RALEIGH R-600 ROAD BIKE

This is a truly great bike to ride on a sag-assisted trip where you don't have to carry all your own equipment. It's confortable, stable, strong, lightweight, fast, and durable. The frame is TIG-Welded 7005 Butted Aluminum fitted with a Kinesis Classic Road Alloy Fork. The crankset, derailleurs, shift levers, cog set, hubset, and brake levers are Shimano 105. I much prefer the Shimano brake/shift system to the Campagnolo system found on other bikes. The Shimano is more comfortable, easier to reach and works very smoothly.
 
 

BELL EVO 2 PRO HELMET

THIRD EYE HELMET MIRROR

A mirror is mounted on the left of my helmet to allow for maximum visibility.
 

PROFILE SUPERSTRYKE AERO-BARS

For flat, straight roads where there is little or no traffic, aero-bars are almost a necessity. They allow me to change body position, which after miles of riding is a real relief! Hand pressure is greatly reduced.

SPEEDPLAY FROG CLIPLESS PEDALS

I use these easy-entry/easy-exit pedals. They are great, especially if you are prone to knee problems, such as tendonitis. They provide the maximum amount of float available in a clipless pedal so that your knees can move naturally and are not held in a rigid position. Although they are expensive, for a long-distance ride, the extra comfort is well worth the price! I also use them on my mountain bike -- they remain dirt free even in the worst of conditions (you mountain bikers will appreciate that)!

AVOCET CYCLOMETER 35

This battery-operated cyclometer provides current, average, and maximum speed; trip and total odometer; elapsed time; clock. It's waterproof too (a must for those rainy days). In retrospect, I should have used one that also gave the pedal cadence. It's important not to pedal too slowly up the mountains and I just guess at my cadence!

CONTINENTAL SUPER SPORT ULTRA SPARE FOLDING TIRE

A spare tire is essential to carry on any trip. My folding tire fit easily into my pannier.
 

2 INNER TUBES

Be sure to take new inner tubes. They are inexpensive insurance!
 

TOPEAK EMERGENCY TOOL KIT WITH PATCH KIT

TOPEAK DUAL MASTER BLASTER PUMP

This pump fits both Presta and Schrader Valves, inflates up to 160 PSI, has a built in pressure guage and has a dual chamber for easy tire inflation. It is lightweight and can be easily mounted.

BIKE LIGHT - FRONT AND REAR

LOCK AND CABLE

BUNGEE CORDS OR STRAPS
These are great to tie your wet biking shorts onto your bike to dry.

BIKE RACK

JANDD MOUNTAINEERING PANNIERS
These panniers are waterproof and expandable. There is more than enough space to carry my day gear (i.e. - jacket, snacks, camera, etc.)and they have easy-access zippered side pockets. I've had them for several years and they are great. Had I needed to buy a bag for the trip I would have used a smaller one on my back rack. If you are considering a handlebar bag remember that if you are using Aero-bars, the bag will be difficult if not impossible to mount. Also, a heavy handlebar bag can cause your bike to be off balance.
 

BLACKBURN AMAZON HYDRAPAK SYSTEM
Water bottles are a thing of the past for long-distance rides. Instead consider a hydrapak system. This is a small back-pack that contains a water bladder. Mine holds 100 ounces. A small tube runs from the pack, over your shoulder and attaches to the front strap. It is always in the perfect spot to take a drink. Studies have found that bikers using hydration systems consume 46% more fluid while riding 100 miles than did bikers using bike-mounted water bottles. They also completed the ride over 90 minutes faster! The beauty of this system is that you can get a drink without removing your hands from the bars. You are more likely to remain adequately hydrated. I definitely recommend one!

CYCLING GLOVES
I am using specialized cycling gloves that are designed to have open fingers. They have a large amount of padding to protect your hands from all of the long hours of biking. This is without a doubt a necessity for this lenght of riding.

SIERRA DESIGN STRETCH DOME
This is a great tent for a family or for expeditions. It is even used on expeditions to Mount Everest. This tent has lots of room inside for a three person tent and has a large vestibule to store extra gear in. One of the special features of this is that it has an optional system of guy wires which can be erected inside the tent to keep the tent from flexing thus ruining the poles in wind up to 100mph! Overall this is a perfect tent.

SLEEPING BAG

THERMA-REST SLEEPING PAD
The pad that I am using is a self inflating air pad which is both light and very compact making it great for both cycling and backpacking. It gives your back a rest at night and makes you feel refreshed in the morning.
 

FLASHLIGHT

GORETEX RAIN JACKET

BIKING SHOES

3-5 PAIR SOCKS

POST-RIDING SHOES

SWEATER AND/OR SWEATSHIRT

WINDBREAKER

3 PAIR BIKING SHORTS
Be sure to buy 8 panel shorts. They are a little more expensive but are much more comfortable. Take enough with you so that you can wash them daily.

1 PAIR LONG BIKING PANTS
These tight long pants are much better to wear in cold/wet weather than loose pants. They are warm even when wet and dry quickly.
 

2 BIKE JERSEYS

1 PAIR AFTER-BIKING PANTS

1 PAIR AFTER-BIKING SHORTS

3-4 T-SHIRTS

WOOL GLOVES

WOOL CAP

BATHING SUIT

CAMERA AND FILM

SUN SCREEN - Take plenty!

OAKLEY M-FRAME SUNGLASSES
Be sure to wear glasses while riding. They will protect you from dirt, debris and bugs. Be sure to get UV protection as well. Oakley's are great -- they shed rain as well. Consider carrying an extra clear lens for those really cloudy days.

SWISS ARMY KNIFE

REFLECTIVE VEST

TOWEL AND WASHCLOTH

JOURNAL AND PEN

ADDRESS BOOK

PERSONAL ITEMS

MISCELANEOUS GEAR:

• DRIVER'S LICENSE/ID
• INSURANCE CARD
• TRAVELER'S CHECKS
• CREDIT CARD
• ENERGY SNACKS:ENERGY BARS, BANANAS, DRIED FRUIT ETC.
• STAMPS/ENVELOPES
• PLASTIC TAPE
• INSECT REPELLENT