How to Travel with 20 lbs or Less

So I was inspired by Tim Ferriss's excellent post on how to travel with 10 lbs or less. However, he was just headed to Maui for a few days, not a few weeks/months. So I stole the good, and then added my own. Here it is for your packing enjoyment.

Note: This is an interactive photo. If you click on it you can then see notes for every item.

First, I have to confess that I am a gear addict. From spending hours online or in magazines reading reviews, to hours in outdoor stores, the stuff just fascinates me. It's incredible how small and more efficient things get. Needless to say it can become a never ending quest to have the smallest and lightest pack. For my first foray into the unknown, I think I've done pretty well. But only time will tell.

But back on my less is more philosophy, there are a ton of reasons why it's better to pack less. Obviously, it's a hell of a lot easier to walk longer and farther, or to avoid a hernia when lifting your bag into the trunk of a cab when you bring less stuff. Not only that, you will have less to worry about losing, and you will have more space to bring goodies home. One of the best perks in my opinion is not having to check luggage at the airport. I can not tell you how many times my bags have been lost or delayed. Plus you can avoid having to camp out at the baggage carousel post flight...it's a win-win situation.

It's also just a freeing experience in general to have less stuff. Fewer things to clean, maintain, and worry about. And this couldn't be more true when traveling abroad. An old rule of thumb for traveling is to layout what you need, cut it in half, and double the cash you bring. You are bound to buy a few things anyways, and then anything that you really need you can buy on the road (and for much less than you would back home in a lot of cases). So what am I bringing along?

This is what is in the photo (if you click on the photo it will take you to an interactive version):

• 3 shirts
  
• 1 pair of pants
  
• 3 shorts - 1 swim, 1 regular, 1 running.
  
• 3 briefs
• 1 polo
• 1 Patagonia Sun Hoody - The website describes it best under "Ideal Uses" - Boat travel in Fiji, Baja Dirt Naps, Hunting Down Empanadas in Playas Del Coco, Hot-Weather Activities, Finding Kurtz.
  
• 1 Patagonia Houdini Jacket - This thing is absolutely incredible. I feel like a king being robed in velvet every time I put it on. It is the lightest (4.3 oz) rain jacket I have ever seen, and it folds up into the palm of your hand. Genius.
• 1 Lightweight Fleece - Yes, you do need a warm layer even in the tropics. Apparently the air con buses are frigid!
• REI Flash 18 - Daypack that doubles as a stuff sack...the more uses the better I say.
• 1 Large MSR Packtowl - This thing soaks up nine times its weight in water and dries incredibly fast. I think I'll start using these at home!
• 1 REI MultiTowel Lite - Same as above just smaller.
  
• 2 pairs lightweight socks - Probably won't need these much as I'll be wearing flipflops!
• 1 Toiletry Pack
• 1 pair flip flops
• 1 pair Vibram FiveFingers - I have been running in these for over a year now and absolutely love them. They are as close to being barefoot as you can get, with only slight rubber padding on the bottom for grip and glass protection. There's nothing better than running along the ocean and doing some beach sprints!
  
• Dr. Bronner's Soap - A must for any traveler/backpacker. You can use it for anything from showers to laundry. And it's organic and fair trade certified of course :)
• Small First Aid Kit - Picked this up at REI. Probably unnecessary as anywhere I go there should be access to relatively cheap good medical supplies. But you never know.
• Roll of TP - Like the first aid kit, you just never know!
  
• Money Belt
• Sleep mask w/ ear plugs - For planes, trains, buses, and crappy accomodations.
• Cable w/ lock - To secure my bag in rooms and in transit.
• 8GB iPhone - Using it more like an iPod touch due to insane international roaming charges. Just for music, movies, podcasts, and to make skype calls over wifi.
• Canon IS700 - This is the best point and shoot I have ever owned, period.
• Waterproof case for camera - This is just cool as I can take shots and movies underwater!
• Acer Aspire One - I know it's not a Mac, and I feel a little guilty. But at a mere 1 kg (2.2 lbs) it even beats out my Air. To make the OS tolerable, I installed Ubuntu Netbook Remix...very cool.
• Cordless Mouse
• 2 USB flashdrives
  
• Stuff sack - To separate dirty clothes.
• Clothesline
• Sleep sheet - For those less than ideal rooms.
• Ziploc bag with Passport, Visa, Credit Cards, Money, etc.
• Moleskin journal - I've used these for a few years and love them. After all, van Gogh and Picasso couldn't have been wrong!
• Thailand guidebook
• Bangkok map
• Bali guide - I got this off of Anthony Anderson's website, as I do plan to go to Bali afterwards.
• The Garden of Eden - I'm hot off of Old Man and the Sea and found this in my apartment's library.

