After explaining some things to get the story of our gear started, this page explains all the our motorcycles as well as the gear we have. It also describes what the gear is used for, how useful it is, and if we recommend taking it.

Before we get started on the trip, allow me to explain. I learned to ride a motorcycle on a bike that was much lighter, had less power, and most importantly was much cheaper. I do NOT recommend just going out and hopping onto a nice bike your first time out. That is just asking to have a huge gap in your wallet as you will drop the bike on your first few trips. Get over it. You aren't going to get out there and become an immediate hot shot like those people on Red Bull. In fact, you probably aren't even going to be as good as anyone you see on video because most people don't post videos of themselves riding really bad. I tell you this to prevent you from loosing a ton of money to replacement parts and paint touch-ups. My dad was smart and started me out on a CSC bike called a Cyclone. It is pictured below. CSC stand for California Scooter Company. They sell this bike made by Zongshen. Yes, it is a Chinese bike, which apparently get a lot of hate, but it was perfect for beginning to ride. You know you are going to drop it, so this bike was great since the parts were cheap to replace if I broke them. (I only broke one part. It was an axle nut on the rear wheel. That nut actually fell off while I was riding.) The paints are pretty standard, so you can find touch up paint about anywhere. If you are going to have a bike to beat around on while you learn, get something like this.

Now that getting something less expensive has been covered allow me to explain why we sold the CSC bike. It was fun for short distances due to how light it was. If you are going to be doing some after work and weekend rides then this bike is fine. However, It would be terrible for longer distances or highway use. It needs heavy improvement to tackle something such as the TAT comfortably. For example, the motor did not have much power and makes you work the clutch quite a bit to get moving. The problem is the clutch was either engaged or disengaged. There was no slipping it. This makes getting moving quite a challenge in comparison to higher end bikes. By getting a nicer bike, you eliminate a lot of problems like this clutch issue. Sure, you could improve the CSC bike by adding all sorts of stuff and make it comfortable on the TAT, but by this point you have put enough money into it that you might as well buy a better stock bike. My dad realized this and decided to just bite the bullet and buy a pair of Honda Africa Twins to ride the TAT with. They are both pictured below, mine being the closer one. The only way we could tell the difference between the two at first was a tiny dent on the side of my gas tank. Now Dad's has a GPS unit that makes thinks a little easier on us. I did not think much about buying a new bike until I rode the Africa Twin. You understand that I had only ridden about 2 or 3 weeks by the time I was put onto the Africa Twin and I could still immediately tell that the Africa Twin was a much nicer bike than the CSC. After riding the Africa Twin for a short while I wondered how I ever would have made it on the CSC and also how dangerous a less expensive bike is to ride for a long distance. My greatest concern when switching to the Africa Twin was the weight, but you do not notice the weight once you are above about 8 mph given the ground is not mud. I would HIGHLY recommend getting a higher quality bike for the TAT trip.

BIKE SPECIFICS

(Both bikes are identical except for a GPS unit and mount on my dad's bike.)

Honda Africa Twin

998 CC

Twin cylinder

Manuel 6 speed toe shift (1 down - 5 up)

(More specific in link. Link to Honda: https://powersports.honda.com/africatwin.aspx?&cid=main_reprise/google/Brand_Motorcycle_Adventure_BMM/African+Twin/%2Bafrica%20%2Btwin&mkwid=svkT2Rpak|dc_pcrid_243562666040_pkw_%2Bafrica%20%2Btwin_pmt_b)

Street Legal

Kenda Dual Sport Big Block Tires (K784 and K784F) (50% Street, 50% Offroad) (Link to tires: https://powersports.kendatire.com/en-us/find-a-tire/motorcyclescooter/dual-sportadventure/big-block/)

Equipped with:

• both top and bottom crash bars
• extended brake pedal (for easy braking due to the lower crash bars sometimes impeding a footpedal push)
• The "Duck Foot" - I do not know what this thing is actually called. That name is what Dad and I have decided on. It is an attachment that screws onto the side stand. It is intended to make the foot of the stand bigger and more stable. It prevents the stand from sinking into the mud or dirt. Remember that your side stand can in fact melt into the pavement if it is hot outside. This will either dump your bike onto the pavement or make it so that you cannot get the stand back out of the pavement.

