A Working Equipment List

The equipment list is currently as follows and will be updated as it becomes more complete.
Last Edit: June 11, 2007

Camping:
Gas stove: Dragonfly, MSR
(2) 650 ml gas container: MSR
Kitchen set: Blacklite, MSR. I sent home the pan to cut down on weight
Sleeping bag: MEC Phareo (-7C)
Sleeping pad: Big Agnes, insulated, self-inflated.
Tent: Hubba Hubba (that means you, ladies), MSR
Homemade tent footprint (improvised tarp)
Head lamp
Pocket knife
rope: 50'
Duct tape
camp soap
Tarp: 9' x 12', for cowering
toilet paper

Bicycle:
Devinci Caribou C2: w/ disc brakes
Rear and Front Racks: Journey, Axiom
Fenders
Front and Rear Panniers: Champlain, Axiom, with covers
Handlebar Bag: Radisson, Axiom
3 bottle cages
3 water bottles + 2 1L Nalgene bottles
Cycle computer
Helmet
Bike gloves
2 spare tubes
1 spare tire: TopContact, Continental
Pump/ tire gauge
bell

Misc:
Microfiber towel
Bungie cords
Nylon straps
12 W solar panel: Sent home!
Kodak DX4530 digital camera, 3 batteries, memory card, lenses, cord
Maps: of every province and major city
Backpack
iPod, headphones, charger
First Aid kit
Ayn Rand's "Altlas Shrugged"

Clothing:
2 pairs quick-dry pants/shorts
2 pairs biking shorts
1 pair rain pants
2 quick-dry t-shirts
2 quick-dry long sleeve shirts
1 fleece pullover
1 rain jacket, Goretex
1 pair bike shoes: Shimano SH-MT70
2 pair running socks
water-proof booties
long-johns: sent home in Alberta
tuque
Sandals
wool socks
2 pairs normal socks
2 pairs underwear

Food

On tour I usually have WAY too much food. I mean, I could live on the food I carry for days and days if I wanted to. Why do I do this? A few reasons. I don't like knowing that I don't have any food on me. Some people cycle without any and buy at their first opportunity. I feel safer knowing I could live for a while on my supplies if need be. Also, I like variety so I carry a wide assortment of snacks and meals. The cost is having to lug around a few kilos of pasta, oatmeal, trailmix, energy bars, etc.

Paul and the Art of Bicycle Maintenance

My buddy Paul was gracious enough to lend me his Friday afternoon and expertise to teach me about bike maintenance. I figure it'll come in handy and according to him, if I remember everything he said, and with the right tools, I'd never need to bring the bike in for another tune up again. I'm not sure I have that much faith in myself, but it's a nice thought.

We went through everything from changing a tire to tuning up the brakes and derailleurs, as well as more than a few of my brother's beers. Hey, it's a team effort! Team Phil!





This is me learning what a pedal is.











Paul, Bike Guru










The happiest day: When I used my Advanced Macro- economics (Romer) and Econo- metric Methods (Johnston, DiNardo) text books as a bike stand. They didn't work well, but it still brought a smile to my face.
(Days till Departure: 32)