Seven days to go before I start out from San Diego, CA on a three-month, 4,200 mile cross-country adventure. It’s the chance of a lifetime to be able to pair something I care deeply about – the connection between our national security here at home and the degree to which we invest in the rest of the world – with such a personally challenging and exciting experience. I’m so grateful to everyone who is helping to make the Make US Strong campaign a reality – by reading this blog, making a contribution, through sponsorship or moral support. Yes, I’ll be the one with thunder thighs by May, but none of this would have happened without you.
For those interested, I’ve posted a list of all the gear I’ll be carrying at the bottom of this post. I might add, subtract or replenish an item or two while on the road, but this is everything I think I’ll need for the next three months.
Stay tuned. In the coming days, we’ll be counting down the hours, minutes, and seconds until I hit the road. On Tuesday, February 7th, when I officially roll out, my friend and fellow Truman Partner, Josh Tetrick, will be posting updates on Huffington Post about my first day of riding. Stuff like, “12 PM. She’s still riding.” Just kidding, it will be more exciting than that.
Have any last minute tips, questions, or suggestions before I start peddling? Tweet them to me @jgoldbeck
Cycle for Security Cross-Country Bike Trip Packing List
BIKING CLOTHES
2 pairs padded bike shorts
1 pair padded bike leggings
1 pair padded bike sweats
1 fleece-lined windbreaker
1 rain-proof vest/windbreaker
1 pair rain pants
1 long sleeve biking shirt
2 bike t-shirt jerseys
1 bike tank-top jersey
1 pair clip-in bike shoes
3 pairs gloves: fingerless, wet weather, windproof/cold weather
1 pair shoe covers
1 helmet cover
CAMPING CLOTHES
2 pairs padded bike shorts
1 pair padded bike leggings
1 pair padded bike sweats
1 fleece-lined windbreaker
1 rain-proof vest/windbreaker
1 pair rain pants
1 long sleeve biking shirt
2 bike t-shirt jerseys
1 bike tank-top jersey
1 pair clip-in bike shoes
3 pairs gloves: fingerless, wet weather, windproof/cold weather
1 pair shoe covers
1 helmet cover
CAMPING CLOTHES
1 Make US Strong sweatshirt
1 long-sleeve flannel shirt
3 t-shirts
1 knit hat
1 pair of smartphone sensitive gloves
1 sweatshirt
1 pair of jeans
1 lined down jacket
3 t-shirts
1 knit hat
1 pair of smartphone sensitive gloves
1 sweatshirt
1 pair of jeans
1 lined down jacket
WORKOUT CLOTHES
1 Under Armour sweatshirt
1 pair running shorts
2 pairs running tights
1 pair running shoes
EVENT CLOTHES
2 Make US Strong t-shirts
1 blazer
1 pair black pants
1 pair lightweight black canvas sneakers
BIKING EQUIPMENT
1 multi-tool
1 chain tool
1 patch kit
1 bottle chain grease, lube, cleaner
1 hand pump
1 emergency CO2 tire inflater and extra cartridges
2 extra tubes
1 extra tread
1 jar assorted screws, nuts and bolts
1 front LED light
1 rear LED light
1 set of quick release tire spindles
1 iPhone handlebar mount casing
1 set of headphones with microphone
2 rear panniers, 2 front panniers, 1 seat bag
MULTI-PURPOSE EQUIPMENT
1 mini roll of duct tape
1 roll of rope twine
1 bottle WD40
2 bungee cords
1 Spyderco knife
1 can extended spray pepper spray
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
1 2-person, 3-season tent
1 sleeping bag
1 inflatable sleeping pad
1 headlamp
1 lighter + matches
1 lightweight backpacker stove
1 spork
HYGIENE + MEDICAL
1 toiletries kit
1 first aid kit
1 bottle Advil liquigels
1 bottle multi-vitamins
1 bag of baby wipes
1 stick of chamois cream
1 antibiotic backpacking towel
WORKOUT GEAR
1 TRX suspension training kit
1 set of headphones
1 iPhone armband
FOOD + WATER
1 supply of Clif bars, trail mix, jerky, fruits and veggies
1 box of electrolyte powder mix
3 water bottles
1 Camel Back
1 inflatable water bladder
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
1 iPhone + charger
1 SPOT GPS satellite communicator and charger
1 laptop + charger
2 3.4 watt Voltaic solar panels + V39 battery
LED light chargers and various extra cords/adaptors
APPS
Google Maps, Compass, Cyclometer, My Fitness Pal, Camp & RV, Warm Showers, Bike Repair, WordPress, Dropbox, Instagram, iMovie, Spotify, Pandora, NPR Music, This American Life, Audible, Kindle, iTunes U
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