I have found the link for the duck foot thanks to Dad. It turns out that it is called a "Pedal Pad Foot Stand Pad Extension Plate Holder". I like Duck Foot better. (NOTE: Link is to Amazon. It is the same seller we used. The link may be broken if product was removed. Link to Duck Foot:https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Accessories-Extension-Holder-CRF1000L/dp/B074NZB5S5/ref=sr_1_sc_1?m=A4KLEOT2VOBTS&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1530151282&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=pad+foot+stmad)

• Center Stand - Very useful for washing or working on the bike. The center stand we have folds up underneath the bike with a spring. They also make removable stands, but then you have to put the stand somewhere. (NOTE: The link does not show the exact same center stand that we purchased. It is very close. Link to Honda for center stand: http://shop.powersports.honda.com/p/centerstand-2/accessories_street_adventure?pp=25)

Please see AltRider manufacturing for most any of these parts for these bikes. My dad says, "Though it was not deliberate I recently realized I have purchased every item available from AltRider for my Honda Africa Twin. I researched each accessory available from numerous manufacturers and just always ended up buying AltRider and have been happy with all items." (Link to AltRider main page: http://www.altrider.com/)

If you need to install any of these items on your Honda Africa Twin, try going to WOODZMAN ADVENTURES on YouTube. He will show you how to put everything on in a easy and convenient way. (Link to WOODZMAN ADVENTURES channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT_fM0wzyuSHgHLBGbPb8gA)

You DO NOT have to buy these exact items to be successful on the TAT. I put everything here that we brought to give you a standpoint to what you need.

CLOTHING

NOTE: You can find most everything on this list on RevZilla (Main page: https://www.revzilla.com/). RevZilla is a very reputable company that my dad has purchased many items from. I will also be including other links to the products below if available.

FLIP FLOPS: We are taking a pair of flip flops per person. This is for when you want shoes that are not your boots. They are good for things such as hot weather, swimming, comfort, swatting your buddy when they do something stupid, and many other things.

BOOTS: Klim Outlander GTX Boots. (Link to boots: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/klim-outlander-gtx-boots). They have the BOA closure system. (Link to BOA system site: https://www.boafit.com/). I recommend the BOA closure system as of this point.

SOCKS: Use any long sock that you can find. I am using standard white tube socks that reach just over the top of the boot. They make my feet sweat something terrible, but it prevents blisters and rubbing. 6 pairs per person. We are also bringing 2 heel socks per person.

PANTS: We have been wearing blue jeans and are taking 2 pairs per person. However, we will most likely wear our black riding pants that fit the riding suit for most the trip. If it is cold, we may wear the riding pants over the jeans. The riding suit pants are made by Pilot Motorsport. The long title is: Pilot Motosport Men's Omni Air Mesh Motorcycle Over Pants. There is not an 'R' in motosport. (Link for pants: http://www.pilotmotosport.com/omni-air-over-pants-v2/. NOTE: This link is directing you to Version 2 of the same pants. I think the Version 2 pants are the same or at least very close. Version 1 does not seem to be sold any longer.)

If you do wear blue jeans, be sure you at least get ones with a wide crotch. Ones made for riding horses work. Test them out by sitting on your bike before taking them on the trip.

SHORTS: These are for when it is too hot for jeans and we just want to wear something underneath the riding pants. These will be worn a lot. We are bringing 3 pairs per person. Make sure the shorts are slippery so they do not ride up in the pants, like basketball or running shorts.

We are also taking a single pair of cargo shorts. They are useful for eating in a restaurant or when you are going to be doing some shopping. They hold things like your wallet more securely than the silky shorts and make you look less like a dirty vagabond rolling in with a pair of muddy boots and in desperate need of a shave.

SWIMMING TRUNKS: You might want to swim. They are light and fold nicely anyway. It feels great after sweating in a motorcycle suit all day.

UNDERWEAR: Whatever is comfortable. Seriously. Find something comfy and go with it. Do not overthink it. We are taking 6 pairs per person. (5 pairs and an extra)

SHIRT: T-shirts for underneath the coats riding jacket. I would not recommend long sleeves since the sleeves seem to get in the way of the jacket and they are hot. It is more personal preference than anything. We are taking 5 or 6 shirts per person.

COATS: Hoodies for underneath the riding jackets. Used to stay warm at high elevations or other cold weather. We are only taking one hoodie.

