Great Rivers: The Ride

Two days to go before we head up to Itasca, from where I will leave on Sunday. It looks like I am getting everything set to go just in time—everything besides my dissertation, that is, but that's life. At least I will have a task to return to...

The most important piece of equipment

Ah, my trusty Trek 520, built in 2001. I has just over 7000 miles on it right now, mostly from previous tours. For those of you who care about these things, here's a list of non-stock equipment that is on it:

• WTB Shadow V Saddle


• Tektro R200A Ergo Brake Levers


• Jandd Expedition Rear Rack


• Jandd Low Front Rack


• Speedplay X2 pedals


• Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x28C Tires


• Planet Bike 700c Hardcore Fender Set


• Tranz-X Kickstand


• Planet Bike Roadie Frame Pump


• Really old and simple Cateye Enduro cycling computer


• And yes, that's right, three (3) bottle cages

Total unloaded weight? 36 pounds.

I will write more about equipment that I'm carrying later. Apparently, the only thing I am missing is a nice handgun. It turns out that in Missouri I can now shoot people if they try to enter my tent. Sweet.

Have you seen the movie Deliverance? The same wonderful person who is kindly driving me up to Itasca suggested I watch it before I head South. Hence the handgun.