Jul 7 - packing and lists

Lists, lists, Lists. I keep lists for lots of things (probably my age) -- closing up the cottage before winter, packing lists for travel etc. and naturally I've been making and updating a checklist for the upcoming LOL 1000 -- a three day ride -- where I have to carry it all with me. I'll be traveling far from lightly, but so far I'll be able to manage it all on my frame rack. The bike fully loaded, including water but not including me ... clocks in at 37 pounds. Yikes. Oh well, it was 35-36 pounds on the Shenandoah, just not as bulky.

Here's what I have so far ... and I may add some more updates before I leave mid-day tomorrow, Wednesday, for Toronto. The ride starts Thursday at 6 a.m. I also have notes for myself on where things are at this point and some items are on the list that I've already pretty well decided will NOT come. There may also be changes based on the latest weather report before I leave -- pluses or minuses. Also, there are things that are automatic with my Brevet bike, like hub-generator wheel, headlights etc. Passports are required for the two border crossings (Canadian and U.S. since I'm a dual-citizen).

-- toothbrush, toothpaste, suntan lotion, chamois cream
-- 2 sets - socks, short sleeved jerseys, shorts (wearing third set)
-- reflective gear (Sam Browne belt & ankle reflectors)
-- arm & leg warmers (not packed yet)
-- long sleeved jersey, rain jacket
-- cycling shoes
-- helmet, gloves, biking glasses, clear lenses or my regular glasses for night
-- 3 days Perpetuem (one in pockets, 2 in pack), gels, electrolytes (gels not packed yet, may carry in pockets)
-- chewing gum
-- mp3 player and earbuds
-- batteries AA (8 spare) & AAA (4 spare)
-- finish line bike lube (not packed yet, depends on space)
-- Garmin 705 & 4xAA charger & 120v charger (120v charger not packed, probably won't go)
-- cateye tail-lights (2)
-- helmet light (not packed yet)
-- band-aids
-- cell phone & 120v charger (120v charger not packed, probably won't go)
-- kleenex and/or toilet paper (you never know)
-- wallet and passports
-- standard toolkit - multi tool, spoke wrench, pliers, screwdriver, drug-store folding glasses
-- 3 spare tubes, tire levers, hand pump, CO2 pump, patches
-- cue sheet / brevet card holder
-- water bottles
-- spare tire (probably won't go, pretty bulky, could zip tie to rack)
-- camera (probably not this time)

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Shopping -- in addition to the list above I've been making a list of places that I want to stop on the way to Stef's. Best Buy -- I need a small, cheap <$50 DVD player for the basement; Ikea -- need another upright for the shelves in the basement -- it's close to Stef and my other stop in Burlington; Bass Pro -- need fishing pliers and a fish basket for putting crappie into rather than a stringer; Brant Sport and Cycle in Burlington -- for the aforementioned (yesterday that is) pack for my frame rack.

At the rate that I'm adding shopping for the trip, I'll be leaving in the morning !

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We had drinks with Jason, Lorraine, Gavin and Kyle after I got back from an early fishing trip. Nothing was biting late afternoon so I didn't have to clean any fish. I did have a scare though -- got down to my fishing spot, stopped, decided to move a hundred feet and the motor wouldn't start. I fished for about 15 minutes worrying the entire time about whether it would start and then tried again. It was completely flooded, with gas floating on the water. I unplugged the gas line at the motor, cranked it for a while more and it started, at which point I reattached the gas line. Whew. I wasn't able to relax after that so I trolled for a while (towards home) and then stopped at my Fall crappie fishing spot and hooked a small bass that jumped out of the water and shook the hook. I got back home at 6pm.

We had crappie for dinner. At this point there are four more meals in the freezer of crappie, catfish and pickerel. Add that to the four or five meals so far and I've probably paid for my gas :).

Today ... finish packing and head out ... that's the plan. Sandy is going into Port Loring this afternoon to see the massage therapist there to try another approach to her back problems, but I'll be gone at that point. Tomorrow morning at 6am we start riding. Don't expect any blogs during the ride ! I may be able to update late today, but then not likely until Sunday. This ride doesn't have a relatively useless website like the Shenandoah 1200. It's just us -- no organization, no volunteers, just we riders.

That's it ...