Monday, December 14, 2009

packing my bags.

So the no bike riding continues this week as I head out to hike the 70 mile Laurel Highlands Trail from Ohiopyle to Johnstownish. Starting Wednesday morning.

Things that might hold me back:
- I developed a head cold in the last 24 hours
- I have never hiked in the snow
- I have never camped in the winter (have camped in 20 degree September at 10,000 feet, but technically not winter)
- I have not done a hike longer than 4 days
- I have to start with 14 lbs of food.
Things I have going for me:
- I would like to make it.

The head cold is the only thing that really concerns me at this point.

I have food packed. Gear packed, and am ready to roll. I have invested 40 dollars in this at this point, so I am going to go for it even if I am sick.

-Bag: North face bag borrowed from my bro
-Snowshoes: Yakima ebay specials for 60 dollars that are 9 years old
-boots: North Face fancy winter boots from REI outlet at 60 bucks.
-Bivy: North face Trek Bivy. Allegedly good down to like 0.
-Bag: Old campmor down bag rated to 20.
-pad: there is only room for my therma rest extra light
-stove: decided to take my MSR pocket rocket ISO stove. Shouldnt be cold enough to freeze the fuel.
-msr miniworks water prufier

It is going to be 25-33 degrees the whole time. I am only afraid of like 34 degree rain. With that fear in mind I packed a heavy parka that is waterproof and breathable, and also some Pearl Izumi Amphib gloves.

I bought an orange hat and have an orange vest to wear so when I get shot it isnt actually my fault.

-Food:
Breakfast - 6 days of oatmeal+raisins+peanutbutter+sugar
Coffee- stoked to have my titanium french press!
Lunch - 6 days of whole wheat tortillas with raisins and peanutbutter
Dinner - 6 days of couscous with prepacked lentil indian meals on top
Snacks - dried mangos, gorp, nuts, chocolate

Weather is as good as it can be.



All the dudes are already doing base and serious bike racer stuff. I am falling behind. Whatever. Adventure is good right? Hopefully I dont get too sick and can finish.

Speaking of bike racing... I really thought Wells would win nationals. Happy to see Johnson there though. He seems like a good guy, however Wells did ride our BMX trails 15 years ago.

4 comments:

Chris Mayhew said...

I liked it better when you were going to use the vests from the track for safety.

You want rainpants? Neoprene gloves? Plastic press pot?

steevo said...

I bought an orange hat and have an orange vest

have an orange vest = have aca's vest

Spice said...

here's Ed's number 412-dick-head

call him to pick you up when you get bored and cold. I'm sure he can squeeze you in, with his busy schedule.

Good luck.

Matthew Ruscigno said...

20 degrees? I think we got down to 12.
Titanium french press??? whoa dude. worth it, I'm sure.