On my 1st bike tour in 1981 I was 17 years old and I rode from my home in the Chicago suburbs to my uncle's house in Minnesota. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I went anyways. I have learned a great deal over the years. Looking back I can identify at least 5 things I did wrong, 4 things I did right and 3 things I could have done better. I learned from other bikers that I met along the way. Over the years my methods have changed a lot. If you're planning your 1st bike tour, check this out and learn from some of my mistakes. Thanks!

Read:
Basic Illustrated Bike Touring and Bike Packing https://amzn.to/3tJvsrQ

Links to some of my gear:
Arkel Panniers https://shrsl.com/3cpv0
Trek Bicycles https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Nashbar https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
REI https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Showers Pass Rain Jacket https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Eastern Mountain Sports https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=122878...
CampingMaxx https://shrsl.com/3cpv8
Nutcase Helmets https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
DJI Mini Mavic 2 Drone https://click.dji.com/AM-S2JEjSgJqaed...
DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal 4K Camera https://click.dji.com/ACnREPXCP7MUfwY...
Wald 1066 Handlebars https://amzn.to/3fLRHVH
RedShift Shock Absorbing Handlebar Stem https://amzn.to/3IBu3If
Cateye Velo 9 Bike Computer https://amzn.to/3AhqDag
Terry Liberator Y Men's Bike Saddle https://amzn.to/3FNp0Cq
High Visibility Vest https://amzn.to/3rFgIrw
Reflective Safety Triangle https://amzn.to/32kJN2M
MSR Pocket Rocket Ultralight Camp Stove https://amzn.to/3AdNB26
Sea to Summit Bowl https://amzn.to/3AhqDag
Canon M50 Mirrorless Camera https://amzn.to/3tIEIwy
GoPro Hero 8 Camera https://amzn.to/3rywX9x
Rode Video Mic Pro + https://amzn.to/3IohlMv
Neewer Compact Travel Tripod https://amzn.to/3qLalTW