Feeling like I’m going a little crazy today.  I am both nervous and excited!  Less than two weeks before lift off and time is flying.  Am I really doing this?  I don’t even know what I’m going to wear for my wedding, but I suppose that’s the least of my concerns. Ha! Ha!

I finally laid out everything I have so far, and I’m sadly thinking it’s way too much stuff.  The last time I did this, I did not have any of this technology stuff…and well things like battery chargers are heavy.  Also, I want to bring my Martin Backpacker travel guitar.  While it is smaller and lighter than your average guitar, it’s still a heavy item to add to the bike…but I really, really want to bring it.   Playing music has proven to be such a great way to connect with people.  We’ll see if that ends up being an item I ship back.

Speaking of charging, I am patiently waiting to hear from the Voltaic solar company, which specifically makes solar panel and battery set ups for bicycles.  They supposedly give one solar set up away per month to a person on a nifty adventure.  I wrote to them and I am hoping they choose me this month.  My fingers are crossed.  I would really like to experiment with solar power on this trip!   I do believe that keeping my stuff charged, so I really can work from the road, is going to be my biggest challenge.

Whoo hoo…yesterday I was the highest bidder on Ebay for some used waterproof Orlieb panniers (bicycle bags).   I’ve never had waterproof panniers before, but I can tell you it gets old using garbage bags inside non-waterproof ones (inevitably you accidentally catch the garbage bag in the zipper and cause a hole).  Given the technology I have with me, it’s also crucial that I keep things dry.  So I did a compromise, my two old bags on the front and my Orlieb panniers on the rear.  I can’t wait to try them.

Also, I scored a used lightweight tent and used sleeping bag (rated for 15 degrees).   The only problem is that the tent currently smells like mildew, but I’ve been told of a product that is supposed to take care of it.  Again, fingers crossed!  It’s on my list of things to pick up tomorrow.  One last REI (outdoor store) run to take back a few items and snag a few more little things.

I’m aiming to do a little test ride this Saturday.  It should be interesting.  I have not rode my bike in over 2 weeks.  Sadly, I’ve been far too busy preparing, organizing, and trying to finish up some writing to make time to exercise –not good!