Mileage

Mileage is a bit high, but totally doable. You may find that the first three days you're good for 300+ and then quickly thereafter 200 starts to feel long. This is a fairly short trip overall, though. I did an 8 week cross-country tour 2 years ago and by the middle of it I was doing 150 mile days - a far cry from the 250 per day planned!

Accommodations

During my trip I was doing a combination of camping and hotels. Since I had camping gear, I didn't sweat it too much and just used the hotels.com app. Honestly? I never had an issue except twice. The first time, I was lost in north eastern NC and had no cell service. Apps don't help you there. The second time, I happened to be in Kansas during graduation ceremonies for the local university and there just weren't a lot of hotels nearby in general because, well, Kansas. I ended up staying in a hunting lodge! (No good camping spots other than people's private property, which I shy away from at all costs.) For the route you're taking, I don't think you're going to have any issues at all with accommodations until maybe hitting WV or the western NC mountains. Even then.. you're probably going to be fine. The upside to winging it is that you get to be way more flexible on your schedule. Feeling good? Get an extra 100 miles in. Feeling not so good? Cut out 50 miles early.

Packing

As far as packing list, it seems like your expectations are realistic. You know you can't do maintenance, so don't bring a heavy-ass toolkit. You know you aren't camping, so none of those supplies are needed. So, what then? Pack way less than you think you need, because you won't need it.

Pack one or two "nice" outfits that you do not ride in and that you wash at a laundromat after wearing once or twice. You'll change into these after checking in to your hotel and showering so that you can go get a nice dinner without smelling like a ripe cadaver. Pack two sets of riding clothes, and for those clothes include something compression shorts and compression shirts as your underwear. Why? Because you can wash them every night in your hotel sink and they'll dry in 30 minutes. They also will help keep you comfortable. On a trip the length of yours, I'd fully wash my clothes twice most likely. A lot of motels have quarter machines.

Keep a spare credit card/cash in your bag separate from your wallet in case something shitty happens. Bring a good book (Jupiter's Travels, for example!) to read on your downtime. Something about being on a motorcycle trip makes me want to disconnect from the phone/internet as much as possible. Pack a Go-Pro and a bunch of memory if you can. It's so cool documenting certain parts of the ride.

Navigation

I found that the best way to navigate was to just use my phone's bluetooth audio into my helmet headset. If you don't have a helmet headset, they are so worth it. I disabled interstates and ferries in the options and just let it take me down random roads for the most part. It was always scenic!

BUT... be careful in very rural areas. I ended up in the middle of nowhere without cell reception in north eastern NC one night when I pushed myself to ride later than I should to make up for lost time. It was not a good time and I ended up having to have a cop direct me to the nearest hotel. It was not a nice hotel. I imagine there are areas of WV / western VA that are similar, but they're exactly the types of areas you'd want to ride through for the scenery. So, be cognizant of that.

Pack a paper map.

General Riding Tips

• Get gas often. My north eastern NC adventure taught me this one early on in my trip.
  
• When your bike gets fuel, you get water, especially on hot days
  
• Start your rides early in the morning. Less traffic, fewer animals on the road, usually a bit cooler temperatures, and it's just a nice time to get on the bike. You'll also get to your next stop early and can change into nice clothes and explore the town/area.
  
• Don't ride fatigued! You'll be in new areas and looking at scenery, etc. This is not the time to push yourself.
  
• Prepare for rain. Riding in the rain is fine and it's probably going to happen to you. If you don't have full rain gear, I can't recommend enough using froggtoggs gear - they make waterproof pants meant to go over your jeans and very thin waterproof jackets. Not necessarily motorcycle gear, but it gets the job done and is cheap. You don't want your entire trip derailed because you hit some rain patches. Just ride slow and push on. Make sure your packed gear is also in water proof luggage or otherwise protected. You don't want all your clothes wet or your electronics fried.

Which ultra you doing in Wales?

You'll have to have the required kit, so waterproof bottoms/top, gloves, space blanket, etc, etc

Depends on the weather, but loads of thin layers are much better than one thick layer.

I have an ultra in Wales in November and will be wearing

on me

a short sleeve t-shirt, running leggings, socks, trainers

carrying

I will also have thin fleece with full zip, very thin long sleeve t-shirt, buff, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, gloves.

This will give me the option of 1 layer bottom and 1layer top, or 2 layers on bottoms, or up to 4 layers on top if the weather is really really bad and I can mix and match in-between depending on the weather! The important thing is that each layer is thin but added up gives me plenty of protection against the elements, no matter how windy or wet!

