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The following information was compiled
by members of the Executive Committee and with reference
to materials
provided to us by the following events: Minnesota Red
Ribbon Ride, Action Cycling Together [ACT] of Madison,
Wisconsin, and the Empire State AIDS Ride of New York.
General Information After all the miles of training and the months of
fundraising, you may find packing for the event to
be the most intimidating task of all. But, you can
do this! The following guidelines and list have been
together for you by experienced cyclists who have successfully
prepared and packed for other similar events. This
information will continue to be updated until a couple
of weeks before we leave for the Challenge..
Before we share some information
of How and What To Pack, here are a few guidelines
to help minimize expense
and ensure you’re fully prepared for your 4-day
adventure:
__ You’re limited to
one bag to carry your gear. This can be a large canvas
duffel or tote bag,
or even a large suitcase. Your sleeping bag, pillow,
and pad should fit inside your gear bag.
__ Your gear bag should not exceed 70 pounds.
__ Your tent may be separate from your gear bag.
It should be labeled with your name and contact information.
__ Each morning, you will take your tent and gear
bag to a gear truck. Your tent and gear bag will be
transported to the next camp for you.
__ When you get to camp each evening, you will locate
your tent and gear bag, and transport them to the tent
area.
__ Unless you’re flush with cash want to spend
it, there’s a lot you can do to minimize expense.
Consider borrowing and renting equipment.
__ Although you can do a lot to minimize expense,
do not skimp on your helmet, cycling shorts, or shoes.
These items are key to your comfort and safety!
__ Don’t buy cycling equipment and clothing
right before the event. You should give yourself a
few weeks to break in your gear and make it’s
comfortable.
__ We do not provide tents
for this event. Although you’ll need to provide your own tent [limited
to a size of 10’ x 10’], you’re not
required to have a tent mate.
__ Fire and fuel-powered devices are not permitted
in camp; this includes candles.
__ We’ll be staying
at fairground facilities at the end of each day.
Shaded lawn areas will be available
for tents. We will have hot showers and flush toilets
while in camp. We cannot guarantee that electricity
will be available for such needs as electric razors
and charging of telephones.
__ If you forget to bring
something, it’s not
a catastrophe! There will be stores along the route,
and each evening camp is within walking distance of
a large supermarket and/or drugstore.
Now, on to a few ideas on how to pack for the Challenge!
How To Pack
Here are a few ideas on how you can pack efficiently
and minimize discomfort while en route:
__ We recommend the use of disposable zip-lock plastic
bags to pack items that may leak or clothing that needs
to stay dry.
__ You may wish to pack each
day’s cycling
outfit into a separate plastic bag. This minimizes
the need to rummage through your gear bag to find what
you want to wear.
__ Your shower towel likely will not dry entirely
at night, so, consider bringing a plastic bag to place
it in, after use.
__ A method of hydration is essential; this may include
a hydration pack and/or water bottles.
__ Although technical support will be available in
camp and during lunch, you should carry a basic bicycle
repair kit. At a minimum, this includes a frame pump,
patch kit, extra tube, tire levers, and a multi-tool.
Also, you should always carry your identification and
some cash.
__ All participants are encouraged to bring a cellular
telephone and keep it with them while on the route.
Most of the route receives good cellular reception.
You should only use your cellular telephone after coming
to a full stop!
__ If you’d like to
minimize what you pack, consider pairing up with
another participant and figure
out which one of you will bring certain items that
can be shared.
__ Layered clothing is best. The climate can change
a lot along the route in May. It can be damp and cool
in the morning, and very warm by late afternoon. Please
click here [link to Learn / Route Description] for
climate information.
__ Do not use bungee cords for packing; they may
unsnap and harm the Crew.
Now, on to what to pack for the Challenge...
Click Here
for the Packing List! |
