Bicycle

2005 Fuji Roubaix

For those of you who noticed, you are correct, this is not a touring bicycle, it is on the lower end of Fuji's Road bike line.  But it is what I had and didn't want to buy a new frame or bike.  I have ridden this bicycle for a couple thousand miles locally, including two 150 mile MS rides, two duathlons, and one mini triathlon.  The modifications I have done are not recommended nor approved by Fuji.  The above picture is the stock bike as it came from West Bicycles in Farragut, TN, the local Fuji dealer.  If you have any questions or needs be sure to stop in and see Fares or Kelly.  West also sponsors several rides a year and a weekly ride starting at the store.  If you are going to be in the area please consider joining one of the rides. 

Delta Airzound Bike Horn

 Delta Airzound Bike Horn

This is one of the handiest things for a bicycle I have seen.  It is LOUD.  You can mount the trigger on your handlebars and easily let rude drivers know you are there.  The tank is refillable with a hand pump so you don't have to buy refills, especially good it you are going "Green".  You can see it on Amazon.

Panniers

Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus, Sport Packer Plus,  and Ultimate 5 Plus (Medium) with Map Case

I decided that I needed the best panniers and handlebar bag available and from all my research I believe that Ortlieb is the best.  I read numerous reviews and Ortlieb was the one name that was always listed in the "better than expected" column.  I ordered these from The Touring Store.  Wayne answered all my questions professionally and was a tremendous help in choosing what I needed.  If you have any questions about bags or racks give Wayne a call and mention this site.  (the picture above is not of my bike) 

Rear Rack

Tubus Cargo

This is another item I ordered from The Touring Store.  Again I consulted with Wayne about his chose for my situation and this was the answer.  From my research I found Tubus to be in the "best rack" category for many world travelers.

Front Rack

Delta Mega Rack Shock Treatment Bicycle Front Rack
 

I have carbon forks on my bike and no braze-ons so I knew it would take some modifications to make a front rack work.  I used a longer quick release and was able to use a spacer between the fork and the rack.  I also used a P-clamp from Home Depot (in the electrical department) that has rubber under the metal to protect the fork. 

Tires

Schwalbe Marathon Plus

When looking for a tire to ride across country this one kept coming up as one that seldom had flats.  In fact many reported a full cross country trip without any flats.

Tubes

Slime Self-Sealing Tubes

As an extra bit of protection against flats I chose these tubes after reading many reviews.  Slime tubes will seal themselves against most punctures.

Road ID

The Wrist ID Original

This little piece of equipment will allow me to be identified and provide contacts numbers if I am not able to do so.  Everyone who participates in any outdoor sport or activity should own one.  I wear mine while riding and hiking, even for short around the block trips.  Please read some of the testimonials at www.RoadID.com.  Shouldn't you order one for everyone you care about?  It is available in many styles and colors, one of which is sure to suit your needs.

Tent

Sierra Designs Meteor Light

I have owned this tent for several years and it still performs as it should.  It has been used all across this country and a little in Canada.  This tent uses three identical poles and can be set up in minutes.  It has worked well in extremes from the heat in Death Valley California to the cold of winter camping in Great Smoky Mountains Tennessee to the glitz and glamour of Malibu California (yes, there is a campground in Malibu overlooking the Pacific).    The newer model has two doors and other enhancements.

Sleeping Bag

Big Agnes Horse Thief Sleeping Bag

I bought this bag just a few months before the ride in an attempt to lighten up my load when backpacking.  I have used it and the pad on camping trip to Great Smoky Mountains NP and Shenandoah NP before deciding it was able to handle this trip.

Sleeping Pad

Big Agnes REM Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad

I replaced my Thermarest self inflating pad with this and now my pad and sleeping bag combination is under three pounds!  And I don't bottom out as much as I used to.  I do have to blow it up but it only takes an average of 15 breaths for me and the comfort is worth it.

Water Purifier

SteriPEN Adventurer Handheld Water Purifier

This is one of the coolest devices I have found.  It weighs only 3.6 oz. and purifies 32 oz. of water in 90 seconds.  The technology is well proven and used in commercial water plants.  It exceeds U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for testing microbiological water purifiers.  I have friends who use this for any water they drink in other countries and swear by it.

Multi-Tool

Gerber Diesel Multi Tool w/ One Handed Opening

I have owned several different Gerber tools and this one is the best.  The one-handed opening is very important to me and has come in handy more than once.  I always carry this on my side when hiking.

GPS

Garmin GPSMap 60C

This GPS has served me well over the last couple of years.  Garmin has introduced newer versions of it but so far this one has all the features I need.  I used the Garmin MapSource V9 City Navigator DVD-ROM North America on it for the most current maps.  Check out the Garmins latest versions 60Cx and 60CSx

Handlebar Mount

Garmin 60 Series Handlebar Mount

Here is the best HANDLEBAR MOUNT for a bicycle.  There is also a car DASH MOUNT so you can use the same GPS whether riding, driving, or hiking.

Phone

Sprint PPC6700

Communications for a solo rider can be very important and this phone provides that along with data services, email capabilities and a small keyboard.  I am also able to tether my notebook computer to the phone for internet connectivity .  Verizon also offers this phone but charges three time as much for the data package.