Friday, Oct 8 2010
Marc writes:
Normal mode
Tomorrow I leave for the annual Central Cal Coast Campout and BBQ at Lake San Antonio near Paso Robles on the R69S now that it seems to be running well post engine teardown. Will the bike get me there and back? Hope so.
In any case a subset of my camping gear needs to be strapped to the old old bike. Normally this Kriega bag lives on the rear fender rack. It comes off to make room for the camping goodies.
Straps
Panniers
After removing the Kriega bag I attached some H2W straps to the rack to hold the two gear bags. Then I threw my narrow, soft sidded panniers over the rack. In the past I put the rearmost top support for the panniers under the rack. I thought I’d try on top of the rack this time. It’s not like they can go any place.
Pannier rear strap
Pannier front straps
This part of the reason why the panniers are not moving. A rear strap stops them from moving forward and up and two front straps stop them from moving rearward and up. Plus, there will be gear mounted on top of the top pannier support.
Coffee making stuff
Sweater and rain insert
The right pannier will hold clothers, camp sandals, and toiletries. The left pannier has my coffee making supplies, a sweater, and the waterproof liner for my riding pants just in case. I don’t expect to use the pants liner unless it gets either very cold or very wet.
Tent, Tarp, Chair, Monopod
Sleeping bag and mattress
The bottom bag holds my tent, chair, a 12x12 tarp that I likely will not use this trip, and a monopod for use with my camera. The camera is in the tank bag along with a head lamp. The top bag holds my sleeping bag and mattress. The straps keep the entire package pretty steady on the rear rack.
I’m ready to go. I’ll head down the coast tomorrow morning with stop in Watsonville for breakfast. My intended route has me heading inland around Castroville, taking back roads that parallel 101 until King City. I’ll post pictures, a route map, and a ride report when I return.