Some basic packing tips:

1. Pack only what you really need - you'll only be gone for a few days!
2. Use plastic containers whenever possible (breakable items tend to, well, break)
3. Pack your gear in a bag with a strong handle, like a duffel bag. Plastic or paper bags don't hold up and your gear will end up all over the place -- we know this from experience!
4. Please don't use frame backpacks for your gear.
5. Please don't tie bags together! This makes loading/ unloading very difficult, and the bags will come apart.
6. Please bring a mini-gear bag, a small bag to pack a towel and change of clothes on the last day.

A. What to Wear on Trek

Even though we are all counting on excellent weather, it's possible we could run into cooler, wet weather. Two things to remember about wet weather: it rarely stays wet for very long, and it doesn't really matter as long as you are ready for it. Staying warm is the most important consideration so pay special attention to this section on what to wear. Layering your clothes is a good concept. It is then relatively easy to dress comfortably and adjust for your riding rate and changing weather conditions.

• Rain gear: This is important and while we can't require that you bring it, we would if we could. It's no joke to be caught without it if it's really wet. Carry loose fitting, 2-piece waterproof nylon rain gear (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is probably the best. Ponchos also work. Tyvek is NOT rain gear. Cheap plastic or vinyl rain gear is easily torn.
• Helmet: An ANSI or Snell-approved helmet is required. A headband helps in cooler weather.
• Riding gloves: Highly recommended for palm protection. Light polypropylene or wool gloves work well under riding gloves in wet and/or cool weather.
• Undershirt: Polypropylene or wool undershirt is ideal. Cotton is okay but only in warm weather.
• Outer shirt: Bike jersey, wool shirt or sweater if cool and/or windbreaker (a tyvek jacket is great).
• Pants: We recommend bicycle shorts and long pants (either bicycle tights to wear over your shorts or polypropylene or wool long underwear to wear under regular shorts). Bicycle shorts are great because they are designed to keep you comfortable on your bike seat. Jeans or cut-offs are not great because their seam design can cause a lot of discomfort. You'll be more comfortable in long pants if the temperature drops below 55, especially if it is wet. Sweats are okay if it's warm enough, but once they get wet, either from rain or perspiration, they can chill you.
• Socks: Wool or polypropylene in wet weather. Plastic bags over the socks in wet weather can help.
• Shoes: Bicycle shoes are ideal. However, stiffer sole cross training or tennis shoes work just fine. Try to avoid the type of sole that has bumpy or protruding surfaces that might prevent your shoe from slipping easily out of your toe clips. Although not necessary, toe clips & straps are recommended for safety - to help prevent your feet from slipping off the pedals, and efficiency - by improving your pedaling.
• ID and Money and Health Insurance Card

B. What to Carry on your Bike

• ID, money, health insurance card (Required)
• Rain gear (Required)
• Trip-Tik (maps & directions; provided at check-in) (Required)
• Water bottle -- in your bag or tied on your bike (Required)
• Front Handlebar Light (Strongly Recommended)
• Handlebar bag, seat bag or rear pannier (Recommended)
• Tire Patch kit and tire irons (Recommended)
• Tire pump (Recommended)
• Extra tube for your tire size (Recommended)
• Basic tool kit: screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pliers, etc. (Recommended)
• Plastic bags to cover your shoes & feet in wet weather (Recommended)
• Dry socks and shirt (not cotton) (Recommended)
• Snacks (fruit, nuts, candy -- it'll keep you going) (Recommended)
• Bike lock (Recommended)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen (Recommended)
• Comfort kit for cruddy weather; 2 garbage bags (Recommended)
• Camera (keep it well protected) (Luxury)

C. What to Put on the Gear Truck

Here's what you might consider putting into a compact canvas or nylon bag for the gear truck to carry. Mark your bags for quick identification (we'll give you tags so you'll know where to find your gear). It's also a good idea to mark individual pieces of gear and clothing. Two bags, one for clothing and the other for camping/sleeping gear is a convenient way to pack.

1. Tent: Optional - bring one if you'd like more privacy than sleeping in the gym. Don't forget a waterproof ground cloth and a rainfly for your tent. Set it up before you leave to become familiar with its operation.
2. Sleeping Bag: at least 1-1/2 lb. down or 2 lb. fiberfill.
3. Insulating Ground Pad: Blue foam, thermarest, foam or even an air mattress.
4. Duffel or other bag for gear: Some things you might put in it:

• About 4 pairs of socks (at least 2 wool)
• Enough changes of underwear and T-shirts for your trek
• Extra set of cycling clothes
• Casual clothes for wearing in the evenings, including regular shoes
• Coat, jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings
• Gloves and cap for cool mornings and evenings
• Large towel, a hand towel and a wash cloth
• Soap, razor, tooth stuff, make-up, chapstick, aspirin, vaseline, talc, contact/eyecare items
• Prescription medications (in their original, marked containers) - carry on you at all times
• Extra prescription glasses
• Flashlight (very important for outside camping)

Use this as a guideline for packing, and remember, you won't be away from home forever!