Great Rivers: All Set

We're leaving tomorrow and I'm done packing. Tour starts Sunday, here's the packed bike in the basement. You can't see much of the bike, but if you were worried about my visibility, rest assured this thing is reflective all around.

Trek 520 is packed and ready to go

From previous tour experience, I expected the bike to come in around 80 pounds, and that's right where it weighs in. There is some potential for weight savings, but that is probably not necessary. And if it is, I will be back in Minneapolis in four days, I can always repack. Here is some of what is along for the ride:

• Ortlieb Roller Panniers


• Axiom Handlebar Bag


• Full-size Thermarest


• Mountain Hardware Lightwedge 2 Tent (Thanks Nate!)


• Raingear: Jacket, Pants (both Craft), Booties (Pearl Izumi)

More from the road. Who needs the Tour de France anyway? That's not a tour. It's a race. Those guys don't even pack their own stuff. . .