RIDING JACKET (SUIT): A riding jacket made for riding motorcycles. The one we have is made by Pilot Motosport and is intended to allow air through but also keep you warm. The rain liner and warmth liner can both be removed or used independent of each other. If it matters, we got the sand color. (Link to Pilot Motosport jacket (no 'R' in motosport): http://www.pilotmotosport.com/elipsol-air-jacket/)

CAMELBAK: It is something to stick water in and drink while riding. It also can keep your back cold if ice is put in it. You are going to sweat A LOT. You need to replenish that water. This is how you do it.

We got a pack called a Hydration Backpack by Live Infinitely. (Link to Hydration Backpack: https://www.liveinfinitely.com/products/hydration-backpack?variant=35310978572).

I do not think it is necessary to get exactly the pack we have. Here is the link to the main Camelbak website: https://www.camelbak.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3cenkPfj2wIVQrXACh3_bADLEAAYASAAEgLEvPD_BwE. You don't even have to get a Camelbak brand water carrier. Just get something you can drink on the fly.

GLOVES: Joe Rocket leather gloves. Good protection. They are hot, but they work well. (Link to goves: http://www.joerocket.com/gloves-1/eclipse)

HELMET: Black HJC adventure helmet with a bill, a clear, full face shield and a chin guard. (Unfortunately I can't find a link for this one.) Face shield can be flipped up out of the way or adjusted to 4 different angles: closed, cracked open, mostly open (which I have yet to find useful), and completely open.

COMMUNICATION: Sena 20s evo bluetooth headset (dual pack) (Link: https://www.sena.com/product/20s-evo/)

This is very useful. You can turn communication on and off. Communication between riders is a wonderful luxury. I highly recommend getting a communications set. This particular set also relays the GPS instructions from a Bluetooth GPS unit to everyone in your group.

GLASSES: A pair of darker polarized sunglasses, a pair of clear protective glasses, and a pair of light enhancement glasses (yellow). Anything will do. Preferably with the side shields that wraps around to the earpiece or the kind that limit the amount of airflow.

GOGGLES: My goggles are a pair of blue Fox goggles. Dad's are a pair of Fly goggles. Both have a tearoffs system. (Tearoffs are a thin plastic lens that go overtop your goggles like a screen protector on a phone. Several can be stacked up. When they get dirty, you just peel one of them off and suddenly you have clean goggles!) The goggle specifics do not really matter. Find something comfortable and go with it as long as they fit your face nicely. I recommend trying them on at a store before ordering online if possible.

BE SURE TO GET GOGGLES EVEN IF YOU HAVE A HELMET WITH A FACE SHIELD AND OR GLASSES. FACE SHIELD WILL ROAST YOU ON SLOW MOVING TRAILS AND FOG UP. NEITHER GLASSES OR FACE SHIELD ARE GREAT AT HOLDING OUT DUST.

EARPLUGS: These are a necessity! You will go nuts, deaf, or both without them. I recommend cordless and stemless plugs as the cord tends to get in the way and the stems hurt your ears when you put the tight helmet on. We are taking 33 pairs of plugs per person. That is 30 days worth and 3 pairs for screw ups.

ON BOARD CAMERA: Vivitar DVR 786HD (decent video with good battery. No Bluetooth.) (Link to Vivitar: http://www.vivitar.com/product/111/digital-imaging/1193/dvr-786hd) along with a 128 GB micro SD, a 64 GB micro SD, and a micro SD to SD conversion. (Any SD chip and conversion will do. It all depends on how much storage you want.)

ALSO GoPro HERO4 Black (There is not a typo there.) (It dies quickly but has epic video and framerate. Has Bluetooth and phone app.) (I am giving you a link to GoPro's main camera shopping page as I am not sure that the HERO4 is right for you. They have many more options available. Link to GoPro: https://shop.gopro.com/cameras)

NOTE: Remember that you will have an extra pair of short/pants, a shirt, a pair of socks, and underwear with you because you can pack everything and then wear another set on the first day of your trip.

EQUIPMENT

GPS Unit: It is possible to complete the TAT without a GPS using Sam Correro's roll sheets. These can be found on the main TAT site here: https://www.transamtrail.com/) (Click "BROWSE OUR MAPS" for info about the maps once you enter the site.)

