the list(s)

well, it's really coming down to it. i'm finding myself getting closer and closer and, as a result of such, i have less and less time to get my remaining gear. i still have a few camping things to pick up, as well as some food to stockpile, and a few bike things. but everything is going to plan, thusfar, and i'm looking forward to it like crazy.

i've been trying to come up with some goals for the trip, and i've actually been having a fair amount of trouble coming up with more than a few. i'm not big on specific goals for things like this, but i have a few that have been mulling over in my mind:

1. finish (this seems like an obvious one, but it's also the first and foremost)
2. reconnect with family and friends along the way
3. meet an amazing person i will never see again

that's all i've got, really. it's short, but i think it's a good list. i feel that if i have too many things i want to accomplish, i won't be as able to open myself up to the experience and just let things happen. i don't want to feel pressured to get anything done, other than getting to where i'm going. i think that will be pressure enough.

the list. i've been working on my gear list for about a month now, and it's pretty complete (though i added one or two things a minute ago before starting this post). mostly little things that i've added, that i would have remembered anyway but hadn't written down, like matches or something like that. anyway, for those of you who have the inclination, here is what i have so far (warning: it's kind of a long list):

Bike gear

• Motorcycle (duh)
• Tank bag (w/rain cover)
• Saddlebags
• Cargo net
• Tool kit
• Extra bungie cords
• Throttle rocker
  

Riding gear

• Helmet
• Textile jacket (w/zip-out liner)
• Textile pants (w/zip-out liner)
• Riding boots
• Warm weather gloves
• Cold weather gloves
• Balaclava
• Camelback
• Maps
• Water bottle
• Food (bars/snacks)

Clothing

• Jeans
• Casual shorts
• Athletic shorts
• 4 kits (t-shirt/underwear/socks/handkerchief) (5 if room)
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Light pullover
• Light jacket (can be worn under textile)
• Hat
• Bandana
• Swimsuit

Camping gear

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Camping pillow
• Garbage bags (waterproofing)
• First aid kit
• Knife
• Leatherman
• Stove and fuel
• Dishes and silverware
• Cookware (1 pot?)
• Matches
• Camping towel
• Crank lantern
• Crank radio (if room)
• Food (resupplied on road)

Personal gear

• Toiletries kit (toothbrush/toothpaste/floss/pills)
• Basic personals (wallet/watch/phone)
• Book
• Music player (w/charger)
• Laptop (w/charger)
• Camera (w/charger)
• Sunglasses

well, that's what i've got. if you've read this far, thoughts and comments are always welcome. i don't have a lot of experience with this type of thing, so this list is mostly off the top of my head (granted, off the top of my head for about a month).

i think that's enough for now.

rftc,

scott