Bikepacking prep

Going to be a rest day after my 28.9 mile ride yesterday.    Not sore at all, so that's a good sign (fingers crossed).     Even though it's a rest day, I have lots of puttering to do to get ready for Vermont tomorrow.     I'll still have Sunday morning as well to do last minute stuff.   No point leaving before Sunday afternoon because most of the camping spots will still be occupied by the weekend campers.   It's only a 2.5-3 hour drive, no need to rush up.

First task done already today.   I loaded my gear on my bike this morning and just pedaled over to the town's cemetery to test ride.    Everything stayed put nicely and I managed the uphills just fine.     I'll have to bike over there again later after adjusting the rear derailleur; I won't bother loading the gear again though.    I haven't been able to get the shifting right, so I think I have to adjust the hi/low set screws and re-index.   If I don't, it's going to be annoying on a 42 mile bike trip as it is.    Before I go, I also need to deep clean the bike and add more sealant to the tires.   Probably should clean the gears before I fix the shifting.

--update 1:45 p.m. Sat 8/16--   bike is clean and shifting fixed.   basically followed this youtube video, click here

I will say, after adjusting the set screws,  I also needed my park tool cable puller/tightener  https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/cable-stretcher-bt-2

And I noticed the rear derailleur cage was bent and twisted a little, so I straightened it back with some adjustable pliers.   I have a pair that I wrapped the teeth with duct tape so when I squeeze, they don't mar the surface of whatever is getting compressed.   Worked well, the powder coat on the derailleur cage wasn't damaged.

 

Anyhoo, here's some photos showing the setup.    The big red bag on the back is a 20 liter Sea to Summit dry bag.    I used MODL straps to cinch things down, love the 4 way connector over the rear red bag.     The rear rack panniers, frame, feed, and water bottle bags are all Revelate Designs, as well as the handlebar harness holding the tent and poles.    Now that i have some sewing skills, I'll just make my own bags as things wear out (assuming I bikepack enough for things to wear out).

 

 

 

 

 

 

here's a google link to my packing list.     You can't edit it, but you can grab a copy and edit that.  (click on File, then Make a Copy)

 

bikepacking list link

 

 

The Feed Bag i mention in the most horizontal photo is for snack food while riding.   It's easy to flip open and grab stuff.

 

 

And last but not least,  my planned loop.   I'll be starting at the red marker at the top and returning there.   Going clockwise,  when it starts to head South,  that'll be the worst part of the ride.   It'll be paved, but i have a steep 1000 ft climb in just 3 miles.   I plan to eat in Wilmington at "The Roost" at the bottom right.   Halfway down, there's also West Dover, multiple places to eat and a bike shop in case the climb is brutal and I need to resupply early.   Depending on how early I start, West Dover will probably line up with lunch better, idk, but's that's the joy of bikepacking.   Figure it out as you go.