This is what I think I’ll be bringing on this summer’s upcoming trans-America bike ride. Feel free to use it for your own trips, I’ll write a comprehensive one when the bike finally gets loaded up in May.
ON THE BIKE
Bike
Trailer
Trailer flag
Helmet
Hat (skullcap, stocking cap, or helmet liner)
Bandannas
Shirt – long sleeve
Shirt – short sleeve
Neck gator
Arm warmers
Fleece / Wool top
Bike shorts
Thermal pants or lightweight tights
Leg warmers
Socks – short
Socks – knee highs
Bike shoes
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Gore-tex gloves
Gore-tex socks (seal skin)
Gloves – short
Gloves – long
Gloves – wool
OFF THE BIKE
Hat – sun
Hat – warm (wool or other)
Underwear
Boxers
Shirt – long sleeve
Shirt – short sleeve
Jacket (warm enough for region)
Pants
Skirt
Sense of adventure
PJ’s
Socks
Shoes OR Sandals
Swim Suit
Fleece / Wool top
Shampoo
Body soap
Deodorant
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Floss
Neosporin
Tweezers
Nail clippers
Lotion
Good attitude
Sunscreen
Vaseline
Lip stuff
Ibuprofen
Q-tips
Razor
Brush / comb
Contact solution
Contacts (case); spares
Band-Aids
Quick dry towel
Earplugs
Washcloth / scrubby
Chamois butter
Multi-tool
Chain lube
Tubes
Patch kit
Cassette removal tool (aka Hypercracker)
Chain links
Pump
Spokes (front, rear d/nd)
Derailleur cable
Brake cable
Rag for cleaning chain and cables
Electrical tape
Schrader / Presta adaptor
Zip ties
Spare tire
Adjustable crescent wrench (6-inch)
Assorted nuts and bolts
Allen wrenches (2-4-5-6-8 mm)
15mm wrench (pedal removal)
Spoke tool
Tire levers
Vise Grips
Cassette lock ring tool
Brake pads
Ortlieb mounting hardware
Spare cleats and cleat bolts
Assorted hose clamps
Bailing wire
Dad (most useful tool on the trip)
Book (s)
Games
Gifts for hosts
Mini sewing kit
Eye cover to wear when it isn’t dark enough out
Copies of travel information, credit cards, passport
Money belt
stuff sacks in various sizes
Card with insurance & in case of emergency contact info
Cell phone & charger
Camera
Camera tripod
Camera cleaning cloth, grey card, other equipment needed
Media cards
Camera battery charger
Batteries / charger
Thumb drives
Biosystems engineer
Computer
Computer adaptor
USB cable
Small screwdriver kit
2 blank CD’s
iPod
Plug adaptor
Maps / Maps case
Guidebooks
Bug spray
Lighter
Pepper spray
Watch with altimeter & alarms
Nylon bag (small roll-up for spontaneous shopping)
First Aid kit
Compass
Whistle
Duct Tape
Leatherman / Swiss Army
Sunglasses
Wallet (cash and credit cards)
Passport
Notepad/Journal
Pen / pencil
Tissues
Business cards with CGOAB web address
Banjo and case
Banjo strings
Toilet Paper
Laundry soap
Sleeping Bag w/ stuff sack
Sleeping Pad
Tent w/ stuff sack
Cat hole shovel
Tarp OR Ground Cloth
Weather Radio (maybe)
Clothesline with clips
Carabiners
Nalgene bottles or 1/2L collapsible bladders
Day pack
Bungee Cords
Sleeping pad to chair converter
Silk liner
Pillow (aka Big Agnes)
Headlamp
Velcro bands
Webbing
Stove
Stove base
Stove windshield
Fuel bottle
Pot holder / handle
Container for eating
Utensils
Pot w/ lid
Campsuds (soap)
Sponge
Small garbage bags
Water purification tablets
Fire starter
That’s all. Really. Piece of cake.
Science by Sam Jordan 
How much do you reckon all of that gear will weigh?
Stick to merino wool clothing!
Sheesh. This is the trip where you are going to get away from it all?
I have one more thing for you. I’ll give it to you later.
You didn’t put snacks: Nutter Butters, Gummi Bears, and Bit O Honeys. Make sure you keep track of when/how many times you used each item, and exactly how far away that item would be to buy if you didn’t have it.
On my way to Iowa – can’t wait to tell you about the convention.
xoxoxo