At this point, we’re seasoned travelers. We’ve gotten good at unpacking and re-packing our gear, roadside fixes, anti-chafing strategies, and beating the heat on a bike. So, we wanted to give a shout out to a few items that have carried us through.
THE KITCHEN SINK
At first it felt a little over the top to bring a kitchen sink. But, we’ve loved having this collapsible one with us. For laundry, dishes, or end-of-day foot soaks, this guy pops up and includes a drain at the bottom. For a real crafty camping sink, works well with a camelback bladder plus gravity for running water.
THE TOWER OF POWER
We are in the age of devices, that all charge with USB. Why use 6 outlets when you can just use 1? We charge lights, phones, kindles, and extra battery packs all overnight in one little cluster. Especially helpful when traveling in a group, and all have drained devices all at once.
WATERPROOF PORTABLE SPEAKER
For bumping tunes on the road. Clips onto the bike, or has a suction cup on the back
HANDLEBAR PHONE MOUNT
Keeps your maps at your fingertips and your phone secure (But, don’t text and ride!!!) Also, we should plug the app that we’ve been using to get around: Komoot. It has options for various fitness levels and terrains and tells you what the hills look like before you tackle them (a blessing and a curse).
TALIA’s HELMET
Talia won’t take it off for meals or naps. Safety, shade, and comfort.
MK’s CYCLING BIB
Hugs MK’s body and doesn’t move at all. Any type of shorts with padding is a must, but, compared to shorts, a bib causes less chafing and less pressure on the tummy—- all good things. MK picked this one up at a cycling store on the Cape.
KELLY’s VASOLINE and POWDER
There are many products out there marketed to prevent chafing and saddle sores. But, Kelly is keeping it classic with Vasoline and Baby Powder. We’ve promised to not talk about genitals on this blog, so I’ll spare you the details. But, if you have a big ride coming up, reach into your medicine cabinet for these things. Just be careful where you sit after.
MK’s Sleeping Quilt
This item came in the evening before we took off. MK was so excited to get this item, she rushed to a faraway REI right before closing to pick it up. Worth every ounce of effort, it has kept her warm but not too warm on these summer nights. It’s backless which is perfect for hot evenings and cool mornings. The bottom ties around your sleeping pad, and there’s a pocket to keep your feet cozy. Or you can snug it all the way around you to like a pig in a blanket. Super lightweight too, 1 lb 3 oz
TALIA’s ROPE (from Sarah Fuller)
A quick fix but a permanent one. Keeps the rack on tight with fancy sailor knots. Also, check out out fancy license plates (from Walmart). CT pride!
These are a few of our favorite things!! Feel free to comment with questions about our rigs.
-SG and the gang
Coast to Coast for a Cause 2020 