Alc 2009

[ACG]

Does anyone remember what time we can leave in the morning? Is it 6:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m.?

I don't remember.

Thanks!!!

[uk elephant]

It's 6:30 as far as I recall....I think that is what I need to practice now, besides the riding. I'm not a morning person and do not function well before the sun is up...

[Trek420]

Yikes! It's almost Day 0. I need to ask Mariko if there are volunteer slots available. Is there any chance the 3 of you will tent near each other? It could make it easier for me to get news from the ride. That is if you want me to post updates to TE

Duck and UK, see you on the 24th. Will either of you be taking your bikes in for a check up before the ride?

[Duck on Wheels]

Yes, UK and I will both be taking our trusty steeds to the bike spa for a check-up. Probably delivering them there on our way to the party on the 24th. And yes, Mariko was looking for Day 0 volunteers. And yes, UK and I are tenting together, so at least 2 of the 3 will be in one another's vicinity on the tent grid. And now to start packing. How will I get 7 days of bike gear + a little extra for 2 more weeks' vacation + sleeping bag and insulation mat all into one suitcase?

[Trek420]

And now to start packing. How will I get 7 days of bike gear + a little extra for 2 more weeks' vacation + sleeping bag and insulation mat all into one suitcase?

Here's one with some good tips

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24025

[Duck on Wheels]

Here's one with some good tips

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24025

For possibly the first time in TE history: Not helpful. I don't need tips on lists or trash bags or zip locks. I've got all the lists I need from the ALC site, and as for bags ... if I have room for them, I've got them too. What I need is a bigger suitcase. The sleep mat takes up half the space. The sleeping bags takes half of what's left. I'd better get to town and look for a big rolling duffle.

[uk elephant]

About the packing issues....here's what I found last time around:

1. Cutting down on number of items: Very little is needed in terms of non-cycle clothing for on the ride. After the day's riding, I would shower, put on my pj's (alc flannel pants and t-shirt) and a sweatshirt (alc fleece bought in camp) for the evening and it was the same pj outfit for the whole week. So never used any "normal" clothes for the week. Also, the cycling-related clothes that take up more room are of course the larger items for cooler weather. I only brought one set and used it all week (long-sleeved jearsey and wind-breaker jacket and leg-warmers for those chilly mornings). That only leaves a few "normal" clothes for the days before/after the ride. And for that, I will be very spartan in my packing. There will be no outfits for "just in case I need to dress up" for instance or "just in case we find time for...". Which mainly means, I will not be bringing lots of different pairs of shoes. it will be cycling shoes and trainers, no hiking shoes just in case or dress shoes just in case. And I will plan on being able to do laundry during that week in Sonoma which cuts down on the number of changes of clothes needed.

2. Making room: I found it easier to fit the sleeping bag when it wasn't stuffed into the sleeping bag stuff sack. Instead, I used the mesh pocket in the lid of the suitcase and folded the sleeping bag flat in there. took a little stuffing and cursing, but worked. Seems counter-intuitive perhaps, but it made better uses of the space. A round stuffed sleeping bag, even well compressed in the compression sack just made for too many underutilized crevices and made it hard to pack everything else well.

3. When there is still not enough room: I didn't need to, but I did see some people had their sleeping bag and/or mattress pad strapped to the outside of their duffel bags (using strong baggage straps, not bungy cords of course).

[Trek420]

I'd better get to town and look for a big rolling duffle.

Yes, get a rolling duffle, flip flops or a set of Keen-like shoes. There'll be a lot of walking on ALC. From the baggage trucks to the tent area, back again in the morning. You might only have a day when you are close to the trucks.

The amazing BikeGoddess brought a backpack and schlepped her luggage each day. I prefer wheels.

All along as you pack think "less is more" Pack, discard, pack, find out if UK has that too, pack ....

My routine if I have one is 7 baggies each with a days outfit. Arm warmers you can get away with wearing a couple days, vests too. I've usually brought 3 pair skins, 3 vests, 6 jerseys (get one in camp store), 7 shorts.

This is just me: I don't bring a jacket. Our mutual cousin taught me the appreciation of a good wind resistant vest. Undershirt or base layer, jersey, arm skins and a vest. In all but the worst weather that's fine and easily unzips, doffs down when you and or weather warms up.

I designate one baggie "cold". Count on one day being colder than average and that's got a long sleeve jersey and or undershirt like Craft, glove liners, wool socks and heavier tights.

If that turned out to be Red Dress day than I'd have a conundrum. Do I pick fashion or function. Good thing Red Dress Day is often warm.

One bag with misc. ride necessities like cat crap (do you need any? I think I can find mine), those thingies that hold your glasses, extra pair of gloves, a minimal bike cleaning kit (you could skip that).

Bring 1 or 2 large plastic bags. Each day after showering I toss the sweaty toxic waster bike gear into the bag. It compacts quite a bit.

You won't need street clothes, maybe a pair of sweats. Last time initially I brought very old thread bare not even good enough for Goodwill sweat shirt and pants to change into after showering. After a day or two's wear bought new in the camp store and tossed out the old ones.

In my case sleeping bag goes outside in its own separate bag that straps onto my bag which I can set aside for you if you want to look at it. Thermarest pad fit into the bag.