Does All This Stuff Need To Be Packed?

Packing and over thinking seem to go hand in hand for me. I find this pretty strange since I do 20+ business trips a year. Most people would expect that anyone who travels as much as I do could pack with their eyes closed. Maybe some can, but not me. My natural tendency is to bring everything; including the kitchen sink and the dishes in it.

Planning what to bring for Raid Corsica has been an interesting exercise. As a frequent air traveler, I appreciate utilizing only a carry-on bag. It’s efficient, time saving, and convenient. The only downside is that all your stuff is smashed in a small “carry-on” bag which is then crammed into an overhead compartment the size of a microwave. The guy sitting next to you then smashes his bag in front of yours. Anything breakable is toast and the rest is unrecognizable by the end of the flight. But, at least you have it. Packing for a cycling adventure is a bit more difficult.

Unlike packing for a business trip where I bring a suit, two white shirts, a tie, a few undies, etc., packing for six days of cycling requires a little more planning. I actually have to stratgize about how much chamois cream, sunscreen, and bonk breakers I need in order to survive six days. Does dzNuts come in quart size? And what constitutes the prescription dosage for ibuprofen? Is a SPF 75 sunscreen enough or do I need a full-on zinc cream? Not to mention that, for days, I’ve carried on a personal debate over washing out jerseys and shorts versus packing new ones for each day.

As if just the volume of items that need to be packed is not enough, Steve, Michael and I also have the dilemma of having to bring two bags. One bag will have to carry all our stuff from one hotel to the next while we also need a “sag” bag that follows us during the day. Now I have to think about both what to pack, and how to divide it between what’s needed during the day and what’s necessary for the evening.

Rosey understands what I’m going through and has already said, “don’t over think this.” Maybe she’s right (as usual). Packing and over thinking are a conjoined process for me. Perhaps just throwing everything in a duffel like I used for surf camp is the best option. After all, if I do forget something, there are stores on Corsica.