So that's it. Twenty pounds, probably too much. I can always ditch stuff over there or mail stuff home. I'll let you know how it goes.

The Tour is Over :(

Epic is the word of the day. That's how I would describe the ToC this year. With it's fourth year running, it was by far the biggest most star packed field yet. Was it Lance? He definitely played a big role in peoples' turnout and excitement levels. I have to admit that had it not been for him I'm not sure I would have made the adventure myself. Either way though, make no mistake that this race has found a place in the pro cycling calendar. Give it a few more years, and we'll be talking Alpe d'Huez crowds.

But now that it's day two post ToC, I wanted to take a look back on the week and see what I could do different for next year, and also give a breakdown of how I did it in case any of you adventurous folk want to go next year!

But first, here is some video footage from the final two days as promised.

The first is from Stage 7 of my attempt at trying to keep pace with a group of riders. Needless to say, even going up mountains they haul!


2009 Tour of California: Stage 7 Climb P1 from Daniel Glaser on Vimeo.

Next is the pelaton coming up the climb on the same stage. Just to give you an idea of the madness.


2009 Tour of California: Stage 7 P2 from Daniel Glaser on Vimeo.

This next one is from the final stage on the beyond category climb of Palomar Mountain. Incredible the amount of support vehicles. And people say cycling is green!


2009 Tour of California: Stage 8 P1 from Daniel Glaser on Vimeo.

And finally, this poor rider was the last one all alone a good 15 minutes from the rest of the pack. Just shows more of what it takes to be a pro cyclist.


2009 Tour of California: Stage 8 P2 from Daniel Glaser on Vimeo.

Planning

As far as pre-trip prep, I did the absolute bare minimum. I didn't know where I wanted to be at each stage, so I wanted to leave it wide open. This was key as I quickly learned that the best spots to be at each stage are not consistent. I started out trying to make both the start and finish, which was incredible as that is where the crowds and festivals are. But the last few stages I would camp at the KOM points so I could get up close and personal as these are the slowest points speed wise for the riders.

Lodging

I decided to split my nights between hotels and camping. The more I could camp, the better off I'd be since getting a room for a mere 8 hours to rest your head can be pretty expensive and would have blown the budget out of the water had I done it every night.

So I ended up with three nights in hotels, and four camping out. I'm not sure if I could have done this if it wasn't for the Element, as I constructed a bed in the back that was just as comfy as home! I suppose if you have a hatchback or something similar you could do the same.

I found that my nights of camping were much more fun since you are surrounded on the top of mountains by people just as crazy. Luckily this isn't France, otherwise I would have had to have been out there a solid week before the riders came through!

As for hotels, I ended up staying in San Luis Obispo, Modesto, and Escondido. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to find a nice clean hotel with the iPhone. I would usually just check on Orbitz as I was rolling into town for availability and customer ratings, and then go from there. Total hotel costs ended up being $177.08.

Food

I did a huge shopping spree on my way out of Oregon before the race, knowing I was going to be camping out. I definitely bought too much, as I still have stuff leftover. I'm sure I could have spent half as much and been fine...next time. So I ate cheap most of the time, and then splurged on a good dinner or lunch every now and then. Another thing I could have saved on is water had I bought it in bulk beforehand. Total food cost = $178.10.

Transportation

As much as I would have loved to have biked the whole thing, the stages were just too far apart. It was a struggle some days, especially through L.A., just to get to the next stage in a car. They seriously need to look into getting some kind of shuttle service between the finish and start cities.

So cycling is generally looked upon as the "green" thing to do, but such was definitely not the case for this race. I ended up logging 1,489.5 miles for the eight days. With gas hovering around $2.15 - $2.40 per gallon, my grand total for transportation was $104.62. That's only $0.07 per mile...not sure you can get much cheaper than that!

Total Trip Cost

When it was all over, my tab was $459.80. That comes out to $57.48 per day. Definitely well worth the eight days of racing heaven that I had!

What's Next?

Here for a few days in Oregon, where I can rest up before the huge trip to Thailand! I cannot believe it's only a few days away. This is incredible. Another dream of mine about to be fulfilled. Time to start packing!

Tour of California: Stages 7 & 8

Absolutely incredible this past week has been. Definitely one I will never forget. I got to see so much of this amazing state, probably more than I would ever have seen without the race to follow.

