monday

Two, maybe three weeks hence will see the Assault On Jefferson. In the interim, there will be much working, which affords few Scenic Vista Photo OpportunitiesTM (given that I work indoors). In their place I propose to present a GearCorner series (series...ha! maybe three posts, WebBikeWorld I ain't).

I've been moto-touring for quite awhile, and while I haven't ridden across Africa or around the world, I have covered more than enough miles to do both of those several times. In the course of doing this I have upgraded, added and eliminated a bunch of gear. My moto-travel watchwords have long been "How many things does it do and how small does it fold up?" I don't have the top-shelf stuff for the most part (Only because I have to pay for it, if you are a motorcycle or outdoor equipment manufacturer or distributor and would like to sponsor 100milesBB in any way please send free stuff and decals with your company's name right away-cash is also accepted:).

I'll photograph the comparatively huge pile of stuff involved in the seemingly simple act of sleeping and having a cup of coffee in the morning as it gets sorted, sacked and compressed into a surprisingly small space. I've done it many times, and sometimes I still marvel at the smallness of the finished package. Mind you, I'm not an ultralight, bivy-bag-and-a-red-bull camper (anymore), I like some degree of comfort, but it doesn't have to take a sidecar (though those are neat) or a trailer to haul it. This is probably not the perfect kit for you. It's not even the perfect kit for me, but it does what it's supposed to do quite well and when I find (and can afford) a smaller one that does more things I'll buy it and then tell you all about it.