I woke up in the predawn darkness-backed my bags and was on the road my 5:45. That is really first light here and if I left any earlier, I wouldn’t feel safe. As I pedaled the quiet streets of Esperanza, I was able to see the town coming to life-and smell it. Nearly every corner I passed had a panadería-a bakery-and their sweet morning smells wafted through the air in the most enticing way. Of course I had to make a quick pit stop and purchase a big fat coconut tart filled with dulce de leche. I packed it away for a later breakfast-but it was difficult.
I pedaled hard and fast, through beautiful farm land on roads lined with trees. People waved, trucks beeped and moved over, and the sun rose over my shoulder.
I arrived at my destination by mid morning-I had barely broken a sweat and hadn’t even applied sunscreen. I plunked myself down on a park bench in the town square and enjoyed my tart and a café con leche. It was the most delicious worm any early bird ever caught.
A few people have asked me what I have in my bike touring kit, so for all you bike touring nerds out there, here you go.
First off, I am riding a Jamis Sequel 2. They gifted it to me in the form of a sponsorship. I was a bit nervous about it because I only got a chance to ride it a handful of times before this tour-but it is holding its own. I switched out the tires for some tougher ones (Marathon Schwalbe) and added handlebar extensions-the ones that look like horns. It is a perfect bike for this adventure-comfortable, smooth and fast.
My gear is stowed in Arkel panniers. The are bomb proof. They were gifted to me when I crossed the United States with my son a few years ago and have stood up to the test of time and abuse. They do kind of smell like sweat and spilled juice though…
I have racks on the front and back and a handle bar bag. My cell phone and an odometer are strapped to the handle bar.
I sleep in an REI half dome, two-person tent-really easy to set up. I sleep on an inflatable Thermarest. I do carry a little pillow and a Crazy Creek chair-probably my two most adored possessions.
I cook on a small Tangia stove. I just learned about these and they are great. They are small, self contained metal canisters that burn rubbing alcohol-which you can get anywhere. They weigh nothing and are practically indestructible. My kind of stove. I have one pot and one bowl.
That’s about it-add a phone charger, headlamp, some clothes, a book, rain gear and some assorted bike repair items and that is all I need. It is really very simple. That is what I love about it.
What I do wish I had were three wise people. One that could tell me all about the birds because they are all new to me, one that could tell me all about the history of the people here and one to speak Spanish. Then my kit would be complete.
Again-thank you for all your comments-I would love to respond-I just need to get off my phone and look around.
Wow, all done with the day’s ride by 10:00
I admire your spirit and outlook so much!
Hope that you are able to continue that EARLY morning travel; it does sound like the way to go to avoid that heat of the day. Hope you then are taking advantage of the siesta in the middle of the day so you keep up your sleep time. When in Rome, do as the Romans – sounds like a good guideline,
Happy, well-paved roads and travels.
Heaven can, apparently, be defined as a pleasant place to stop (be it a bench, wall, rock, anything) and the chance to savor a snack…and thanks for the overview of your “Swiss Army Knife” assortment of gear. Schwalbe Tires are literally all I have ever used on my trusty Brompton-that’s a dozen years now, and I’ve never once had a flat. Your posts lighten-up my day. Buen Camino, Leah!
Here’s to another awesome day !
Instead of your first wise person, you might try Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s bird identification app https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/ there should be a regional pack for your trip.
Being a bike nerd, I appreciate your comments on your gear. You have really dialed it to bare necessities and I applaud your efforts!
Armchair traveler here. Your posts “take me away” every day. I can’t even imagine. Each one is wondrous, interesting, fun. Thanks so much for bringing us along. Stay safe. Carry on 💓.
Sounds like an amazing trip so far. I am so glad you are safe and enjoying what must be a trip of a lifetime. Thanks again for sharing and also the info about your kit. You got it all covered lady. You are awesome!
I’ve come to look forward to your afternoon posts. It’s fun to ride along with you. Don’t look, but that’s me peering outta your pannier! 😇
Don’t you alrady have 3 wise people with you (your smart phone)?
Glad your bike is back to optimum.
Hi Leah,
Best coke ever, I bet it was. Did you take a siesta today? It makes me very happy to hear about all of your positive interactions with people along the way. A bit of news from the home front…Smahas, the grocery store in Knightville is closing, so sad, where will we get our peanutbutter crackers?