Conclusion and hints for such a trip.
Trip Start
Jul 02, 2010
1
40
Trip End
Aug 15, 2010
Seymour, Missouri
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Before we left for the Great Northern Adventure we tried to research what was needed for such a trip, I had no idea just a guess. My oldest daughter tried some bike forums on the Internet she got a few ideas but not much. I had been on a couple of week-long bike trips in the lower 48 where there were always services within 30 minutes.
Yes I would do it again; Connie don't want to go again on a bike but maybe go to Haines and rent a cabin for a few weeks fish and bear watch.
We did miss our Grandkids, Kids, Family and Church Family very much but the cellphones, travelblog and internet helped a lot with that.
Things that worked and why in no peculiar order.
1. Aluminum trailer: bear proof.
2. Aluminum insulated food box: bear and varmint proof.
3. Tent cots: can be set up anywhere and off the ground a good night's sleep is important.
4. 30 degree sleeping bags: you are not going to be riding your bike in much colder weather.
5. Sleeping bag liner or a sheet sewn into a ¾ bag: added warmth or great for a sleeping bag on hot nights.
6. AAA membership or similar: peace of mind. A flat tire on the Haul road could be very expensive.
7. Extra dry bags: you or the wife will be picking up extra stuff along the way guaranteed. Note: You can stop by a post office and ship souvenirs home in case of overload.
8. Laundry all in one detergent/dryer sheets, a dry bag for dirty clothes: plan to stop at a laundry mat once a week. Soap powder will get spilled, guaranteed.
9. Extra bungee cords don’t buy cheap ones; don’t ask why.
10. A book for down days: it’s nice to kick back a day of rest and relaxation.
11. A small 12v air compressor and some tire sealant, basic hand tools, electrical tape, wire, a good mult-tool: It may save you from walking that last 3 miles to the tire shop.
12. A small gas can: don’t ask why just get it and fill it.
13. Oil filter and extra quart of oil: just in case.
14. A small spray can of WD-40: drying electrical connections, sticky cables, squeaky spots.
15. Spare trailer tire with the correct bolt pattern; don’t ask
16. Self inflating pad to go under your sleeping bag: much warmer
17. Camp pillow:
18. Small stove, metal cup, metal bowl, small metal pot, spoon or spork, small bottle dish soap, small pot scrubber, knife.
19. cup-of-soup, instant cereal, trail mix, peanut butter, squeeze bottle of jelly, small bottle hot sauce, crackers, bottled water, instant coffee, small cans of fish and/or meat, salt, pepper.
20. Small digital camera with lots of memory: get one that will fit in your pocket and use replaceable batteries (much less hassle and last longer):
21. Boot grease; HD has a good one.
22. 3 pairs of pants, long sleeve T shirts, and week’s worth of under clothes, one set of leathers, rain suit, one set of under armor.
23. Two or three credit cards (different brands visa, discover, etc) some cash.
24. Call your credit card company and make sure they will work in the states and countries you will be visiting. (they may be blocked in high fraud states/countries)
25. Wool boot socks and white nylon socks for liners. (a good combo)
26. GPS (peace of mind and safety)
Things that you don’t need!
1. Lawn chairs: campsites have benches and they are not needed at the motel.
2. More than one week of clothes: too much space needed, now convince your lady of that.
3. More than one coat: get one with a removable liner for a broader temp range.
4. More than one pair of boots: remember space.
5. More than three days meals: you can always pick something up at the gas station you are on a bike ride not a wilderness adventure.
6. Rechargeable batteries: they turn out to be a hassle just buy a large pack and pitch them in the trash as used. (so I’m not green)
