Bottomless peanut bag

It's only a few days before we head to the airport for Vancouver. I think it is best to check my materials before we go, even though I die a little every time I see how much I spent on everything. First thing up, bike tools:

What a pain. Bicycles have too many specific tools that I did not bother to buy. Let's hope I didn't jinx myself.

1. Topeak Alien II multitool
a. Screwdriver
b. Allen wrenches
c. Knife
d. Bike levers (no match for my hands)
e. Torx wrenches
f. Itty-bitty pedal wrench
g. Spoke tool
h. Wrenches
i. Chain tool
2. Crescent Wrench
3. Worthless hand-pump
4. Lubricant (TriFlow)
5. Grease (TriFlow)
6. Spokes x5
7. Spare Tubes x2
8. Stolen chain links
9. Combination cable lock
10. Decked out Bike from the 80's

Next up is camping; oh boy will this be fun. I've never slept outside for a night in my life. Here's what I got:

1. Tent (3 person)
2. Sleeping bag (+40)
3. Sleeping pad with broken valve (Yeah I'm still taking it)
4. CampSUDS
5. Random assortment of eating bowls
6. Knifeforkspoon contraption
7. MSR Dragonfly stove
8. MSR fuel canister
9. ShamWOW (Yeah, I got one)
10. Nylon rope

I think clothing is pretty important. REALLY important actually. I brought lots of things, just in case that one opportunity:

1. Bicycle shorts x3
2. Bicycle jerseys
a. Short sleeve
b. Long sleeve x2
3. Unmentionables x3
4. Jeans
5. Pants
6. Sweats
7. T-shirts x3 (dark colors so I don't feel embarrassed)
8. Socks x4
9. Sandals
10. Shoes
11. Rain jacket
12. Light jacket
13. Rain pants (still looking for them)
14. Bicycle gloves

And here's the list of a bunch things:

1. Sun screen
2. Bug repellent
3. MSR camp towel
4. Travel toothbrush x2
5. Toothpaste
6. Safety pins
7. Sewing kit
8. Chapstick
9. Nikon D40 (with Sigma 10-20)
10. EEEpc laptop (with charger)
11. "Pay as you go" phone
12. Water bottle
13. Camelback (70oz)
14. Headlight
15. Tripod
16. Notepads
17. SD cards (2GB & 8GB)
18. Flash drive (8GB)
19. Bungee cords x6
20. Zipties x100
21. Duct tape
22. Pens
23. Ziplock bags
24. Handsanitizer
25. Useless C-bag that I used to transport everything
26. Nail Clipper
27. Sunglasses

I think that's about it. Riding 1300 miles, piece of cake.

Something is weighing us down...

Two days to go and it is the first time I ride out with full gear. Not smart, but I'm not worried. The ride went out without a hitch and I came back just in time for ice cream. Things certainly look bright for this trip. I'm not the least bit worried because I got two competent, VERY competent, people coming along to stop me from throwing rocks at any yellow jacket nests. My riding abilities? Not good, but that is no cause for alarm. I rode for a bit and decided it was time to take a break. I set the bike to the side and took some pictures before everything was packed up and shipped to Vancouver.

Having everything with me on the road was a new experience. I wasn't even out a good 10 miles but I felt this weird sense of security. If I wanted to, I would have sat down where I stopped and set up camp. It was a great feeling. I was no long encumbered by the time of day, the roof of my apartment, or the weather. It was wonderful.

Hopefully ya'll will catch my enthusiasm. I'd love for everyone to take some time and travel at just the right speed, not too fast, not too slow. Darn my optimism though, I know it will come back and jinx me.