Amy Bikes: A story of cycling, coffee and camping
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Panniers

5/23/2026

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People ask, how will you carry your things? Do you have a trailer you'll pull? 
A trailer is an option but I decided to use panniers on my bicycle. My touring bike is heavy and strong enough to carry the extra weight. I have front panniers that are smaller than my rear panniers. I can't remember super specifically how I divided up my gear, but the goal is to keep the bike balanced. I appreciated organizing my things so that I wasn't digging through three panniers before realizing what I needed was in the remaining bag. 
Because there's a limited amount of space, I will be careful to bring only what I will need and the things I really want. Last trip, I brought too much stuff and ended up mailing a box home when I got to Charlottesville, VA. Jim remarked how heavy it was when it arrived home. 
As I'm gathering my things, I'm asking myself, is this something necessary for my ride? Is it something that will be useful? If I don't bring it with me, can I find a replacement along my route? Will this bring me comfort while I'm away from home?
Here is my list thus far, knowing I might pack a box with cold-weather gear to meet me in Colorado. 
  • clothes: 2 bike shorts, 1 bike jersey, 1 long sleeved sun shirt, 2 sets of undergarments, 2 pairs bike socks, 1 pair of compression socks, 1 pair of camp* socks, camp pants + tee, sleep pants + tee, swimsuit, rain jacket, buff, bandana
  • hygiene: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, Dr. Bronners, nail clippers, tweezers, razor, sunscreen, bug spray, comb, aquaphor, menstrual care, witch hazel
  • first aid: bandages, arnica, ibuprofen, pepto or similar, daily allergy pill, nasal spray
  • camp needs: tent, thermorest sleep pad, sleeping bag, inflatable pillow + pillowcase, inflatable sleeping pad
  • food + cook needs: camp stove + fuel, pot + plastic cup, spork, can opener, knife, water bladder, flexible folding plate, collapsible sink, dish cloth
  • bike: tubes, cords to charge lights, chain lube, bike tools for flats, bike pump
  • etc: headlamp, power block, maps, journal, pen, audio book, earbuds
​I'm sure I'll add in some other things as I get closer to my departure. I can't wait to see how this all shakes out round 2!
*anything labeled camp is meant for when I'm not cycling or sleeping
Picture
My loaded bike from 2016 
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    I enjoy spending time with my family + friends. My dog makes me so happy. I play a lot of Animal Crossing New Horizons and I love a good cup of coffee or icy cold Diet Coke. 

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  • About
  • 2026 TransAm
  • 2016 TransAm
  • OG Blog