Then i have extra kit that is required, map, compass, space blanket, water, food, etc etc

If i can recommend anything, look at TCA on Amazon, this is the long sleeve t-shirt https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075JNFW4K It is super super thin and fantastic for the summer too, even with its long sleeves as gives protection from the sun. But I found it's great under/over a short sleeve t shirt too as it's so thin it works well as an extra layer. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01B7Q04J2/ and this is my new fave t-shirt, it's long and great for running and feels fantastic.

The brand that I recommend has been Under Armor BoxerJock 9". They are incredibly light, breathe well, comfortable, and will work well for multiple days of wear at a time.

To add to what neoshade stated in regards to blisters, generously powder your boots. Depending on what my goal is for hiking/ruck marching, I vary between the Nike SFB or the Rockies SV2. Your feet are incredibly important and a few bad blisters will really mess you up. If you can deal with the heat, I would strongly advise wearing 2 pairs of socks while you are hiking. Obviously, you still need to change your socks, and your boots will be tighter, but it's totally worth it.

Also, boot companies make boots, insole companies make insoles. Spending a few extra dollars on some quality insoles may save you a lot of pain down the road. I rucked and ran with poor support and developed plantar fasciitis. It's no fun and it will always be an issue for me. I spent quite a bit of money on my orthotics and while it doesn't help my feet breath that well, it definitely helps with support.

Putting Iodine in your water doesn't exactly have the best taste. You should try it out before you go out on this journey. Get used to it. I've seen people gag on it which only leads to further dehydration. I have heard people recommend the LifeStraw. I haven't tried it yet, but some of you may appreciate it.

To save on space and weight I don't even use a sleeping bag. I got a water resistant blanket and got a zipper sewn onto it. Then, I use a water resistant poncho and wrap myself in it so I'm relatively water protected on all sides.

I paid another visit to an out-of-town TJ Maxx this weekend and was really excited when I found a lone Saucony Siberius jacket hanging on the rack for only $24.99. Fabric is a little weird. It's made of thin insulating foam, and it almost feels like I'm wearing a Gumby costume, but it's very flexible and comfy. I wore it around yesterday and it kept me warm, but then I wore it to run to test it out, and it was just way too warm for the outside temp (near 40°F). It'll be good when the temps are in the 10s and 20s, though!

Picked up my lululemon Strava challenge reward last night, but I haven't had a chance to test the clothes out on a run yet. In case you haven't heard, completing that lululemon 40/80 badge from the challenge this month gives you a free shirt at 40 km and a free shirt and shorts at 80 km... you just go to the nearest lululemon store and show them the congrats email with the badge and they give you the clothes off the rack. The shorts are a little longer than I like, but I'm not quibbling with free... they have a nice big zip pocket and an elastic strap to hang your shirt on on a hot day.

Hey thanks! They were $20 but 100% worth it. When I crossed the finish line, the announcer was like "aaaaaand the guy with the patriotic shorts!" Haha it was great.

Here's a link if anyone is interested. FYI they have a drawstring waist and mesh "swimsuit-like" lining, so they'd work great for triathlons too!

Men's American Flag and Nylon Swimwear Running Shorts S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y3ESLTQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_q4oriT1qqyVDL

First off, congrats on your first 5K! I also did my first 5K around this time last year, got hooked and did a half marathon in November. Now I’m running across the Grand Canyon in a few days and then doing a full marathon next month. It gets addicting!

Underwear wise, I will swear by these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCU0QUK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-Lc4Cb73C184Q

Cheap(ish) and comfortable. I’ve even gone to these for my daily wear outside of just running.

For the journal, I personally do everything through an app. Specifically, Strava. I’m able to log my runs and times, and it will show me trends on certain routes I run often. There’s a 3 mile loop around my house I do quite a bit, and I can look back and see where I was at when I first started, then where I was right before the half, then where I was right after all the holiday eating, and now. Plus, you get the benefit of seeing your friends workouts as well. I love it.

Again, bad ass! You’ll get hooked on this!

Here is where I got the tank. I promised myself once I gained weight I'd buy it and it's so satisfying to finally have it!

Thanks man! It feels really great to be motivation for someone. Once you have other people notice your gains you'll get addicted. Once I hit that point it got easy. Good luck with your progress!

I'm at work so I don't have photos of my stuff. But here is the list of the basics. The stuff below, plus food, and a change of clothes will get me through a long weekend and on top of some nice terrain. I include my sock liner/sock combo below because I am so damn happy with them (and not expensive).

• Black Diamond Infinity 60 pack
  
  
• Surplus Military Woodland Cammo Bivy Cover
  
  
• A 40° Slumberjack Sleeping bag and a 20° Slumberjack sleeping bag that can nest to be a 0° sleeping bag (Not sure which model... they are about 10 years old).
  
  
• Yukon Outfitters Parachute hammock with net
  
  
• 2 Sierra Cups and a spoon from when I was a Boy Scout over 30 years ago.
  
