more trip questions

O.K. here are two more questions on things that I need to get before this trip.

1) To Slime or not to Slime? Should I get a slime tube plus compressor or just the standard plug and C02 kit?
2) I am thinking of getting a plug in heated vest from Aerostich or should I get the Jett battery powered one and risk it dying on me mid trip?

Mike

Mike,

Good luck on your trip. Where are you going and when?

As for #1, I just carry a can of fix-o-flat, a plug repair kit and a manual foot pump.

As for #2, I carry a D-cell battery powered heated vest from Harriet Carter. I haven't used it yet so I don't know how well it works, or how long, but it does heat up and it was inexpensive.

Scott

Mike,

If you do end up buying some heated gear, here's a link I just saw on BUSA for good prices on Gerbing:

http://www.heatedclothingoutlet.com/index.shtml

Scott

Scott,

I have the $20 special from Harriet Carters too and it works well. I have the one with the 8 "AA" batteries and it stays warm for about 3 hours. But for $20 it is great.

Mike,

Gerbing has a jacket liner that is battery powered with a special type of battery for the same price as the corded units. It says that on low the battery lasts up to 10 hours, which is more than most people ride at once. I'm thinking of getting this one day since you can also wear it away from the bike too. Sounds like a good ride you are going to go on up to Portland. Maybe we can do a group ride some of the way up. I would like to put in a 500 mile day to work myself up to the saddle sore ride next year.

http://cozywinters.com/battery-heated-clothing.html

Mike,

Have you considered spare fuel? I took Tom's suggestion and bought a (camping) fuel canister. It only holds 22 oz, but it might be enough to get you to a station should you ever run out of gas.

http://www.rei.com/product/695244

Kevin
Salinas, CA

Hi all,

Thanks for the input, I just ordered a heated vest liner and rain gloves. I will order an seat cushion tonight and hopefully I can try all this stuff out at least once before I leave. I am planning to leave on Nov. 8th @ about 6 am. This is assuming there is no snow in the pass or by Shasta, then I am stuck with taking the car. The one good thing about this trip is that I can probably do it in my sleep-and that may just happend in the valley. The bad part is that is so gawd awful boring at times-I may be flipping the visor up to stay awake. But I am taking my camera as the sceneray should prove to be great.

Mike

I have a slime compressor, and it works just perfect! Even in my garage, if I need some to add some air in my tires, I just hook it up to my bike battery, and presto! Perfect pressure. I also bought a motorcycle tire gauge (digital)..very accurate. It is very simple to use and very reliable and inexpensive (the compressor). Very small too, easy to carry in top box or under the seat... I've heard the Co2's are not reliable, and you need more than one. So it's your decision, just to let you know my experience with the slime unit. Good luck on your trip, have a good one! Larry