So I'm super excited for this next year, and being a compulsive planner I'm already working on this.
Currently the plan is that Scott will be joining us in a Jeep, meaning we'll have some more room than just what we carry on our bikes. Sorry, household finance committee decided on a cruise, so no Jeep!
The current thinking is a 9 to 10 day trip with lodging every other or every third night, with camping in between.
Some camping may be primitive dry camping with no facilities available.
Group cooking means we'll need to figure out how we are going to deal with purchasing and transporting food for each day(s).
With a jeep along, we will have room to transport some (but not all) of our luggage in the vehicle, making the bikes lighter. This will probably work out to keeping your panniers on, but not needing to carry a pile of gear on top of the tail.Conditions:
We'll be in New Mexico in July. Average temperatures are expected to be 91-94f, though we will spend most of our time at >4,000ft altitudes where it will be slightly cooler. It's still probably going to be pretty warm, so equip yourself appropriately. For those of us used to riding in the Midwest heat at 90f+, it should feel like any other summer ride.
You can take a look at weather averages here
https://weatherspark.com/countries/US/NMTypically most places in the mountains will have July highs in the high 80's to low 90's, and on the valley floors highs will be in the mid 90's.
This will be the rainy season for New Mexico. We should expect mud, and may need to go around muddy sections depending on the rain.
Recommended hot weather gear:- Cooling neck wrap
- Wide brim hat
- Mesh riding equipment
- Moisture wicking clothes
Group Communications:Each Rider will need/want:- GPS with Routes
- Engine Oil
- Rain Gear
- Bike Specific Tools
- Tire Patch Kit
- Tent & Comfort (It may be hot, you might want a battery powered fan)
- Bedroll & Pillow
- Camp Chair
- Personal Mess: Plate/bowl, Cup, Utensil, Cooking Provisions (stove, pan, etc)
- Personal Hygene
- Personal First Aid (Keep on bike)
- Personal Emergency Water Filtration (Keep on bike)
- Personal Emergency Rations (Keep on bike)
- Any other personal emergency supplies - matches, knives, etc
- Desired Lighting (camp lantern, etc. 100-200 lumen recommended)
The Group will need:- Emergency Rations
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Water Filtration
- General Tools
- Air Pump
- Chain Lube