Sleeping bag

[Melalvai]

I hadn't thought of fire starters. I bet I can find some locally.

Knowing that I get the most enjoyment out of planning a thing, I have already started a journal: Rachel's Epic Bicycle Adventure.

My husband will post updates after I call in every night, and when I get back I'll post the details & pictures.

[uforgot]

I just saw this thread! Have a great time and I'm looking forward to reading about the journey. I hope the crazy Missouri May weather is nice for you.

[sfa]

I'm so excited for you! I love living vicariously through other people's adventures.

It sounds like you're well prepared. I'd go with the propane stove rather than fires. Some campgrounds have fire restrictions, and a propane stove is just more reliable and convenient. After a long day of riding, the last thing I'd want to do is run around getting firewood. Besides, you'll probably lose a couple of pounds in the first couple of days of riding and that'll make up for the extra weight of the propane!

But if you really want to be hardcore, I took a class once in firestarting using flint, steel and charred linen. It doesn't get much more lightweight than that. I don't think I'd ever want to rely on it, though.

Good luck! I can't wait to hear your daily reports!

Sarah

[Melalvai]

Claudia,
I saw on another thread you mentioned you stay in KOAs. There isn't one on my route, I'm staying in 2 state parks, the AOK in St Joe, and a campground on the Wabash Trace when I get to Iowa. Do you have any experience with the St Joe AOK? Is it a decent campground?

[Tuckervill]

Are you going to be on the Katy Trail? I use bikekatytrail.com, but I can't get it to load right now. There used to be cyclists reviews on there of all the campgrounds.

Karen

[uforgot]

Nope, I've never been there. I found the website and it looks nice. You'll have to post a review. What roads are you taking to St. Joe?

[Melalvai]

Are you going to be on the Katy Trail? I use bikekatytrail.com, but I can't get it to load right now. There used to be cyclists reviews on there of all the campgrounds.

Yeah, the Katy Trail comments are often a good read. I'll be on the Katy until Boonville, then I head north.

Claudia, I just pm'd you re my route.

[Melalvai]

Yesterday afternoon I got a message from a university I've applied to. They want me to come for an interview. On the phone interview last week, I mentioned the dates of my bike trip in case they needed to contact me during that time. Knowing that I'd be gone on that trip, they asked if I could come for the interview THIS WEEK. They want me there Wed night and have me booked with meetings until Friday at noon. The university is 4 hours away.

I'd chosen Saturday as my departure date so that I'd have time to grade papers Thurs & Fri.

Guess I'll forego sleeping instead. I wasn't going to be well rested for the start of the Epic Adventure anyway. I know I'll be too nervous & excited to sleep!