I'll do a summary post in the next few days, but first here's what happened in the last two stages.

Stage 7

With only two days left, I made it a point to make it to the final mountain climbs. I figured with the weekend here, more people would show up. Was I ever in for a surprise.

Instead of taking photos of the riders today, I decided to get some movie action. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to wait until I get back home to upload the files...they are huge. It will be worth the wait though, I assure you :)

So I'll keep this stage report short, and let the pictures (and soon to be posted videos) do the talking. Enjoy!

Artists hard at work @ 5,000 ft elevation

Superfan!

Stage 8

This was by far the best and hardest day of the tour yet. The riders faced the highest point of the tour at 5,300 ft and the only beyond category climb.

So what did I decide to do? Test my limits as any good fan would do.

I have to climb that?

@ 4,000 ft elevation

View from the top

So I eventually made it to the top after many long miles. This was by far the hardest climb of my life. Even when I was back in cycling shape I never attempted anything like this. Really humbles you and makes you appreciate what these guys go through on a daily basis.

The good life. Surf in the morning. Cycle the afternoon. I have to give this guy credit as he rode it more than halfway up the climb. And I thought it was tough on my bike!

So again, I took videos of the main pack that will be uploaded later...sorry! Needless to say though, there were many riders that fell from the pack. Maybe about seven or eight separate groups that came up. The worst was the very last rider, who was 15 min. behind all by himself...talk about tough! I gotta give him credit for pushing even when hope for a good time was gone.

After all was said and done, I still had a loooong way back to my car. The descent back down Palomar was absolutely insane. There must have been 100+ cyclists strong dominating the road. As hard as the climb up was, going down at 40+ mph navigating hairpin turns made it all worthwhile.

After several more miles, when there was nothing left in the legs, I hit the final climb up Cole Grade Road. Ouch is all I have to say. Had there been any other option I would have taken it. Only thing more painful than climbing Palomar mountain is climbing Cole Grade Road after climbing Palomar! Luckily about halfway up, I pulled off here for a break where there was a big screen setup watching the finish in Escondido...sweet!

I finally got back to my car and nearly six hours after leaving it. Oh how I wish I had my own soigneur!

Tour of California: Stage 6

Finally got a solid internet connection again. It's harder than you would think finding one when you are constantly moving around California. They seriously need to make free wifi hotspots mandatory at rest stops...some have them but most don't. I give props to AT&T for their free wifi at Starbucks with the iPhone...but how about a way to share that with your laptop? I mean the monthly plan is ridiculous as it is, or at least tack on a few dollars extra a month for it! If anyone reading this works for AT&T please fill me in!

I've been getting some questions about logistics and how I'm able to follow the tour. I'll do a summary post with all the glorious details in a few days.

Anyways, on to the best Tour journalism you will find...

Stage 6

Solvang, CA

Today was a day unlike any yet. The decisive time trial to be held in Solvang. There was already a lot of traffic going into the town when I was about four miles out, so I decided to park and ride to the start.

Solvang is unlike any town I've been to in the U.S. The European riders probably felt like they were home, as it looks like it's straight out of Germany. It's too bad the Tour's finish wasn't here, as I'm sure there would be some good times with the rider's in the many pubs!

A drive thru liquor store? Definitely German :)

Tyler Hamilton of Rock Racing

Once again, I can check a hero of mine off of the list. Tyler Hamilton from Rock Racing. Everytime I meet these guys I am amazed at their physiques. If you know me, I'm not that big of a guy but I'm always dwarfing them in the photos. Make no mistake about it, these guys are lethal cycling machines that could take me out on their worst and my best day!

But in case you don't know, Tyler was accused of doping a few years back and then suspended until last season. That was where the newly formed Rock Racing picked him up, which is owned by some incredibly wealthy fashion designer. They have one of the biggest budgets in professional cycling, and used it to pickup pretty much every rider that has been accused of drug use in the past few years. I've heard of them throwing huge parties in the hills of L.A. with the hollywood stars. This year they seemed to have toned it down a bit, which is good because I don't think that their team was respected as much in the professional realm.

So with the course only being 15 miles long, and the start and finish in Solvang, I decided to do a little test run. Straight out of town you hit a nice little climb for a good boost to the confidence level. After that, it was downhill and flat for a loooong time. Incredible scenery, definitely a cyclist's paradise.

