So, I have been practicing (mentally) and how to pack my panniers, what to take and what not...the philosophy always comes to my mind of "Only pack what you can carry" but it sounds easier than actually doing it. Every single gram counts and will make the bike trip more difficult. At the end I rather short-pack and buy whatever I missed along the way than carrying too much since day one and then having to mail it back.
I started by making 4 squares on the floor with masking tape to simulate the 4 panniers and what would I pack on each of them.
This is only a test drive (or ride) since I will be riding to Lake Simcoe on saturday with Ben & Scott (2 of my bike partners for the trip who will join me until Calgary on the first 10 days) and we said it is time for a "dress rehearsal" where we get to fully load the bikes with all the stuff we might be taking. I assume they have way less stuff than me since their trip is only 10 days compared to my 3 months journey.
At the end I know this is trial and error thing so I will keep figuring out on how to pack/unpack the panniers but this is what I got done so far (if you have any suggestions, please share them with me as any ideas are more than welcome)
Front Left Pannier: Here I'll be carrying all the rain clothing. Pants, jacket, socks and shoes just to have everything in the same place so if I get rained over I figure it is going to be easier to just look for the clothes in one place. Also dirty laundry will go here as well since there's some room left.
Front Right Pannier: Here I'll be carrying every single item I need if I need to only take one pannier with me in a rush or in case of an emergency. First Aid Kit, energy bars/gels, vitamins, fleece sweater, camera, lights, markers, multi tool, knife, radio, phone and ipod.
Rear Left Pannier: All my bike and regular clothing will be here, 3 bike shorts, 3 bike jerseys, 2 shorts, 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of long riding pants, gloves, underwear & socks, tuque, shirt.
Rear Right Pannier: In here will be the Tent/Pegs, pillow, spare bike parts and screws, extra tools, air-pump, maps/books, and notepad to write about the journey.
Seat Bag: Different bike tools
Handlebar Bag: Phone, Wallet, Camera, Ipod and a couple energy bars/gels
Outside on Top of the Rack: Sleeping Bag, Foam Pad and solar charger
It should be good and balanced but I think I'll find out on saturday while I am riding to Lake Simcoe and back. Hopefully it is not too heavy and Dante handles well..you'll find out on the next post.
Countdown to the Trip = 35 Days Left
I started by making 4 squares on the floor with masking tape to simulate the 4 panniers and what would I pack on each of them.
This is only a test drive (or ride) since I will be riding to Lake Simcoe on saturday with Ben & Scott (2 of my bike partners for the trip who will join me until Calgary on the first 10 days) and we said it is time for a "dress rehearsal" where we get to fully load the bikes with all the stuff we might be taking. I assume they have way less stuff than me since their trip is only 10 days compared to my 3 months journey.
At the end I know this is trial and error thing so I will keep figuring out on how to pack/unpack the panniers but this is what I got done so far (if you have any suggestions, please share them with me as any ideas are more than welcome)
Front Left Pannier: Here I'll be carrying all the rain clothing. Pants, jacket, socks and shoes just to have everything in the same place so if I get rained over I figure it is going to be easier to just look for the clothes in one place. Also dirty laundry will go here as well since there's some room left.
Front Right Pannier: Here I'll be carrying every single item I need if I need to only take one pannier with me in a rush or in case of an emergency. First Aid Kit, energy bars/gels, vitamins, fleece sweater, camera, lights, markers, multi tool, knife, radio, phone and ipod.
Rear Left Pannier: All my bike and regular clothing will be here, 3 bike shorts, 3 bike jerseys, 2 shorts, 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of long riding pants, gloves, underwear & socks, tuque, shirt.
Rear Right Pannier: In here will be the Tent/Pegs, pillow, spare bike parts and screws, extra tools, air-pump, maps/books, and notepad to write about the journey.
Seat Bag: Different bike tools
Handlebar Bag: Phone, Wallet, Camera, Ipod and a couple energy bars/gels
Outside on Top of the Rack: Sleeping Bag, Foam Pad and solar charger
It should be good and balanced but I think I'll find out on saturday while I am riding to Lake Simcoe and back. Hopefully it is not too heavy and Dante handles well..you'll find out on the next post.
Countdown to the Trip = 35 Days Left
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