first post!!!

Dear friends and strangers,

This is my blog to document my bicycle journey from Minnesota to South America and back. I am doing this self-supported on my beloved bicycle, a Salsa Fargo bearing the appellation "The Spicy Camel". I will start riding next week.

Here is my current setup:

-a 2009 Salsa Fargo, XL

-I replaced the stock saddle with a Brooks B-17.

-Schwalbe Marathon XR tires - 700x50C (almost 2 pounds each!). I am carrying a spare and leaving a spare with a friend to ship to me if needed.

-Planet Bike Cascadia 29er fenders

-a Tubus Tara front rack and a Tubus Cargo rear rack

-Arkel T-28 front panniers, GT-54 rear panniers, and a "Big Bar Bag" handlebar bag

-a big-ass Jandd saddle bag

-a Cateye Micro Wireless bicycle computer

-crappy front and rear lights

-a Kryptonite U-lock and a long cable lock

-6 water bottles. I might bring more.

I'm also carrying various bicycle tools and spare parts, hopefully enough to get by. Things like:

-a Topeak Road Morph G pump

-extra spokes

-extra break pads

-extra break and derailler (derailleur) cables

-a hex wrench/screwdriver multi-tool

-a Leatherman

-spare tubes

-a tube patch kit

-tire irons

-a chain tool

-a spare Sram Powerlink

-a chain wear indicator

-a spoke wrench

-duct tape

-chain lube

-bike grease

-electrical tape

-zip ties

-spare bolts and washers

I'll also be carrying maps, a tent, a sleeping bag, a stove, food, fuel, medicine, etc. I'm sure there's more stuff I have that I'm forgetting at the moment. I also appreciate advice on what else I should bring with me.

Love you all!

-thespicycamel