What wasn't listed on the Tour page was that there was an amateur race that started at 11:00. So just when I was getting in the zone and settling into a good pace, a rider for Rock Racing flew by. I grabbed his wheel for a minute or two, but that was all these legs could manage. So I succumbed back into my scenic pace.

It's a good thing I forgot what the race profile looked like, because towards the end I hit some brutal climbs. And by brutal I mean not in the sense that they would be that way on a normal day on a normal ride. But in the fashion that after going fairly hard the whole course and being pretty spent and then hitting a few 6-8% grades. But like any guy on a bike with no other choice I just gritted the teeth and made it through.

When all was said and done, I did it in around 53 minutes. A far cry from the winning time of 30:40 by the man Levi! I attribue it to them having an aerodynamic TT bike and helmet and nothing more ;)

I then made my way to an incredible spot about 2k from the finish. It was the top of the final climb, so I got some great shots of the racers. I'm not even going to attempt to look at them until I get back home, because there are around 400 of them to go through! But here are a few of my favorites...

How many jelly beans does it take to ride 15 miles?

Robert Gesink

Think he's in pain?

Maybe it's better if you don't know where the top is?

What post would be complete without a shot of him?

Funny thing is that out of all of my shots, Armstrong looks like he is suffering the least. An act or reality? No doubt he could have won this Tour had he wanted to. But better to have him dominate the TdF in July, and use this as training.

Once again, Levi dominated the race. Unfortunately, my words of good luck to Tyler at the start did not carry him far as he had chain troubles and ended up losing a ton of time. But worst of all is Ivan Basso, another accused doper making his comeback, as he had to drop out of the race after injuring his knee on the handlebars...ouch!

Tour of California: Stage 5

Note: Click here for my post on Stages 3 & 4, and here for Stages 1 & 2. It's worth it trust me :)

Stage 5: Visalia to Paso Robles

Once again we have sun for the stage start! Visalia is another nice cycling town. Wide lanes, smooth roads, and plenty of bike lanes. So I brought out my Giant for another pre-race ride. Rode around the course a little, with the usual comments from people thinking I'm a rider. Truth be told, security is so low at every single stage that if I came in a team's kit I could easily make my way to the starting line. If I was in actual race condition, and I had the $10,000 dollars or so to buy the team bike, then it might be worth trying it out for the start.

But on to the big news of the day, I met another incredible influence of mine...George Hincapie! For the normal people (non-cycling freaks), he was a domestique for Lance back in the day, and really could have been in the top of the sport had it not been for a few strokes of bad luck.

Awkward angle of me posing with George (I had my bike to hold onto and he was behind the barricades)

So let's recap...I have gotten up close and personal with Bob Roll, Johan Bruyneel, Lance, and George Hincapie...could life get any better? Apparently so as Mark Cavendish, winner of Stage 4 and 5 came up next!

Unbelievable...getting to give my words of luck to the fastest man in the world pre-race

In last minute fashion though, my encounter with Columbia-Highroad left me with only a few minutes to spare before the start so I gritted my teeth and flew through the empty streets.

Stage 5 start in Visalia

Have no idea who this is or why he was last in the pack and looking back for somebody or something

Overall though, the start was one of the worst logistically speaking. They only did one lap, and it was way too long so people were spread out way too far too. Oh well, there's always next year.

So back on the road I went, heading towards Paso Robles. I found a good spot along the way with a moderate climb and two curves, so figured I'd camp out for the pack. Definitely glad I did.

WTF? Mere minutes before the pelaton came through this truck was headed straight for them!

There was a six man break that came through first

The pelaton

Yes, that is Lance. And yes, that is my Element. Incredible.

What can I say? Another amazing fulfilling day on the Tour. I skipped the finish, since I wouldn't have been able to make it anyways being behind the pack. Heard that Cavendish took first again...insane!

Tomorrow will be my first time trial for professional cycling, and it could completely change the GC. Solvang tomorrow at Noon. If you can get off work and watch it at home then do it! If not, at least pretend like you are working and watch it at the Tour California website. If I have service, I'll be twittering my location so look for me!

Until tomorrow (or next internet connection)...

Tour of California: Stages 3 & 4

Top of the 1st climb

Stage 3

Surprise, surprise...it's pouring out! This is getting ridiculous...I'm sure the European riders are probably wondering when they get to see the beautiful beaches and warm weather that California is known for. Will probably make them think twice about coming back next year!