I would recommend at least bringing a GPS unit even if you use the map. They are handy for finding food off trail. (Sam's maps may also provide places to camp, eat, and get gas. I do not know for sure. I know GPS Kevin's maps do.)

Although there is apparently some skirmish about copying Sam, GPS Kevin can supply GPS chips that have way points marked on them for the TAT trails. Kevin also sends large full sheet maps and small index size maps of each TAT section as a backup. Remember there are a lot of sections and therefore a lot of papers/index cards. (Link to GPS Kevin's site: http://www.gpskevinadventurerides.com/trans-america-trail)

Please know this: I have been notified that Sam Correro also provide GPS chips and digital GPS data downloads on his site (https://www.transamtrail.com/). I cannot make any statements on the quality and such of these GPS units as we did not use them. (I can say that they may have been better.) I felt this statement necessary as I was worried people would incorrectly think that only GPS Kevin provided GPS data.

NOTE: GPS is NOT like "turn right here". It is up to you to get to the way point. GPS just shows you where to go in general. If you select a specific place besides the TAT trail, such as a restaurant or hotel, the GPS will still navigate you normally. It is only when you are following the TAT that the way point system is active.

One GPS unit we are using is the BMW Zūmo. (If your computer cannot render the word Zūmo, it is Zumo with a flat line above the u.) It may also show up as a BMW Motorrad since we believe it was originally installed on these bikes. The second GPS we are taking is the Garmin Zūmo (Garmin Zumo). It is the same thing as the first but it is a newer model that tells you about all kinds of stuff. I find it is very difficult to pin down which exact model we have. However, it is not critical that you get the same GPS as we have. I have seen some people use there phones as GPS by taking a micro SD chip reader made for there phone, inserting a GPS Kevin chip, and using an app to read it. It really is whatever works best for you. I would do some good research on GPS units and methods before buying one.

The reason we are taking two units is because of how disorienting and disheartening having only one GPS unit can be. You keep the GPS zoomed way in so that you can find the next way point. At the end of the day you might think you made it across the entire state when you made it 30 miles. It is also confusing if the zoomed in map makes it look like you are headed in the wrong direction. You might just be backtracking a short ways to get around something. Having two units allows you to keep one zoomed out at a state level to see where you are and if you are headed generally the right way while the other allows you to stay zoomed in and find the next way point. Plus, if one unit breaks you still have a working backup. It works really slick. I recommend getting two units and installing them on the same bike.

GAS CANISTER: We are using a Rotopax gas canister that holds 1 Gallon. (It is the desperate gallon.) The system that bolts it onto the bike is pretty sweet. (Link to Rotopax gas can: https://rotopax.com/1-gallon-gasoline.html)

We are only taking one canister. Dad is carrying it on the far back of his bike beneath the dry roll bag.

DRY ROLL BAG: Nelson-Rigg SE - 1030 Ridge Roll Dry Bag 30L (liters) 100% Waterproof with Backpack Straps, Yellow

This one sits on top way on the back of the bike seat. Keeps stuff dry and does a good job of it. (Link: https://www.nelsonrigg.com/luggage/dual-sport-adventure/adventure-dry-roll-bag-30l-detail.html)

PANNIER (SADDLEBAG) DRY BAGS: They are the same exact thing to the Dry Roll Bag right above this. (Here is the link again anyway: https://www.nelsonrigg.com/luggage/dual-sport-adventure/adventure-dry-roll-bag-30l-detail.html)

TANK BAG: Coleman Magnetic Motorcycle Tank Bag

It has a surprising amount of pockets and places to put stuff! It does have a place for a cord to run into the bag. It is NOT waterproof, but does come with something similar to a shower cap that you stretch over it in the case of rain. We couldn't trust a magnetic bag at first. We figured it would fly off. Surprisingly, it sticks on and doesn't move unless you have a real whopper of a wreck. Very handy. Use it for small items you can't loose (as in easy way to take into hotel/tent), want to protect in the event of falling (phone or prescription glasses) or items you need access to on the fly (bear spray, glasses, earplugs). (Link to magnetic tank bag: https://www.coleman.com/motorcycle-magnetic-tank-bag/2000012654.html)

