Packed Bikes

People have asked how we packed up the bikes for such a long trip, especially since we were also carrying camping gear (tent, fly, poles, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, etc.) Here is a picture of both bikes ready to leave Gettysburg.

On Bev's, you can see five places on the bike for packing "stuff": the lower/left side saddlebag (on road side if stopped) has items not necessarily used on a daily basis such as bike washing fluids/cloths, exercise bands, rain boot covers, extra clothing for cold weather, bike locks for night, ferry tie-downs, running shoes, etc.; the higher/right side saddlebag has daily items that would be used while travelling such as maps, windshield wash, sunblock, food, peak, various chargers, etc. as it is easier to access on that side when stopped on the road; the three on the top behind her include the bike night cover (great as a lumbar support), a rubberized baha bag with all clothing, and a fishing tackle box on the back with toiletries, makeup, pills, etc. etc. Under bungies on top is rain gear for instant access.

On Dave's, you can see five places as well: the big blue rubberized bag on the passenger seat contains 2 self-inflating air mattresses, 2 sleeping bags and the tent/fly; the smaller black bag on top of the blue bag contains miscellaneous camping equipment such as utensils, plates, bearspray, trustly duct tape, etc.; the big box on the back contains the laptop, shoes, extra warm clothing; the lower/left saddlebag has diabetic supplies and clothing; the higher/right saddlebag has more clothing and toiletries and a small pack for day trips.

We also included a photo of a "kamping kabin" at a KOA where we stayed towards the end of trip when it was too cold to camp out in a tent. In future years we think we will loose the tent and just use motels and such "kabins" as the beds are a whole lot easier to get out of then sleeping mats on the ground.

Also, you can see on the back of Bev's bike...."when in Rome, do as the Romans"....Americans are a heck of lot more patriotic than are we!! AND, it meant that the cars and trucks gave Bev lots of space....she was thinking they were saying "aw, look it's a female on a bike...a Canadian too !"