Can't ride Texas

With my upcoming trip to Colorado to bicycle the Rockies, I will have to leave a footprint as I drive my Toyota to Colorado to begin. I just cannot bring myself to bicycle through Texas in July to get to my starting point in Gunnison.

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Pack Rat (Things to Take)

Here's a picture of what I'm planning to take on the upcoming trip. Believe it or not, it all fits in the bags on the left. I travel light. Traveling in the mountains requires that you are prepared for temperatures from the low 30's to the low 90's. Layering makes it all possible. I have also included a list of what I am carrying.
Tool Kit
Spare tube
Spare tire
Patch kit
Duct tape
Three water bottles
Maps
Swiss Army Knife
Cooking Kit w/stove
Fuel Bottle
Clothing
Long sleeve poly top
Long tights
Cycling shorts (2 pr.)
Jerseys (2)
Underwear (3 pr.)
Socks (3 pr.)
Flip flops
Cycling shoes
Sunglasses (2 pr.)
Glasses (2 pr.)
Gloves (1 warm, 2 cycling)
Wool long sleeve lightweight jersey
Rain/wind jacket
t-shirt (1)
Shorts (1 pr. Sports)
Miscellaneous:
Camera w/extra card and batteries
Ipod
Cell phone
Power cords
Solaris solar panel
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Biodegradable soap
Towel
Freeze Dried Food
Power Gel Packets
Sunscreen
Sleeping Bag
SleepingPad
Tent w/footprint

opening post

Hi, I'm Steve and I have just begun this blog so I can share my upcoming bicycle trip with family and friends. I have been an educator for many years as well as a person who loves a challenge. I particularly love hiking, bicycling and camping in the mountains. I will be bicycling through Colorado this summer and want to share the experience with others.
Prior to my bicycle trip, I am taking part in a National Writing Project experience at Louisiana State University. I hope the experience I get in the NWP will enable me to write expressively in my blogs from the road. Here's hoping for good weather and no road rashes.