Sorry, I kinda dropped off the face of the earth for a while but hopefully I'll have some updates by Monday. I've hardly put in 1000km in two months... so this weekend I'll be biking inland to Mt. Tsurugi (1955m) along a 125km route with nearly 4km in climbing (and not including the return trip). I should have a GoPro for this ride along with an extra battery or two and there should be a couple stops for pictures as well. The only question is can I find a hotel or will I have to camp? Though TBH, I might cancel if I have to camp. I'm getting conflicting weather reports that range from highs around 17°C and lows around 4°C all the way down to highs of -3°C and lows of -7°C. The low end of the spectrum is probably reporting from the mountain top and I won't be there very long... but -7°C (20°F) is pretty friggin' cold.
Basically my packing list is the following:
* spare tubes x 3
* tools - patches, levers, wrenches, screwdriver, etc... basically a tool to fit every screw, nut, and bolt on the bike
* fluids - 2 bottles and an extra 2 liters insulated in my backpack
* food - fist fulls of granola bars and some candy
* clothes - I'll be wearing my cycling clothes but I'll have warm pants, shirt, and jacket for stops, as well as gym shoes (boots are too heavy)
* spare batteries for phone and cameras as well as extra memory cards for the GoPro
At that point my bag is about full.... but in the event of emergency I have several friends on stand-by (and the full route has cell coverage!). If I have to camp, I'd have to buy a frame bag, larger seat bag, etc. because the tent will have to go on my back. (Another reason I don't want to camp.)