Overkill...

March 23 2011


Well, ya know what ?? Spring has finally sprung and the motivation gland is pumping out happy endorphines.
I went to the huge Bike Expo in nearby Seattle with my friend Kerry to get pumped about all things outdoors. It was a worthy journey. My blood is churning ! But the Amtrac was half-assed !
I decided to get my good'ol  Outbound tent out for some seam sealing and water testing. Good thing I took the time- she failed. I guess I need a new tent. Crap ! I decided on the new " Hubba" maybe pick it up this week. Also ordered front panniers  and handlebar bag from Caps . Arkel T 28 and large Handlebar Bag. $$$$$
 I would like the GT 18's, but overall cost would be Crazy!  I also passed up the Ortlieb front Roller Classics.
I got some new fenders and installed them tonight (beer assisted) Also got a mid range solar charger from MEC. "PowerFilm" USB+AA.  ( to power AA Batteries for camera, I POD and Cell Phone)

My old tent served me well...sob !                      

Master mechanic...not !..

Nice fenders though...

                                                                                                   

Powerfilm Solar Charger for AA batteries and I POD
Folded and outstretched...
$98.00 @ MEC
Seems to work well and is nice and light.
Will stretch it over rear panniers while riding.                                       Solar Charger unfolded...
Around 14 inches long( going by memory)
- that's not a good source, believe me.

 Powerfilm Charger unfolded folded

 

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  In the Spending frenzy,... I got sucked into buying this solar powered/crank assist radio for 40% off. Maybe I can use it for local stuff, I don't know yet. It's heavy, but Sadistically Cool somehow.

Once I have remaining panniers, I can load 'em up for some test rides.

Until then....

Staying Connected

One key point in this trip is communication. Letting people know where I am and how things are going. Where is the next bike shop? What is the weather for the next day? How far to the nearest campground ? etc. I did a little research on electronic devices and compared that information with choices made by other bike travellers. Smart phones and Tablets are cool, but I want a keyboard because I'm half-blind and my fingers are clumsy. Also, expense is a factor.  I will pick up a  super cheap, super basic cell phone later. ( for ordering beer and pizza, of coarse !)
So I decided on a 10 inch netbook. I picked out what I was thinking of getting from the NCIX website. A store recommended by my friend Tanya.  So I went down to the Vancouver location to have a look. Not the type of store where I should be purchasing electronics. It's devoid of display items and typical salespeople. A store geared to professionals and mega geeks. I basically went to the counter and showed one of the many clerks my google print out. A little chit - chat and $400.00 later, I was on my way. On my way to the Burnaby location .  (to pick it up.)  Annoying drive and a long wait in a line of zero,  I am handed a box containing my shiny new Device. (my first time buying something sight unseen) Could've got it through Amazon and had it shipped to me for less. Oh well. I belong in 1346.
Anyway, here are some specs on my new companion : ( I hope Highway Cat doesn't get jealous.)

ASUS EeePc 1015 PEM PU17-BK

• Battery - 6 cell, 13 hour
• Microphone, webcam
• Screen - 10.1 inch LED, 1024+600
• VGA, 3 USB 2.0, Memory card reader
• Memory 1 GB (2 available), 
• Bluetooth 3.0, Wi Fi
• 2.79 lbs.
• N550 Atom, 1.50 GHZ, Dual core
• HD 250 GB

So, hopefully I can keep up wth a fair log of my journey to begin mid May 2011. Kizzmitt isn't too sure !