MICROFIBER (CAMPING) TOWEL: Get something that absorbs a lot and dries fast. It is great for after a shower or after a swim. We use a Tek Towel by Sea To Summit. Get one per person. We have the medium size. The link will take you to the website, but in the large size as medium size was unavailable. (Link to Tek Towel: https://seatosummit.com/product/tek-towel-large/)

TENT: Very important! I am providing a link or name for our tent but I do not recommend you buy it immediately as everyone has different needs. Just choosing our tent may get you into trouble. Find yourself a good tent. Try it out a few nights in your yard before you take it on the trip. If you have never slept in a tent chances are it is going to be a much different experience than you think. Practicing beforehand with your air mat and pillow may let you know how you can tweak things to help you out on the trip. I would also recommend getting a tent one person larger than what you plan to sleep in it. Like we are sleeping two people in a three person tent. This give you space for some stuff and some elbow room. Our whole tent still only weighs about 5 pounds despite the extra size. (Link to our tent: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/kelty-circuit-3-person-tent-16kelucrct3pbckpccat/16kelucrct3pbckpccat)

If you are going alone (which I do not recommend) then you might be fine with a one person tent. I have heard one person tents are alright but I have never slept in one myself.

Only one tent.

DO NOT BRING FOOD INTO THE TENT UNLESS YOU WANT TO MEET SOME FEISTY ANIMALS.

TENT TARP: Get a cheap tarp to stick underneath of your tent. It will save the bottom of your tent from sharp things and keep it from getting dirty.

TENT LIGHT: Just a small light so you can see what you are doing at night. Ours is just a USB light that turns on when you plug it in. (NOTE: The link is to Amazon. The link may be broken if the item was removed. Link to tent light: https://www.amazon.com/COOLEAD-Portable-Backpacking-Hurricane-Emergency/dp/B00RVGMKL8/ref=asc_df_B00RVGMKL8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=182854186505&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8985191922118479824&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015936&hvtargid=pla-301155673802&psc=1)

Only one light.

TINY TENT FAN: It is not a necessity, but it is nice. It is exactly what it sounds like. Just a tiny fan that can be charged on a USB. (We can use a USB since Dad has a battery pack for a CPAP he is already taking. See "The Big Battery" below.) It is useful for removing any excess heat from the tent The type of fan really doesn't matter.

EXTENSION CORD: It is as simple as that. We got a 15 foot one from Hyper Tough. I am carrying it. Just get an extension cord, it doesn't really matter which one.

THE BIG BATTERY: You need to know that this is NOT an important item unless you need a CPAP machine to sleep. My dad uses a CPAP and has found that this battery can sustain running the CPAP and charging two phones for two nights between charges. It has many beneficial uses for us besides using it for a CPAP power source, but we wouldn't take it due to it's size and weight if we did not have to. If you need your CPAP to sleep, DO NOT take the trip without this. You will be miserable without it. (NOTE: The site calls it a generator. Do not be fooled. It is just a big battery.Link to big battery: https://www.suaoki.com/products/222wh-portable-generator)

NOTE: It is available with different types of wall outlet plugs if your are from somewhere that uses different outlet styles. You can find those with some quick searches on the site.

PILLOWS: They roll up REALLY small. I mean these things fit in the palm of your hand. They are smaller than a soda can as the website claims. They inflate to a decently sized pillow. I have little trouble running out of pillow when I use it. They have a valve that allows air to be blown in but not to come back out making for an easy inflation with your mouth. When the valve button is pressed again it will let the air out of the pillow. I can blow up the pillow in about 3 good blows.

Trekology ALUFT COMFORT Ultralight Inflating Travel / Camping Air Pillow

(Link to ALUFT pillow: https://trekology.com/collections/best-sellers/products/trekology-dreamer-comfort-compact-inflating-travel-camping-comfort-pillow?variant=52188169350)

AIR MATTRESS: Therm-A-Rest Hikers Mattress - This mat supposedly blows itself up. It does somewhat, but you kind of have to get it started. Usually a small blow or two gets it going and then it inflates the rest of the way itself.

(I am only providing the link for the Therm-A-Rest main page because it is important that you find a mattress that looks right for you. Sleep is very important and I want you to do your research. This link should help you get started. Link to Therm-A-Rest: https://www.thermarest.com/)

SLEEPING BAGS: Ozark Trail ClimaTech 40F Rect Sleeping Bag

Pretty self explanatory. The name is right when it says 40F. It can even get hot this thing given it is above 40 degrees F.

