Weight. I know you know. Keep it down. You will be miserable in a bivy, likewise in a tent. So be light and go with the bivy.
Water. Often, 3 big bottles will do between stops. I used a dropper of bleach for groundwater, 3 drops per 70 oz. You'll need temporary extra capacity...
Backpack. I was sad not to have one most days. My medium hip-pack was not enough to carry all the food I would need, so I ran out at least 3 times before I picked one up.
Clothes. I liked having 2 pairs of riding shorts, 2 pairs of socks, various top layers. Misery factor was lessened by 1/2 by having a light T-shirt and camp shorts to be only worn off the bike. Have a nice wool layer in there, and keep your head warm.
Rain. You'll be wet/miserable in full rain gear, you'll be wet/miserable in half rain gear.
Lights. You won't be sorry that you have great lights. Some of my best days, were nights! Critical for surviving/dodging NM heat at least!
Pace. Know/learn how hard you can push for hours on end, and don't worry about the fast crowd. Be patient out there! The biggest time gains are made by riding super long hours, not super fast ones!
Bears. Always make noise in bear country. I only saw one very startled Grizz and sang a lot of Van Halen (Roth). Did he not like VH?
Navigation. GPS yes, with cues used simultaneously.
Cash. Seems like I needed cash in Canada, and used mostly plastic in US, but in NM cash was the only way out sometimes.
Tip generously, it will help to leave a positive TD impression. And have some change for the Vending Machines of Salvation.
Sunscreen. This goes double for the Euro crowd. Use it every day, everywhere you are exposed!
More later with a focus on gear, because I'm getting better my child.
Nice! I'll have more questions later.
ReplyDelete