Don't forget ... anything

Tonight's packing night. Tomorrow night's traveling up to Sunday River night. Friday's the morning you'll be kicking yourself if you forgot to pack something.

So for all you Trek newcomers, and even you vets who have the route memorized, a few packing tips:

1. You will be blind by Sunday if you forget to bring your sunglasses. Put them on your face or in your bag right now.

2. Bag balm is a wonderful thing. Get some, and don't be afraid to use it.

3. You know how bad your hair looks when it's been under a helmet for 20 miles. Imagine the state it will be in after 60 miles. Bring a hat so you won't look like a freak in Spandex when you're eating your baked potato.

4. You may have read about Couch to Beaconer's recent sunburn troubles. She would be the first to tell you that burnt skin doesn't feel any better on a bike than it does when you're running. Stock up on sunscreen and lather up before you take off in the morning, Yes, there will be some at the rest stops, but you'll want to use your rest time shoving down PB&J while waiting for the porta-potty.

5. Aspirin is good for many things. Aching legs, too much sun, too much beer at the Grainery in Farmington ...

6. The simple fact is that you will stink at the end of each leg. Your gloves will keep on stinking. Bring a second pair so everyone doesn't smell you coming at breakfast.

7. I said it before. I'll say it again. It's cold atop Sunday River at 7 am. Arm warmers are your friends. Plus, it just looks wicked cool when you pull into the first rest stop of the morning and peel them off. People may turn and stare and say, "Wow, do you think she's a pro?"

8. It is your duty as a rider to always have a spare tube. You hope you never need it, cause if you do you'll be losing time and the pizza may all be gone when you get to Colby — but just in case. Shove one in your jersey pocket, seat bag or even under your seat so you can get your tire changed and keep on trekking instead of quitting for the day. Sometimes quitting is necessary, but pros know it's not cool.

That's what I've got for you Trekkers. I assume you can remember to bring changes of clothes for after the ride and your bathroom and beauty essentials. And if you're staying in a dorm, you know you need to bring a blanket or sleeping bag and pillow.

And uh, oh yeah — don't forget your bike.