Chimney Rocks Park / Hollidaysburg at dusk

Bucket list update

I overcame one major challenge in my hope to ride two massive rails-to-trails in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

In a previous post, I mentioned how I wish to tackle the Great Allegheny Passage and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath -- two trails about 150 miles long and 185 miles long, respectively. I have a list of issues I need to address before riding, however.

The biggest problem is how to lug several pounds of equipment for a couple of days.

The amount of bubblegum I can carry
with this pack is unparalleled.

When I wrote the previous post, I had nothing more than a seat bag and a rack for my bike. Although both have been useful for short trips, they wouldn't provide much support on a four- or five-day ride.

To address this problem, I purchased two panniers (saddlebags). The panniers mount onto the rack with ease. They provide ample space to carry larger items like drinks, food, clothes and electronics. Best of all, they're waterproof, meaning they'll hold up against a thunderstorm or the flood of tears I'll create from the pain of riding about 10 hours a day.

The panniers set me back about $135, but they'll last a while and are guaranteed to protect my valuables.

Now I can carry several packs of gum
and tons of Jolly Ranchers, too.

One other concern was my sleeping arrangements. I own a two-person tent, courtesy of a boss from work. It will be nice to have ample room to rest, but lugging a tent that size creates a challenge. Where do I store it? The panniers give me added space, but the tent -- even when folded -- is too large for them.

The bike rack was a possibility, but the tent is too long and has the chance of falling off while riding.

There's also the issue of it being drenched in rain since I have nothing to cover the rack.

My candy storage has no bounds.

The only option I have is an outer-frame backpack, also courtesy of my boss (I need to get him a gift card or Hickory Farms for Christmas this year.). The pack is huge, has great support and is also waterproof. I just needed to attempt storing the tent inside it.

I pushed that experiment off for weeks. Every time I remembered, I promised I would try it the next day. We know how that works.

Finally, about three weeks ago, I lugged the tent and backpack out and attempted the trial. I made sure the tent was wrapped as snug as possible. I also emptied the pack of any extra supplies.

To my surprise and elation, the tent fit with space to spare. The latter made my situation even better, since I now knew I could pack extra items into my backpack.

With the combination of the panniers and backpack, it has made my trips that much easier. I have other issues to sort out yet, but the packing situation was by far the most significant.

Okay, because of the tent, I may have to cut
back on the amount of Twizzlers I take.

I remain unsure when I'll attempt the trails, but it seems likely near the end of the summer or fall. It depends how high the temperatures are. The last thing I want after careful planning is to pass out from heatstroke a few hours into my ride.

In the meantime, I might attempt stuffing the panniers with heavier objects and hauling the tent/backpack while riding on a nearby trail to get a feel for the extra weight. Doing this will prepare me physically and mentally for my impending journeys.

But for now, I'm taking a break and basking in the greatness that is my small victory over limited space.