With the pelaton hitting a category 1 climb just 5 miles from the start of today's stage, I knew exactly where I wanted to be. So I got up early and started the climb up Sierra Road before they shut it down. All I kept thinking about as my car sloooowly climbed was how much worse could it get? It was freezing cold out, pouring rain, blowing wind, and now they had to put the guys through a Cat 1 climb with around 9% grade!

So I sat at the top overlooking San Jose for about four hours as we all waited for the riders to make it. First man up? Fabien Cancellera once again. He got the KOM award, then quietly slipped back in the pack and took it easy the rest of the race...smart man.

It was 42 degrees Farenheit with 15 mph winds and raining...ridiculous! Just look at their faces!

Only thing worse than climbing a mountain like this is being behind the pelaton by yourself. These guys are digging deep!

As soon as the main pack flew by, I hopped in my car and booked it to the finish in Modesto. Got there about an hour before the riders, and guess what? It was raining! Miraculously though, as they drew near the rain stopped and this glowing ball of fire showed up in the sky...something I hadn't seen or felt in days!

Stage 4


Strange thing happened today. I wasn't awoken by rain drops or howling wind. Instead, the unfamiliar Sun was shining brightly over the town of Merced. Today would be a good day.

It was time to finally bust out my ride. I had kept her dormant due to the insanely crappy conditions the last few days. That was it though, sedentary no more would I be.

Let me elaborate a little on the town of Merced if any of you are planning a vacation there (note sarcasm). For the most part, the people are incredibly friendly and hospitable. But that was about all it had going for it. The actual town was about as charming as the Palm Desert on a hot day. It just lacked any architectural genius, and things seemed to be too crowded.

Needless to say, I hopped in the saddle and test drove the downtown section of the course before the riders. Let me tell you, riding on car-less roads is a thing of utter beauty that should be experienced by everyone. I was the only cyclist on the road and almost felt like I was riding the race myself, as all of the spectators and volunteers camped out cheered me on. It didn't matter that my legs were burning, I pushed as hard as I could. So I can definitely relate to how the pros get that extra surge up the climbs and at the finish with big crowds...they are key to a good race!

Despite my first impressions on the town, the start was pretty decent. They did three laps around downtown and had a ton of people show up. Also, the streets are super wide and perfect for cycling.

One thing I have noticed is how relaxed security is compared to European races. If this was the Giro or TdF, you'd be lucky to get a glimpse of the riders outside of the race. Here, I see riders both pre and post race riding the streets by themselves. Often times they are just trying to find their hotel after a brutal day in the saddle, much like someone who has had a few too many beers in an unfamiliar town.

It was pretty funny, because I couldn't tell you how many times I was asked if I was a racer. Obviously by people who are not as up to snuff in the pro cycling world, since last time I checked there is no Spokes of Wheaton pro team. Or my favorite when people start talking to me like I'm a rider without asking. "How are the legs? Good luck today! Which way do you guys go? Do you guys start on time?" Good stuff :)

As close as I got to the Sierras

As much as I would have loved to make it into the Sierras to see them race in the snow, there was only one access road so it was not meant to be. So I headed on down to the finish in Clovis, which was actually pretty cool.


Despite having preconceived notions of the Fresno area, I found Clovis to be a sweet find. The downtown had character to it, and the crowd was strong! One of the most congested finishes yet. Mostly due to the Livestrong Army I'm sure, but for whatever reason definitely a good thing.

Agreed. Should be a national holiday.

What happens when you bring the biggest bike race in the U.S. to a small town in central Cali? Everyone shows up!

I ended up browsing through all of the bike vendor booths, and mistakingly thought I was in heaven a few times. Oh the bike lust...

Lance's ride (btw - apparently his TT bike has been recovered just in time for Solvang!)

The machine that has been good to Levi

Mark Cavendish once again proved his reign by beating Boonen and Hushovd in the final sprint. He is the fastest man in the world. Will be interesting to see who wins the overall sprinter's jersey.

Levi still the overall leader sends his love my way

It was also good to see Tyler Hamilton up on stage, especially in the Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous jersey since his mom was recently diagnosed with cancer. He used to be a favorite of mine back in Lance's reign of the TdF, but things got muddled after his doping scandal. What matters now is that he is clean, which I believe is the case. He had a rough ride after the allegations, and I'm sure he wouldn't risk that again (I hope!).

Robert Gesink gives a post race interview after taking the Best Young Rider's Jersey

So tomorrow's start is in Visalia, with the finish back in Paso Robles. I'm excited, but even more so for the TT in Solvang. It should be a clear indication of the race winner. Who will it be? Levi? Zabriskie? Armstrong? Stay tuned...