Alc 2009

[Trek420]

You really do not need street clothes in camp. Maybe sweats or something warm. Consider asking our mutual Mom to bring an extra outfit you could change into after the ride on Day 7.

I've flown back in bike gear but aren't you two taking the train?

When you say suitcase do you mean suitcase suitcase or rolling duffle? Remember you will be camping so this is rolling across dirt, grass, maybe even mud.

My vote is duffle. I'd loan you mine are flying back to Seattle with stuff and Knott

Now, finding stuff. Everyone has a system for that. I favor "bag o' the day" approach. Pack a baggie labeled Day 1, day 2, day 3 .... with socks, shorts, jersey. I have one bag with stuff that could be used a couple times such as vest, arm skins, leg warmers. I like to put the clothes out the night before. Some like putting next days gear in the sleeping bag so it's warm.

BG I noticed organized her gear by category: bag o' jerseys, bag o' shorts, bag o' socks ...

Whatever works for you.

Think "less is more"

Also if you get a duffle find a way to make it a little distinctive. Spray paint, glitter, duck tape .... Mine's black, they're all black. There's nothing like arriving at baggage tired, sweaty, hungry to a trailer sized pile of near identical duffles.

[Duck on Wheels]

Wheeled suitcase. Duffels are not such a big thing here. May find one, but likely not. Could buy one in the US, but will already have biiiig wheeled suitcase + bike case with me, so how would I get all that home again? As for street clothes for 3 days in LA + train home, I can put them into the bike case, which goes on a separate gear truck and doesn't get unloaded until after closing ceremonies. That way Mom doesn't have to carry them. UK can do the same with spare clothes for 1 less day in LA + flight home. We can just put them in bags in there so they stay clean. For camp I'll have sweat pants, undies, my 3 ALC t-shirts (rider shirt, volunteer shirt from 07, gift shirt from my grad students/sponsors) and a sweatshirt or my lightweight Ibex jacket, tennies, pair o' sox, big t-shirt for nightshirt (can buy some ALC souvenir jammie pants if it's too cold for just a sleep t). I figure I can wear the same t-shirt several days since it'll only be for the brief time between dinner/shower and bed. So I'm whittling down my pack list and it looks like it'll fit. And yes, I'll mark the bag with something big and bright. Here's a thought: Maybe we could each tie one of the flamingoes on our respective suitcases, then move them over to the tent for the night, then back onto the suitcase handles for the ride to next gear pickup site?

[Trek420]

Here's a thought: Maybe we could each tie one of the flamingoes on our respective suitcases, then move them over to the tent for the night, then back onto the suitcase handles for the ride to next gear pickup site?

Sounds good!

Do you have the flamingoes? I have another one here on my table, I'll set it aside.

Your amazing baggage crew moves mountains each day; 70 lbs of luggage x (2000+ riders + 5-600 crew) x 14 = Small items on the outside of the bag .... not so much likely to be there.

If you have a suitcase you will be distinctive by that alone in a sea of black duffels. You'll be fine.

I kept a small bag near the top of my bag with toiletries; camp towel, shampoo, toothbrush and paste etc. I always eat first, get in camp, park the bike and eat right away.

My apologies to anyone lurking who's sat next to me on ALC. I'd rather refuel within that half hour window than be clean and bonk the next day.

Let's face it, we're all pretty sweaty.

After food I get the luggage and tent ... My bag (usually a cloth reusable shopping bag) has everything I need for a shower and a sweat shirt or something and .... tent decor.

If the tent is already up decor goes on a tent pole.

By the time I shower, maybe call someone, grab another snack, hang out a bit .... it may be dark by the time I come "home". That way if one of you is still out you can leave a light on.

[Trek420]

Duck and UK are registered and ready for the AIDS ride. We had dinner at a great little Salvadoran place next to the Cow Palace. That will be my pre ride meal when/if I ever do this again. There were lots of other riders there.

Follow their ride to LA here

http://aidslifecycle.typepad.com/

[Trek420]

At 9:30 I got a txt from Duck she's leaving the first rest stop, UK about 20 minutes ahead of her.

Looks like commuting up those Welsh hills worked for UK

[Trek420]

I got a txt from Duck, she's in camp. That's 80 miles or 128 km. UK has already arrived and I hear she got the tent is up.

Duck is heading off to dinner, shower and a well deserved rest.

This is her longest ride ever. Tomorrow is her 1st century ever.

If tone can be conveyed by txt she sounds fine.

She said her knee felt a little stiff from the 3rd rest stop. She stopped in sports med and they said it's the classic IT band issue. They showed her some stretches and use of a roller.

She'll stretch a lot before tomorrow's ride.