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Remember the TV show, Name That Tune? It has reincarnated several times over the years since it first appeared in the 50's. In one contest, the host reads a clue to a song and players bid as to how few notes they needed to identify the song: "I can name that tune in X notes." Working on what to pack for my trip I keep thinking I'm doing something similar... "I can make that 12-day ride in 9 pounds." "No, wait...I can make that ride in 7 pounds 4 ounces."
Vacationing with only bike bags to fill -- and you have to carry them the whole way -- is most women's nightmare. I already commented to Brian that when I got back home I'd have to burn the few clothes I take. He reassured me that I'd be able to wash things out along the way -- missing my point entirely. I was thinking I'd be so sick of wearing the few clothes I pack after 12 days that I'd never want to see them again. "Silly girl!" he snorted.
But really, how little clothing can I take and still make do? I sure don't want to carry more than necessary, but I also need enough to cover all possible weather situations. It could be hot or cool -- or both in one day. I'll be in the mountains. It'll be early fall. It could rain. And in the evening, I want something really comfortable and decent enough for dinners. My diet scale is in the bedroom right now and I'm weighing things to make choices! Might seem silly now, but I'll be better off on the trail. Over the summer I've been investing in better athletic shirts - lightweight and wicking. I think I'll have more space than I need in the great panniers that Rudy is loaning me. This weekend I'm going to ride with them on the bike and get them 'Scotchguarded'. And while I'm not camping along the way, the girly toiletry products that I will sacrifice and leave home will be my version of roughing it. DEET is necessary. Body lotion is not... or is it?
Vacationing with only bike bags to fill -- and you have to carry them the whole way -- is most women's nightmare. I already commented to Brian that when I got back home I'd have to burn the few clothes I take. He reassured me that I'd be able to wash things out along the way -- missing my point entirely. I was thinking I'd be so sick of wearing the few clothes I pack after 12 days that I'd never want to see them again. "Silly girl!" he snorted.
But really, how little clothing can I take and still make do? I sure don't want to carry more than necessary, but I also need enough to cover all possible weather situations. It could be hot or cool -- or both in one day. I'll be in the mountains. It'll be early fall. It could rain. And in the evening, I want something really comfortable and decent enough for dinners. My diet scale is in the bedroom right now and I'm weighing things to make choices! Might seem silly now, but I'll be better off on the trail. Over the summer I've been investing in better athletic shirts - lightweight and wicking. I think I'll have more space than I need in the great panniers that Rudy is loaning me. This weekend I'm going to ride with them on the bike and get them 'Scotchguarded'. And while I'm not camping along the way, the girly toiletry products that I will sacrifice and leave home will be my version of roughing it. DEET is necessary. Body lotion is not... or is it?