There have been a few discussions on various cycling forums, of late, about how much gear to carry on tour. So I thought I’d take a leaf from E.O. Wilson’s book and do a bit of touring style taxonomy. So what are my categories? I’m going to go with three; Conventional; Lightweight and Ultralight. To make things simple I’m only going to include set ups with some sort of shelter and sleeping equipment, so credit card touring is out.

Conventional

I’d say that this approach emphasizes comfort off the bike or safety in remote places. Many examples can be found at http://www.pbase.com/canyonlands/fullyloaded . The basic set up usually includes 4 panniers, a handlebar bag and probably something strapped to the top of the rear rack. Gear weights can range from 40lbs upwards. The number of bags, their construction methods and need for sturdy racks contributes a lot to the overall weight as does the choice of traditional camping equipment.

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I was turned down for being too rational when I applied, also I refused to grow a handlebar mustache&mdash. Yeah, she blamed drunk college students for just about everything, stopping just short of fingering them for global warming. And the only reason she stopped there is because she&rsquo. At least, law enforcement chooses to treat it that way. Clearly, it&rsquo. but I&rsquo. s probably one of those wackos who doesn&rsquo. Then, I&rsquo. Well, they are, but I&rsquo. Buzzkill as I like to call her&mdash. m no cop&mdash. t believe in it. Meanwhile, law enforcement hears about a 4/20 concert at Pozo Saloon and the entire Narcotics Task Force, plus 45 spares, takes a field trip. As part of my training to leap and dash my way through any and all obstacles, I made a habit of getting wasted downtown on weekends.

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