4.2 Touring supplies

	Recently, I asked the group: what do you bring with you on medium
trips? (medium being more than one nite, and less than a week).  I
received some excellent replies, a few great stories, and lots of things
that I never would have thought of. (at least not until I needed that
spare spoke that is).

Ok, for all of you who don't know what to bring with you on that
next medium trip...


FOOD: 	
	Here, just whatever you normally consume.  If you plan on
staying in a hotel/B&B, then obviously 1 day's worth is enough.
Standard things like power-bars and drink mixes should do the trick.
Since I'm not going to BFE, I have no idea what to pack for a real
"camp-out" type tour.  This subject is enough for a discussion in
itself, but I just eat what I want.

CLOTHING: 
	Almost everybody suggested something different, rangin from hi-
tech bodysuits to cutoffs and T-shirts.  However, everybody agreed on the
indispensibleness (tm) of rain gear.  Specifically, light waterproof
pants and jacket are not only good for staying dry, but have a very high
warmth/weight ratio.
	A spare change of skivies, and a pair of dry socks were also
highly recomended.  A pair of jeans or a "smushable outfit" can come in
handy, but I usually smell so bad after a day of riding that anybody who is
talking to me doesn't care what I wear.  If it might be non-warm, a
watch-cap or other non-helmet type hat can help.

FIRST-AID:
	Outside of the standard band-aids/antiseptic-goop bit, sunscreen
and bug-away topped the lists.  Asprin or Ibuprofen and rolaids were
mentioned, but I guess thats a personal thing, just like...

TOILETRIES:
	I stick with: soap, toothbrush/paste, deodorant.  That covers
all I need, but everybody has different needs, and I'm not even gonna
touch the "personal hygeine" stuff.  A razor is handy too, it can help
keep that road-rash dressing from ripping all your remaining hair out.

MISC:	
	I'll put the tent/pit stuff into this category.  Robyn Stewart
gave an excellent testamony to the uses of rope and tarps.  A piece of 
rope stretched between two trees can keep the food above the 
critter-level, and can also provide a rudimentary tent with the aid of
an old shower-curtain.  Again, there is a whole area of discussion here
on the pits and mattresses, but if it keeps you warm and dry, it works.


TOOLS: 	
	Basically, this could be split into two different classes, with
things like tire-kit being in the "fix it yourself" category, and other
stuff like a chain remover tool is in the  "how far will I be from 
civilization" range.  This was what I really wanted to know about when I
posted my request, so a little more info than the first groups.

Most of this depends upon how much work _YOU_ do to your velo.  If 
replacing spokes is trivial to you, then you already know what tools to 
bring.  Also, wrenches and screwdrivers are very velo dependent: handy 
sizes for a MTB might be useless for a nice racer, and vice-versa. Tools
that tune more than repair are also an individual call.  I always carry
a hex-wrench that fits my brake-shoe adjustment bolt, but never the larger 
one that actually removes the entire caliper.

	pump
	pressure gauge
	flat kit
	wrenches (sizes and type for your velo)
	hex(allen)-wrenches (sizes and type for your velo)
	chain tool
	chain links
	tire levers (plastic)
	spoke wrench
	safety wire
	duct tape
	zip ties

SPARES:	
	Again, these fall into "distance from civilization" categories.
For example, that nut that connects your front mudguard to the forks
is essential, but could be fixed with the safety wire until you find a
velo-shop/store that might have a replacement.  Then again, one little
nut is easy on space/weight, and it may be hard to get a replacement if
your velos measurements are non-standard.  If you have a hard-time
finding a replacement for that random part at your local store, bring
one with you.

	inner tubes
	tire-boots
	brake shoes
	light bulbs
	spokes (labeled if different, tied to the frame)
	nuts and bolts for rack/fenders/etc.
	tire (if you're _really_ out there)
	toe-clip strap
	shoe-laces
	cable (especially if yours are longer than normal).
	cable housing (for the shimano special shifter ones)

NIFTY IDEAS:
	Here are some of the better inside tips that I found both 
humorous and usefull....

mjohnsto@shearson.com (Mike Johnston)
	A sock (to keep tools inside and for keeping grease off my hands
	during rear wheel flats)

s_kbca@dante.lbl.gov (Steve Kromer)
	The most important article to take along on a long ride 
	seems to be faith.

chris@wg.estec.esa.nl (chris rouch)
	15cm of old tyre

Robyn Stewart <slais02@unixg.ubc.ca>
	Enough money to get Greyhound home if something goes terribly wrong.

sarahm@Cadence.COM
	bungie cords - you never know when you might want to get that 
	set of six beer mugs as a souvenir and transport it on the 
	back of your bike.

cathyf@is.rice.edu (Catherine Anne Foulston)
	ZAP Sport Towel.  I think it is really useful because you can 
	get it wet and it still dries you.