lifecycle: touring 101: the setup

Sunday, October 13, 2013

touring 101: the setup

part of a great day for every tourer will always be a successful & efficient "setup". you might be tired, sweaty, hungry or chilled to the bone, but trust me, this is one area of cross-continental cycling you don't want to slack in.

step 01: bike prop

(required, when available) location, in order of preference: picnic table, park bench, pole, wall, tree or rock. note: not available while stealthing.

step 02: shoes/socks off

(required) tip: switch to flip-flops based on terrain.

step 03: panniers off

(required) your bike needs rest just as much as you do. take care of it.

step 04: tune up & lock up

(required) as mentioned previously, bike care, maintenance and protection is crucial. won't bother you with the details, but there's lots to check on your bike each night and morning. as to locking up - if someone were to run off with your ride during the night, it's almost always a pretty long walk to the next bike shop (especially with all those panniers).

step 05: tarp

(optional, dependent on weather) tip: secure well, not only to avoid wet bikes in the morning, but also any tarp rustling from late night winds. a quiet tarp is a happy tarp.

step 06: tent

(required, rain fly optional based on climate/weather) location, in order of preference: concrete under cover, concrete, grass, gravel or dirt.

step 07: sleep mat

(required) inflate and place in tent

step 08: sleep bag/sheet

(required) unroll and place in tent

step 09: pillow

(required) inflate and place in tent

step 10: panniers in tent

(required) tip: half-filled panniers may be stacked inside each other to conserve space.

step 11: clothesline

(optional, dependent on climate/weather) tip: works great in the West, but be wary of evening/morning dew in the Midwest & East.

step 12: shower

(required, where available) don't be fussy. no matter how dirty the floor & walls are, or how cold the water is, take a shower. not only will you sleep better that night, but you never know when your next one might be.