(I unfortunately cannot locate the Ozark Trail gear main site.)

BATHROOM BAG: Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap (shampoo), a sponge, bath wipes, and maybe a tiny towel to dry off with (see Microfiber (Camping) Towel above).

The bath wipes we are using are by Adventure Medical Kits. (Link to Ad Med Kits wipes: http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/adventure-bath-wipes-pkg-8.html)

Try to find a full sealing case for your toothbrush. Otherwise the dirt gets all gritty in your toothbrush. We are using some made by Equate. (Link to example toothbrush holder: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Travel-Toothbrush-Holder-Colors-may-Vary/145336729)

BEAR SPRAY: I do not encourage using this unless absolutely necessary. It is awful stuff. I have had policemen tell me they would rather be shot than sprayed with bear spray. Any bear spray will do.

BIG BANDAGES: Stuff like band-aids. The huge ones. I am talking 3 inch by 4 inch patches. They are great for blisters (on feet or heels especially) or large scrapes and cuts. They are terrible for leg and arm hair though.

ASPERCREME: Just get it. There is no shame. Any pain relieving jell really.

HYRDOCORTISONE CREAM: Make sure it has the anti-itch stuff in it! It is mainly used to treat an inflammation and also makes anything that itching stop itching.

FIRST AID: They make all sorts of small first aid kits. I recommend taking one and knowing how to use the stuff in it.

STING TREATMENT: They are little green bottles that are sealed off at the top with a cap that has a cloth wipe attached to the inside. You break the top off and use the wipe to apply the green stuff to the sting. It works for jellyfish, bee, and wasp stings. Try searching "sting treatment kit" for something like this that is in your area.

NOTE: Although the sting may not hurt bad enough to get this, the aftermath of the sting, such as the itching, can be prevented by applying the treatment. Look at the Tips for Travel #25 for more. (You can get there in the navigation pain at the top of the screen.)

BODY POWDER: If something is sticky, tacky, or annoying chances sticking some body powder on it will fix the issue. It comes in some small containers. Great stuff. (NOTE: The link will show you an example. Getting this bottle in particular is not necessary. Link to body powder: http://www.goldbond.com/blog/product/medicated-original-strength-body-powder/)

TOOLS

KOBALT SOCKET SET: A set of sockets and a handle that fit our bike and can be used to take off parts. We are only taking the metric set as our bikes only have metric parts.

HEX KEY WRENCH (ALLEN WRENCH): A tool that has assorted sizes of hex keys on it. Make sure it fits your bikes things beforehand. (Honda Africa Twins come with a hex key wrench that can be used to disassemble nearly everything on the bike.)

TIRE INFLATOR: We are using the Hyper Tough Mini Tire Inflator. We call it a buzz-box. It is just a small air pump that can inflate your tire. (Link to tire inflator: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-12V-Mini-Tire-Inflator/896468828?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227096980811&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=212799907331&wl4=pla-345014300385&wl5=9015936&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=896468828&wl13=&veh=sem)

MANUEL TIRE PUMP: We have a tiny handheld pump that can be used on bicycle and motorcycle tires. It does not matter which one you get. My dad has successfully inflated a tire with it, but it did him a real number. Only use if desperate.

BATTERIES: Just a package of AAA batteries for some equipment. Take as many as needed.

CHAIN CLEANER: A can of chain cleaner. You will need this a lot. I would recommend using it once a day at the end of the day or at least once every two days. (Link to chain cleaner: http://www.maximausa.com/product/clean-up/)

CHAIN LUBE: I recommend using this at the same intervals that you use the chain cleaner. It helps keep your chain working properly and makes sure it doesn't rust. (Link to chain lube: http://www.maximausa.com/product/syn-chain-guard/)

WRENCHES: We are bringing the following:

• 10 inch adjustable (Crescent) wrench
• 26.6 mm Crescent wrench
• 8 mm
• 9 mm
• 2x 10 mm
• 2x 12 mm
• 13 mm

RUBBER BANDS: They are useful for all sorts of stuff. we are taking 5.

ZIP TIES: They are great for reducing rattles or attaching things. We are taking 12.

