

I used two waterproof bags last year and they worked graet. I got them from Galls for $20 each, but most any type of waterproof bag should work fine. i still packed all the clothes as has been mentioned in 1 gallon freezer bags. This way everthing stays dry.

Date: Aug 20, 2004

Please keep in mind the staff who have to unload the truck every day. after lugging 2400 bags evey day they may be a bit weary. don,t have anything dangling off of you bags as it gets in the way. pack as LIGHTLY as possible. the clothes you wear at camp should be clean to wear for at least a few nights unless you are prone to spillage when you eat! and be sure to tell the guys thank you! they work REAL hard all week to keep the cyclists happy!

see you there!

felicia palumbo

CNC staffer

Date: Aug 30, 2004

Two bags is it. I have an old navy duffle that carries my tent, sleeping bag, spare tire, etc. and a wheeled duffle I bought at Wal-mart for about $30 that carries everything else. It all has to fit in two containers to simplify loading and unloading from the baggage truck. Of course, watch the weight as well. Two 20 or 25 pound bags are much better than one 35 and a 5 pound one for your sake as well as the people who unload the truck.

Date: Sep 1, 2004

Good advice here about how to pack. Only one thing I'd add: REI sells "dry bags" that you can pack your clothing into; then you put these dry bags into your clothing duffel. Your clothes will stay dry all week with these bags. Also, use Harold's towell service so you won't be adding water and weight to your pack by putting a wet towell into it.