Three Clydesdales and a Zebra - An Unlikely Herd

Give it a week. At this rate, I'll be riding helmetless down the highway in shorts and flip-flops with a buzz after knocking a few back during lunch.

On a much less entertaining front, I waterproofed my Alpinestars for about the 20th time in the past 10 years. These things have been flawless for a decade. They feel like a comfy pair of slippers, they have super hard soles for extended periods of standing on the pegs, and never leak a drop. I think the Sno Seal stuff works really well. It'll make your boots happy.

The small adjustable wrench has its jaws too far apart. You really are going wild aren't you?

Being a glutton for punishment and helpful "observations", I'm throwing together my toiletries bag this morning and I thought I'd throw together a quick list of the contents for your consideration

• Toothbrush
• Tooth paste (Close-Up...just like Grandpa used)
• Dental floss
• Bar of soap (Irish Spring...also what Grandpa used)
• Small mirror
• Needle and thread (O.D. Green)
• Deodorant (Old Spice...apparently, I really miss that old guy...even 20 years later)
• Band-aids (assorted...No! I'm not listing them by size and shape)
• Finger nail clippers
• Toe nail clippers
• Tweezers
• Dayquil
• Pepto tablets
• Aleve
• Imodium (in case Pepto won't get it done)
• Ibuprofen
• Acetiminophen
• Codeine (not awesome when you're riding)
• Lipitor (to combat the country fried steaks and gravy)
• Benedryl
• Excedrin Migraine
• Indomethacin (prescription anti-inflammatory)
• Multi-vitamins
• Tylenol Night Time Cold and Flu

LOL. It looks like I might have a drug habit, but I rarely take any of these things except for maybe Aleve during firewood season or Pepto after my favorite Mexican restaurant. I just hate the idea of finding myself sick in a hotel room or on the side of the road and not having the right stuff. Besides, pills don't take up much space when you only carry a few of each in those little pill dispenser cases that the old folk use for their daily doses.

Super glue can be useful for closing some cuts. I try to always have a tube/bottle in my toiletries case.

LEFT PANNIER - BLUE TOOL BAG - right between the Stripper/Crimper Tool and the Surgical Gloves

Less than 2 days until launch...

Bob finished packing all of his gear today and actually took the bike out for a brief dry run. He sent out a picture to document the event for posterity.



The saddest part is THAT is his riding gear.

Meanwhile...back at my house...I think the packing is all done. I'll take a hot lap around town to gas up and shakedown my equipment tomorrow and then...6:30AM on Tuesday...I hit the road for Bob's house.

Left Box - still some room to spare


Right Box - I could still squeeze in a sweatshirt or a few souvenir t-shirts



Top Box/Bag - tons of available space and then I can expand it even further if needed. Great place to stash my helmet when riding in those ABATE states.

You could teach classes on packing a bike...

FTFY

Ahhhh...the individual bags for separate items, the mark of a backpacker! Well done!

I am always the guy with the tools, extra oil, tire repair kit, etc. What a pain. If I traveled with you I could just pack up my clothes and hit the road. With that savings of time, weight and space I think I could easily be on your timeline every day!!

Have patience and a safe trip.
TG

I swore I wouldn't do it.

buzz, buzz

It's gone well beyond ridiculous.

buzz, buzz

There's simply no need.

buzz, buzz

It'll have zero impact on my trip.

buzz, buzz

It's not even funny anymore.

buzz, buzz

It's the definition of obsessive compulsive.

buzz, buzz

Get a handle on yourself.

buzz, buzz

This is crazy.

buzz, buzz

You really should consider therapy.

buzz, buzz

And yet...in the end...there I was...6:00AM on Labor Day...

buzz, buzz

Damn those house flies!

And now, for what I hope is the very last time, I present you with Revision G...only 1 beach towel.



I thought I was going to be able to proceed with the trip using Rev. F...flaws and all...until...I was at WalMart yesterday and I saw the J.B. Weld...

I was pretty much screwed from there.

And now I can't figure out where I stashed all those copies of Rev F!

I knew I should have put the locations of the packing lists on the packing list!

Configuration Management is a nightmare!

I need Tom Doyle!

You need to get a handle on this. If there's any question, leave it behind. Don't worry about revising your list. There is most likely nothing you can't find on the road if you really need it. It's not like you're traveling alone.
Hey, I like to be prepared too, but if I need something on the road I've always been able to find it nearby. (yes, I know there are scenarios people have found themselves in where they were stuck, but it's not usually due to clothing, towel, or toiletry shortages)

Oh, yeah. I'm done. The bike is packed and I just completed my successful shakedown run. I made a couple minor suspension adjustments and filled the tank with gas. I'm officially ready to hit the road in a little over 18 hours. Now I need to focus on mowing the lawn and other household chores so my wife doesn't have to do them all in my absence. She's already talking about her plight as a "single parent" so I want to minimize the available ammunition for subsequent discussions about my shortcomings as a father and husband and how I deserted them...

I keep hearing this Springsteen tune in the back of my head...

Got a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack
I went out for a ride and I never went back
Like a river that don't know where it's flowing
I took a wrong turn and I just kept going

Just don't sing it aloud and within her hearing...

Your lawn must grow slower than your toenails! Nail clippers? Seriously? But hey, it's YOUR trip! Take whatever the hell you want! Heck, by now you've most likely got the entire list memorized as to items and locations thereof! As for the missus, maybe she'd like a long relaxing weekend at someplace like Kripalu after you get back......while you mind the house and kiddies? Just a thought.

In the Bike section, Tail Bag is redundant since you have a Tail Bag section.

For the love of God, stop the voices in your head and relax and HAVE FUN! Sedative? Beer, lots of beer?