Packing

The countdown has begun. In less than 3 weeks, I’ll be hopping onto an Amtrak with a bike, and three bags weighing in at around 55 pounds. That gear and bike are my lifeline for the next six months as I pedal across the United States. Packing for this trip is intense. It’s not easy to determine everything that you’ll need for six months of time. You can’t predict the weather nor  can you foresee what kind of problems will occur along the way. I will undoubtedly end up packing things I don’t actually need, and probably forget items that I’ll regret not packing.

First off, take a look at this picture. For the most part, this is everything that I’ll be bringing for the tour. It’s missing a few small items, such as my helmet, a few small tools that I just ordered, clothes, and toiletries. Those I’ll be finalizing in the coming weeks.

First, let’s take a look at the pannier bags. The Ortlieb panniers are perfect. They’re arguably one of my most important items. They’ll hold my gear, and are completely waterproof. Which is huge. Since it’s inevitable I’ll ride through some rain at some point. They have a great system which attaches them to the rack. Thus, you can be pretty confident they won’t be going anywhere.

I’ve also got a great, lightweight tent for the nights where I don’t have any lodging, and have to camp. The REI Quarter Dome is easy to set up. I should be able to do it in less than ten minutes. I also got a light sleeping pad that looks odd, however, I’ve tested it, and seems to be pretty comfortable. It only takes up half of your body, because when you think about it, your legs don’t need padding compared to your back. It’s no five-star hotel bed, but I’ll be able to get a goodnight sleep.

As far as bike maintenance goes, I’ve got a number of tubes, patch kit, bike lube, extra spokes, allen keys, screwdrivers, and a tire lever. All of these should help me repair any problems that may arise. Inevitably, problems will definitely arise. Some I’ll be prepared for, and others I may need to just make it to the nearest bike shop. Here’s to hoping that for the most part, I’m able to avoid these types of problems.

A lot of people ask what type of bike I’m riding. I settled upon a Novarra Randonee made by REI. I had read a lot of different things, and was deciding between the Trek 520, Surly Longhaul Trucker and the Randonee. The Randonee was on a clearout sale last fall, and I jumped on the deal. In my riding, though most has been on an indoor trainer, I’ve been pleased with the feeling of it. The steel frame definitely is a bit heavier than my aluminum and carbon framed road bike, but you need the extra support with all the gear I’ll be carrying.

People always ask how I keep my butt from getting sore. I always laugh at that question. I guess it’s nice to have people worrying about how my butt’s feeling. However, I bought a Brooks Saddle to help handle the long hours on the bike. It takes a long time to break in the leather. Imagine trying to break in your new baseball glove. It’s a lot like that. The saddle won’t be pain free, my butt will definitely get sore, but I have a good saddle, which will make the soreness minimal.

Continental Gatorskin tires are the way to go. Hands down. No questions asked. They really help prevent against flats. Flats stink. They are no fun. They slow you down. On a hot day, the last thing you want to do is stop on the side of the road, as you feel the heat radiating off of the pavement, take all your gear off your bike, take the tire off, and change the flat. It’s tiring (no pun intended) and it can be frustrating. The more you can avoid flats, the better.

I’ve also got a few things from Planet Bike. As a local bike company from Madison, WI I’ve always been familiar with them. Their products are well made and durable. They also donate a quarter of their profits to bicycle advocacy. We can always use more bicycle advocates! I’ve got some bike lights from them, as well as my rack for the ride. Should get the job done! Oh, and they also donated some goodies to be raffled off at the Send Off Fundraiser on March 28th. Hi5 Planet Bike!

I need to pack water. Lots of it. For some stretches, I’ll be in the middle of nowhere. No cities. Nothing. Thus, having plenty of water on board will be critical. I have a 6 liter water bag, and I’ll be able to carry another 48 oz of water in my two water bottles. I’m expecting that to be enough for me. I even have a water filter, that I used during my time in Kenya, should I need to use some water from a stream. That, of course, is a last resort.

I’ve also got a selfie stick. Yes, you heard that right. I feel my testosterone levels drop everytime I say that phrase. I want to keep people updated with videos and pictures from the road. At the same time, I realize that filming myself when I’m the only one around can be a little difficult. Thus, the selfie stick comes in handy. Expect some more of these lovely shots.

Technology wise, it’s pretty simple. An IPad, my Canon T3I DSLR camera, and my Iphone. This will allow me to get some great photos, blog, and keep in touch accordingly. I want to document the ride in a way that you feel you’re riding along with me. The support I’ve gotten from literally all around the world inspires me. It’s incredible. Which is why I want to make sure you experience the trip with me.

That sums up the packing list. This is what I’ll be living off of for 6 months. However, I realize it’s not the gear that will make the trip. It’s my determination, my ability to fight through pain, and to overcome the mental struggles. It’s also the people who I meet, the friendships I form, and the stories I share. There is so much more to this trip than just a kid on a bike. It’s about the kids. It’s about the baseball teams. It’s about the generosity and kindness that exist throughout this world. It’s about the importance of mentors in the lives of youth. That’s what Biking for Baseball is about.

Hi5!

Matt