PATCH KIT: It is just a simple kit that can be used to patch your tires. (NOTE: Item in link does come with a metallic container. Link to patch kit: https://www.slime.com/au/products/bike/repair-kits/patch-kits-repair-kits/classic-patch-kit.php)

SCREW DRIVER: We have one that can be reversed to be both a Phillips (+) and flat (-) heads.

FUSES: Find the ones that fit your bike. We are taking two fuses.

WIRE CUTTERS: We are bringing a pair of these mostly for fuse purposes.

ELECTRICAL TAPE: Great for everything!

SPARE TUBES: In case we have to trash a tire tube we are bringing a replacement. Find the one that fits your bike.

TIRE IRON: You know, those things that look like chisels or a crowbar that you use to bead a tire.

HEADLIGHT: Not to be confused with a headlight like on your motorcycle. Get one of those lights that strap onto your head that make you look like a coal miner. It is very useful for working on things in the dark. We coincidentally have the lime color which is easy to find in the dark. The site in the link calls the color "yellow". (Link to our headlight: https://www.thepelicanstore.com/lighting/flashlights/pelican-2745-led-headlight)

COOKING

COOKING STOVE: It is just a tiny stand made by Coghlan's that is made to hold cans of chemical camping fires. You just sit your pot or can on top. It folds up, but it is easy to bend the sides if you are not careful. (Link to cooking stove: https://www.coghlans.com/products/folding-stove-9957)

COOKING POTS: You might want something to cook in. We got a set from Stanley. It comes with one metal cooking pot that has a metal folding handle, two plastic cups, and a lid with a steam vent. It is called the Adventure Camp Cook Set. (Link to Stanley cooking pot: https://www.stanley-pmi.com/shop/adventure-camp-cook-set)

NOTE: There is a Stanley company that sells tools too. If you are looking for cookware, you will not find it at the tool site. You want Stanley PMI.

FOOD (OBVIOUSLY): We plan to bring a few cans of soup or something in the nature, some jerky, and other things that do not parish easily.

In particular, we are bringing:

• Cliff bars (heavy granola) - I prefer chocolate chip and Dad got some Sierra Trail Mix flavored bars. (Link to Clif Bars if needed: http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif/clif-bar?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI--nhq8_t2wIVDZBpCh3NoQS0EAAYASAAEgIiA_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
• Instant Meals by Mountain House - We have Chili Mac with Beef, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Stew, and Beef Stroganoff with noodles. (Link to Mountain House: https://www.mountainhouse.com/)
• Nature Valley bars - Sweet and Salty Nut flavor
• Great Value Jerky in Original and Teriyaki flavor
• Great Value Omega 3 Trail Mix (We don't care about the Omega 3. That is just what the store had.)

LOADS OF WATER: I have heard you will need to drink anywhere from 1 to 8 gallons of water a day to stay hydrated from various sources and that you will have no problem doing so with as thirsty as you are going to be. We will see how that goes.

TINY HEAT PRODUCERS: We are using chemical heaters. Specifically, they are Coghlan's Camp Heat. It doesn't really matter what kind you use as long as you can get heat to cook with that fits in your stove. I will provide the link to the camp heat we are using for your reference. (Link to Coghlan's camp heat: https://www.coghlans.com/products/camp-heat-0450)

A LIGHTER: Yes, you could bring tinder and a sparker or something. Do what you want. I will be over here like *click* ... warm fire.

SMALL COOLER: Ours is a small 1 quart handheld cooler that we will use to keep one drink cold. This is not a necessity, but it is really nice to get a good shower out of this thing once in a while. (NOTE: link takes you to main site as 1 quart cooler does not appear to be on the site. Link to Igloo site: https://www.igloocoolers.com/)

CAN OPENER: Find the smallest one you can.

COLLAPSIBLE CUP: This is not a necessity, but having a cup is nice if you just want to drink something. We got a pair of 8 ounce metal cups.

NOTE: Remember that the Stanley cooking set above does come with cups, but they are for soup. If you are eating soup then you will not have a cup to drink from as the soup will occupy your cup.

LIFESTRAW: It is used in a desperate situation. You can safely drink water straight out of a creek with this thing. NOTE: You must replace the filter periodically. (Yes, it is a kids design but it is tough. Link to Lifestraw: https://www.lifestraw.com/products/lifestraw-play/)

:)