Finally making some progress on transitioning my classic Cannondale touring bike into a hybrid bike-packing long hauler. While hiking long trails last year, I found myself moving away from the status quo of going ultralight. I avoided going to town as much as possible. I also learned to push the boundaries of what I could handle to carry in supplies. Additionally, I pushed my limits by staying on the trail as long as possible. I plan to bring that philosophy to my upcoming adventures.
This will be the first time for me to have a bike with fenders. It will also have head and tail lights, GPS, and various storage bags. I am still trying to decide on a few other things. The Bob trailer will make a return and will use a roll top bag I ordered years ago. I am still debating about some options to recharge electronics on the go. So the research and planning goes on.
That’s what made me think. Taking a thought or idea and finding a way to make it happen is a process. It lends itself to distractions with a purpose. So as I have been plugging away working, the planning and deliberation on parts continues. I am reminded of the importance to have projects like this to focus on, especially during these times. The more complex a project the better! It’s o.k. to have things that are consuming in planning and preparation. It’s acceptable to stay connected and aware, but have distractions to break up the stress.
Walk with Cain 
When my husband and I rode unsupported from Fairbanks Alaska to Seattle (2400 miles) in 2000, he had a small solar panel he kept draped on his handlebars. It worked okay and didn’t add much as far as weight goes. We didn’t have a trailer, but were far from ultralight (I doubt that even existed back then). We each had rear panniers with a duffel bag on the top of the rack. He had a triangle bag for tools and repair kit that attached to the top bar and seat tube. In the seat tube we each kept spare spokes. He also had a handlebar bag with small items like you’d probably have in a fanny pack or the hip belt pockets while hiking. The biggest thing, is to try to keep the bulk of your weight as low on the frame as possible for the best center of gravity.
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