I'm going on my first top-to-bottom ride of the C&O Canal towpath (184 miles). I'm taking it easy: 5 days, 43-40-40-18-40, or thereabouts. I'm staying in lodging along the way, not camping. I've made my reservations for every night except my last one, and will do that soon.

I've had my bike tuned up, put a rack on it, gotten panniers and a rear blinky, and have a rear trunk, mini pump, and headlights coming. I already have CO2 cartridges and the CO2 dispenser-thingie, patch kit, tire wrenches, and a multitool. I have extra tubes.

From the BikeWashington website, I have the following list of things to take; stuff I don't have are in red:

* Bug Repellent (IMPORTANT!)
* Extra Tube (IMPORTANT!)
* Patch Kit (IMPORTANT)
* Tire Pump
* Bell or Horn (Required by NPS)
* Extra Spokes
* Dual Water Bottles or Camelback
* Multi-use Bike Tool
* Chain Lube
* Pocket Knife
* Helmet
* Eye Wear (Sunglasses)
* Bike Lock
* Sun Screen
* Towel
* Clothes
* Padded Bike Shorts
* Power Bars
* ID, Credit, Cash
* Flashlight (for Paw Paw Tunnel)
* First Aid Kit
* Matches or Lighter
* Toiletries
* Wet Towelettes
* Trash Bags
* Miscellaneous (always useful)

Matches? Really? And I'm not taking sunscreen, as the towpath is well-shaded. Extra spokes? I (alas!) wouldn't know what to do with them!

I'll also take:

* a little duct tape
* thermal blanket (space blanket)
* cell phone and cell charger
* camera

How many pairs of bike shorts should I take? (Do people take one pair and just wash them out every night?) How many extra tubes? (I'm thinking three.)

I don't have rain gear or a jacket of any kind. I think I'll be okay without these items, since I'm riding in September and am taking my time on the trip; I should be able to wait out a thunderstorm. I cannot wait out a monsoon, but fortunately, those are rare in Maryland.

I have someone coming to feed and water the resident beasties, and will ask a neighbor to feed my accidental cats (outdoor ferals) and collect my mail.

Is there anything I'm forgetting? Anything on the list above I shouldn't take? Will everything fit in what I have to carry everything in?!

Any and all advice is most welcome; thanks!!