Blogs from Fallbrook, California, United States, North America

Now that we have entered May, I am completing my final preparations. Yesterday, I used the lists I have been formulating, gathered the items on the list and packed my Panniers. Just for fun I weighed everything and almost wish I hadn’t. So here is the result: Bike- Surley Long Haul Trucker with pump, pedals and racks- 35lbs Front Panniers 7.2L and 7.4R or 14.6lbs Rear Panners 13.6Land 15.2R or 28.8lbs Handlebar bag - 3.2 lbs Total- 81.6 lbs UGH! Obviously...that is too much! But what do I throw overboard? The most obvious would be camping gear. That would save about 15 lbs, but I highly doubt I can complete this trip without some camping. I have to keep that option. I’ve also got full rain gear; (jacket, rain pants, gloves, shoe covers and helmet cover), ... read more

This is in response to a comment asking why we decided to go the trip (explained in Roots of the Trip), but also how we are financing it and how we decide our itinerary. The money issue was a big issue in our minds from the beginning. Both Jessica and I have investments, and they've mostly bounced back from the hit they took at the beginning of the recession. We've both worked since we were 16, Jessica at her dog-training, and I in construction with my father after he hurt his back. Jessica has money in her checking account, and I in both savings and checking. I'm not going to give an exact figure, but rest assured, we are far from broke. (Though we anticpate that state at the end of the trip. Memories are forever, ... read more