Route Map and Current Location


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August 11, 2006

Bike and equipment


The bike
  • Bike Friday Pocket Llama Nexus 8sp
    The painting was done by my friend Marie in Asheville, using an Australian dot-painting style, later added to by Ecuadorian artist Juan.
  • Cane Creek suspension seatpost
  • Brooks leather saddle
    The most comfortable saddle I've ever had (once it was broken in). Maybe I should have got the sprung version and then I wouldn't have needed the suspension post.
  • Bike Friday custom racks front and rear + spare bolts
  • Cycle computer
  • Flat pedals with cages
    Clipless/SPD pedals would mean carrying another pair of shoes.
  • Schwalbe Marathon Plus 20x1.75 tyres
    Heavy but virtually puncture-proof.
  • Schwalbe Mow Joe 20x1.95 folding tyres (for off-road and emergency spare)
    Very light and flimsy with no puncture protection, but were fine. Lasted about 1,200km.
  • Cable lock
    Prevents opportunistic theft, but could be easily cut with cable-cutters - I rely more on the bike being so unusual that it won't interest thieves.
  • Repairs/spares kit
    Topeak multi-tool, tyre levers, pedal wrench, cable ties, 2 spare tubes, mini floor pump, tube repair kit, chain lube, grease, 4 sets spare brake pads, spare spokes, duct tape, rag, old toothbrush, cotton gloves.
  • 2 bottle cage
  • Helmet with visor & neck shade
  • Rear LED light
Baggage
  • Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus rear panniers & Sport Packer Plus front panniers + security devices
  • Deuter handebar bag
  • Daypack + raincover (bungeed to rear rack)

Camping equipment
  • Vaude Taurus Ultralight
    Less than 2kg, nice unconspicuous green colour ideal for wild camping, free-standing, just enough space and headroom for one tall person with gear (2 at a squeeze). 
  • Thermarest Prolite 3 (regular) inflatable mattress + repair kit
  • Marmot Sawtooth 3-season -10c sleeping bag
  • Silk sleeping bag liner
  • Optimus Nova multifuel stove + maintenance kit
    Runs on shellite/white gas, diesel & biodiesel, petrol. Fuel filter blocks easily, but seems to run ok without it.
  • 1l pan, lid and panholder
  • Plastic bowl & cup, metal spoon, large pocket knife
  • 3l water bladder, Katadyn Hiker water filter & purification tablets
  • Headtorch
Clothing
  • Scarpa hiking shoes (stiff sole so pretty good for cycling too), thongs
  • Thermals top and bottom, padded cylcing briefs, t-shirts, board shorts, pants etc
  • Down jacket (doubles as comfy pillow), waterproof jacket and pants
  • Floro wind vest, beanie, sun hat, bandana, cycling mitts and waterproof gloves
  • Small travel towel
Other items
  • Camera, mobile phone, iPod, USB key, solar battery/USB charger & spare batteries
  • Sunglasses (dark and clear)
  • Passport & wallet
  • Maps, compass & GPS
  • Earplugs, toilet trowel/paper, first aid kit, lighters & matches
  • Essential toiletries (razor, shaving oil, shampoo, tootbrush and paste)
  • Sun cream & lip balm
  • Books