That's not a bad list, Marty, but put all that together, then decrease it by half.
Shovel? For what?
Tennis shoes? Why? Take Tevas or Chaco sandals and that's all you need for the week off the bike.
Shampoo and laundry soap can be shower soap for the week.
Rain gear, for riding? In 11 Ragbrai's I've ridden with a rain jacket once. If it rains, I get wet rather than wearing a plastic cape that doesn't breathe. If it rains and it's cold, I wear a cycling vest and arm warmers. If I can't put in jersey pockets, I don't take it.
Long sleeve t-shirts? Why?
Take blinkie lights, front and back as you'll find it's easier to ride to townie events that rely on the shuttles.
8 tubes??? Take 2, when you run out, go to the ride bike shops and buy more.
Can your cycling shoes and get Shimano cycling sandals. I've worn these exclusively on 9 Ragbrai's now, including century days. No need for any socks and sandals dry out faster in when it rains. I pack a jersey for every day because, I have a lot of jerseys and I gotta show my colors. Get 4 sets of shorts as it'll take 2 days for washed shorts to dry out, unless you get in early enough to hang them in sun, something I rarely am able to do, all the fun is out on the road!
You NEED earplugs, an ample supply.
Can the flashlight, get a led headlight and then a little battery operated lantern to hang in your tent.
Ziplocs of various sizes are fantastic. The snack size is PERFECT for holding the days' cash supply as well as ID and debit/credit card. We also laminate the daily maps and they fit in the snack sized ziplocs as well.
Toilet paper? Okay, take one roll. Also take a canister of Wet Ones for camp, Wet Ones singles in your bike bag for when the corn fields come a-calling.
6'x8' tarps are great, they take up no room and are light weight. Get 2 from Home Depot, use one as a ground cover for your tent and the other to cover up your bike at night if you don't have indoor secure bike parking in a trailer or garage. Buy extra tent stakes to stake down the tarp. Works a charm.
You'll get various opinions as some folks like to take the kitchen sink with them on the ride. Take the racks of your bikes, the u-lock holders, everything but bottle holders and a frame pump, get a little saddle bag and if you can't pack your stuff in your jersey pockets and the saddle bag, you're taking too damn much. If you think you'll be out on the road at night, put your blinky lights on as The Man will come down hard on you anymore if you're riding after dark without lights.
Good luck and have fun.
Oh, by the way. . . I am officially part of another team (thanks to my gf). If somebody (I think I will be limited to one person) needs a ride that Friday afternoon to Dubuque please let me know. We will likely be leaving CHI around 3:00P.
Does anybody have a good packing list to share? I have looked at all the listserves and have a pretty good list going . . . any other advice? Any other must haves or those things that are not always thought about? I have attached mine.RAGBRAI Packing List.xlsx
Comment by Aaron Bussey on June 19, 2010 at 4:41pm
The RAGBRAI Participant Guide lists a new charter service from Niles, IL to Sioux City on July 24, return to Chicago from Dubuque on July 31.
It's the first time they're offering this, and it's terrific for those of you who are car-free and need a ride to the start. If you are already registered with RAGBRAI, you just have to get yourself to Amlings Cycle, 8140 N Milwaukee, Niles, IL. The website for this is shuttleguy.com. The prices are listed there.
Ragbrai officials did an inspection ride of the route last week. Good blog posts on the Ragbrai website and worth reading if anyone needs help procrastinating at work today.
Is anybody planning to ride back to Chicago after Ragbrai? I would like to do it but not alone.
I'd be finding motels along the way, but you could camp if you like.
Suzy Schnauzer would be with me.
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