Gearing up for this trip, we have spent a lot of time trying to get “sponsors” or companies to help us out with gear. This led to mixed results. We were fortunate to receive lots of bike lights from Niteize and reflective stickers from RydeSafe, among others. While we are so grateful for these donations, I want to bring attention to the Real MVPS of this trip: friends and family.
Now, these photos are common on social media...a person laying amongst all their gear. Brands, whether sponsors or not, highlighted to try and get a little corporate attention.
Well. Here are my brands.
Ant Michelle (Spelled “Ant” because of our 22 year long inside joke) Check out that awesome stove! It lights everything from white gas to diesel to rocket fuel .And that red fuel bottle….its been to Glacier National Park and back before being shipped cross country to my little mil box.
The outfit? 100% my best friend Jacquie. She has literally given me the shirt off her back. If you need Costco Merino wool...she is your gal.
Dancing Lady socks: Jacquie.
Bike shorts: A gift from Jacquie before my first bike tour in 2017.
Tank top: Jacquie gave that to me at the SE Alaska State Fair.
The puffy: I mentioned I needed to get a puffy for this trip and her response was, “check your mailbox on Tuesday”.
Even the bag that holds all my clothes was given to me out of Jacquie’s own gear supply.
Sneakers, gloves, and long underwear are the simple basics that always get overlooked. But not today thanks to my supportive and generous partner and his pro-deals.
There is no such thing as a free lunch, but the equipment to cook…..well…. The pocket rocket stove was a gift from an old beau when we lost my other stove in Denali National Park. The pot set? Jacquie. The food bowl and spork have been with me since my first backpacking trip with my mom in middle school.
My dear friend Liz had this one person tent which she lent me when I led 15 teens on a bike trip. Still not sure if it was a gift or a loan, but she is in LA right now and this tent is in CO…..soooo…guess it is a gift now.
The Brooks saddle on my bike was lifted from my partner's bike the day before the trip. He wanted to make sure I was comfortable. The front bag, a gift from my sister.
I am grateful for every fancy new item in my setup, but nothing compares to these old things. The things that fill me with memories of love every time I pull them out of my panniers. Thank you to everyone who has my back and has filled my panniers with love and support.