So, whachya packin'?

Message

#1 Unread post by **MZ33** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 1:02 pm

I'm wondering what other women are taking on the trip(s) to the AMA conference, and how much? LionLady & I will be routing through Kansas, which can be 90+ degrees in August, while Colorado can be in the 40's, and rarely above the 70's (Fahrenheit.) Sooo, one jacket or two? One pair of multiseason riding pants and a whole lot of Febreeze? Two pair, so that one can air out? More?

What's an unseasoned traveler to do?

#2 Unread post by **Wrider** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:21 pm

Just a quick point, in the mornings it may be down to 45, but unlikely in August, probably about 50-55, and it may get up to 90 or so in Keystone during that time period. Plan on at least 80-85 though.

#3 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:30 pm

I'd actually considered SHIPPING my cool weather gear to CO, rather than try to pack it on the bike.

Now, I think I"m just gonna wear my one piece suit (which is mesh) and carry a couple extra layers for underneath. I've got a great windproof fleece jacket that works quite well at mid 60's. I can just add a second one (or else wait until it warms up a bit.

P

#4 Unread post by **MZ33** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:12 pm

it may get up to 90 or so in Keystone

Really? Weather.com lists average high temp for the Resort as low-mid 70's for August, with the max recorded being 82 degrees. The average lows are something like 37 degrees. So, I figured it hung out at around 40-45 degrees in the morning, and made it's way up to 75-80 most days. How about the humidity, Wrider? I'm hoping that's not really an issue in the mountains.

coffee_brake · Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:27 pm

There ain't gonna be room for two jackets/pants. Your best bet is one very warm, easy to pack layer that you can shove at the bottom of your gear and forget about it till you need it. That layer for me is going to be my old military poly-pro top, but you civvies (hee hee, just joking, I'm a civvie too now) call it fleece.

I also always carry one warm thing to wrap around my neck, be that a balaclava or a light scarf.

Don't forget the wool socks. They keep your feet warm even when they are wet (unlike fleece).

#6 Unread post by **MZ33** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:49 pm

That layer for me is going to be

Is going to be?? Does that mean you are going, after all? IF so, Yay!!

coffee_brake · Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:21 pm

Oh yeah, sure, unless a bike blows up (and I do have a backup bike, albeit no car), I'll be there. I've been scrounging every dime and by every account it looks like I can do it!

#8 Unread post by **Wrider** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:05 pm

Weird, but I guess they're probably more accurate. I just know how hot it gets out on the water fishing in the middle of the day!

And yeah, humidity is super low up here in CO. Actually lower than Phoenix's during some parts of the year. We tend to consider anything over 40% "muggy"

On the serious side though, DO drink a lot of water. Both on the trip up and during your stay. Most of you will be coming from really low altitudes and altitude sickness is a serious problem for you. Symptoms of altitude sickness range everywhere from dehydration and dizziness to death. (Latter only in cases of extreme change with extreme exertion usually)
But either way it's not fun. Lots of water, acclimate slowly, little activity the first day or two.

#9 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 7:39 am

Set out everything you want to take on the trip. take a really good look at it, then put 50% of it back in your drawers. try and fit it all on the bike, you'll probably notice another culling of 50% of the remaining items is in order. Take old underwear, throw it out when it's finished with, leaving a small amount of room for souvenirs. a
Anyway you can save room counts. I pack my tent, sleeping mattress, and sleeping bag all in one dry bag. I roll up my self inflating mattress, put it in the dry bag and unwind it, my tent in it's bag goes in next then I stuff my sleeping bag all around it and it gives me a firm package that is easier to attach to the bikes pillion seat. If I have other things that will fit into the dry bag, I put them in it as well.

Good luck and have a great trip...

Sat Jul 11, 2009 2:38 pm

I will wear a pair of riding pants over my jeans for the journey. I will wear my mesh jacket, but I will also pack my down jacket for under the mesh and a waterproof windbreaker for over the mesh.

I will be using a camelback type drinking system to keep hydrated.
I will pack what I think I need for a week and do laundry a couple of times. (and a dress that packs really small and does not need ironing)
Some basic tools, a spare inner tube and some oil.
I will also pack a small tent and sleeping bag and a couple of painters drop sheets. They are cheap, lightweight and could make an emergency shelter for the 2 bikes and us.

Also...an invaluable accessory to have...

It is useful for threading through the sleeves and legs of your riding pants and locking to your bike with a disc lock (or some other kind of lock) when you want to stop somewhere but it's too hot or cumbersome to carry your gear. The cable also comes in handy for securing your bike to a post or railing or securing two bikes together.

SUNSCREEN