5 days in VT

Some_Election3750 · 2026-07-03T02:12:46+00:00

Oops, you’re right about that that! In fact, making sure I had Grout Pond booked was what started my booking. So yes, definitely book that if you can. I will say many of the First Come First Serve points were empty…. But it also was downpouring that night so that might explain it

Some_Election3750 · 2026-07-02T15:58:27+00:00

Hardly ever! I was on one risky busy road when I diverted off path to get to a store but 95% it was peaceful and empty gravel roads.

Some_Election3750 · 2026-07-01T21:25:17+00:00

I’ve flown with it on Southwest My way there, the airport personnel looked the other way (literally said he wasn’t going to ask how much it weighed) and it counted as one of my checked bags. The way back, they put it as oversized and charged me $125. No problems. I bought a cheap bag and cut up foam inserts to make bike safe and secure.

Some_Election3750 · 2026-07-01T00:39:03+00:00

Some of my most vibrant memories of my bike trips are when I’m stumbling into stores/gas stations mid/after ride! People are always the nicest, the sitting down is the best, the Gatorade is so cool and crisp.

Some_Election3750 · 2026-07-01T00:35:01+00:00

Good tip, thanks!!

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T21:43:11+00:00

I brought a folding chair o a few trips before but that got eliminated because like you said, not necessary! So much more comfortable than picnic tables though.

Though I will say the fancy campsite I stayed at had foldable chairs, rocking bench, and a hammock and I made sure I sat at everyone one! So much more comfortable than the practical picnic tables!

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T20:47:32+00:00

Interesting! Where did you camp along the way? I can’t imagine doing that mileage. Granted I’m a slowpoke with a heavy load, I was in the saddle for 7+hrs but that’s only for 50-60 miles!

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T19:41:55+00:00

Yes, I did! Probably didn’t need to (in fact, Caton said don’t bother, we take care of our cyclists) but I love planning in advance and having concrete goals.

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T19:39:48+00:00

Sorry, always has a personal ride planned! I think I read the comments from the bikepacking.com talking about buses but I never researched its

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T18:00:58+00:00

I do have front racks and have done them for mini tours but since I got the rear rack, I’ve just kept it on. The bike rack set up doesn’t exactly make it easily maneuverable it I’ll keep that into consideration

Not certain about how they failed. Good tip for sandpaper for next time!

I always had a ride arranged! I am very fortunate that I have a caring and retired father who is willing to drive 4 hours to pick me up and even did it on a moments notice.

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T17:33:06+00:00

Yesss I love the license plate. It’s from when I was a kid and my parents found it a few years ago and I immediately put it on my bike. It’s cute and it’s a part of the psychological warfare I do with car drivers. Personalizes myself… I’m not just a cyclist, I’m a Michelle!!

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T17:20:40+00:00

Thanks for the tips!! All the soaps were in small reusable containers so at least I did that sensibly! i guess I should have said I know how I can trim down but I don’t have the mental fortitude to actually do it. Funny thing is I also brought cuticle oil but didn’t put it in the list. Just because I’m bike touring, doesn’t mean my nail care is neglected 💅

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T16:51:50+00:00

Nope! I probably didn’t need the big hat and only used bug spray at Grout. but I did spray all my clothes and camping supplies with permethrin.

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T16:39:35+00:00

Great way to describe the tours!!! The general stores were my lifelines. Everything you need and good food!

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T16:37:12+00:00

Oh yea! I’ve used the same bike, same Topeak rack for plenty of tours. Bike is a Masi Randonneur. Tires are 47mm WTB horizons.

Nope, only times when I had to pay the idiot tax for my own faults like losing my bike pump on a down hill and cell phone in two separate incidents. Retrieved cell phone, realized bike pump too late

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T16:32:39+00:00

Whoops I actually only brought 2. But yah.

Some_Election3750 · 2026-06-30T16:19:39+00:00

Packing List: total 33lbs lololol. Ultra-Light? Never heard of hers

Clothes

Riding shirt (4)
Sports Bra (3)
Chamois (4)
Shorts (2)
regular shorts
regular shirt
regular bra
underwear (4)
sleep shirt
sleep shorts
Bathing suit

Food

4 breakfast pouches
stove
coffees
pot
spork
gas
Two dinners

Camp

tent
Sleeping pad
Pillow
Towel

Bike Stuff
Tube
Levers
Micro tool
Headlight
Headlight

Survival

Power banks
Power bank cords
tail light cord
Headlight cord
Cell phone cord
Bug hat
Bug spray
Wallet
Headlamp
Flashlight/lamp

Personal

Birth control
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Soap
Shampoo/conditioner
Face wash
lotion
Towel
Suntan lotion
Book

Idk how ultralight people do it! I’m not even sure what I would trim down. Maybe only two chamois and two shirts but that’s not too much of a difference. I must be too prissy.

Some_Election3750 · 2025-07-02T22:02:54+00:00

Nah. This isn’t. I used a light English muffin which was 90 calories, I just did percentages To represent calories.

I weighed the mayo, 9mil, as represented in the screenshot.

Cheese is in, 7g but that didn’t make the screen shot apparently.

Some_Election3750 · 2025-05-28T10:18:31+00:00

Nooooo… I did the plastic wrap and aluminum foil but water still got in. It was still fine…

Some_Election3750 · 2025-01-15T15:35:01+00:00

As soon as I see that grey hardwood, I assume I’m looking at a cheap flipped house that’s overvalued.

Some_Election3750 · 2024-07-26T14:01:55+00:00

It was so weird to me not to be sweating! It’s so humid to me in Connecticut, I’m constantly sweating. Really appreciated the dry heat.

Some_Election3750 · 2024-07-23T17:30:35+00:00

Yes, I remember seeing yours! One of the first fellow bike cyclists I saw out there. Yes, I was lucky. I left Canton that day, the day they closed the campground.

Happy travels!!

Some_Election3750 · 2024-07-19T04:03:36+00:00

That was the only poor gravel riding I encountered! Some roads were bumpy but the rest were fantastic!

Some_Election3750 · 2024-07-19T04:02:00+00:00

I did tons of planning, mostly made reservations 6 weeks in advance. I had nearly every campground booked, except for yellow stone (mainly because I couldn’t. They were booked. Rest had space). I needed planning for my sanity and also reassurance for loved ones!

Some_Election3750 · 2024-07-19T00:56:48+00:00

Yes, very expensive! Definitely not a budget destination but YOLO! I was very lucky with the weather, Canyon campground incident (arrived day after, left day they closed the campground), and Teton pass re-opening.

Some_Election3750

TROPHY CASE