  
• Whisperlite MSR stove
  
  
• Wigwam Ultimax Sock Liners with Merino Wool Socks
  
  
• Frog Toggs Rain suit
  
  
• Estwing Hatchet (If needed. If I am going distances, I don't take the weight, but it is an amazing tool for the size/weight/practicality)
  
  
• Leatherman PST
  
  
• Cheap walking sticks from wal-mart
  
  
• 2 Nalgene Water Bottles
  
  
• A Fly from my old Kelty 2 person tent.
  
  
• Some cheap Chinese made waterproof hiking boots that I got at Wal-Mart and have been unstoppable.
  
  
• A pump style water filter Mine isn't MSR, but it looks like this.
  
  
• Coleman Chilko River Parka for my outer shell, various synthetic fleece and wool layers for my inner layers. A dry fit long or short sleeve synthetic shirt for my wicking layer. I have gone down to single digit camping in that without a bulky coat.
  
  
• Energizer headlamp (AAA batteries!)
  
  
• 100 feet of this orange reflective cord
  
  
• A very comprehensive first aid kit I have assembled over the years to deal with everything from cuts and scrapes up to broken limbs and serious bleeding. (Sam Splint, Quick Clot, Homemade Cravats sealed in vacuum packs, trauma shears, various OTC medications, epi-pen). It is a little heavy, so I have various sizes I bring depending on the duration of the trip, my traveling companions (usually Boy Scouts) and our distance from help.
  
  
• A Yaesu VX8R Radio I'm a HAM and it is a great emergency radio.
  
  
• Garmin eTrex 20 GPS (AA Batteries!)
  
  I am pretty frugal so I don't have top tier stuff, but if I spent 10x more I might save 2-3 pounds... easier for me to put down the spoon and lose that much weight from the engine (me). I mostly go with the Boy Scouts as an Assistant Scoutmaster, so I don't do much "extreme" stuff. We mostly do 10-20 mile hikes in New England (4000' peaks with cold, wet, unpredictable weather).
  
  

I have been really impressed with the ones on Amazon there affordable and comfy also look fly.

Here are my favorites

1. https://www.amazon.com/Sweatpant-Athletic-Performance-Running-X-Large/dp/B07JFNH28M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=joggers+alive&psc=1&qid=1571942430&sr=8-1
   
   
   Affordable and in tons of colors
   
   2.https://www.amazon.com/Joggers-Sweatpants-Fleece-Elastic-Heather/dp/B076VJJ8Q3/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=joggers+for+men&psc=1&qid=1571942398&sr=8-17
   
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/Baleaf-Thermal-Tapered-Running-Pockets/dp/B0751DW9QC/ref=mp_s_a_1_21?dchild=1&keywords=athletic+joggers+for+men&psc=1&qid=1571942559&sr=8-21
   
   I'm wearing these in grey right now and love them I have had them for 2 years and they are great o have them in 2 colors super comfy.
   
   
3. https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Jogger-Charcoal-Heather/dp/B07FKWYGP2/ref=mp_s_a_1_50?dchild=1&keywords=athletic+joggers+for+men&psc=1&qid=1571942656&sr=8-50
   
   
4. https://www.amazon.com/Layer-Performance-Fleece-Athletic-Jogger/dp/B07HCLSNFJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_60?dchild=1&keywords=athletic%2Bjoggers%2Bfor%2Bmen&psc=1&qid=1571942656&sr=8-60&th=1

Hi. Not sure if this works well for long distance running, but it helped a lot on long ruck marches and just general rough fitness exercises for me.
I normally use something like UnderArmour or I recently found Adidas makes the SAME style and feel of underwear for a lot cheaper. Although I have not used the adidas underwear yet(i just purchased them this week) I do feel they will be the exact same quality.

My thighs are larger so my skin used to rub raw on the inner thighs from exercising/sweat that I could barely walk. These underwear definitely solved that problem way better than vaseling/bodyglide/etc. ever could! Good luck!

Ooh! So, I just discovered new boxerbriefs that I really like. They are a bit shorter than normal, which I love, and they don't have a dick pocket (or hole, even)

Amazon link.

A lot of times I have trouble shopping for boxerbriefs because they always pack them with a giant sock roll or something in the pictures, which makes it look like it has a giant dick pocket thing, which I don't really want.

But yeah, boxerbriefs are amazing. Plus they're great in the summertime for randomly going swimming and not being all self conscious that I'm in my underwear. :p

Haha! If you're looking for really high quality simple hoodies I would get Champion Reverse Weave (the link shows them for $35!) and Independent Trading Co (so many good colors and only $30).

Let me know if you ever need clothing advice homie (not that I'm some guru, I just like clothes). I love talking about this stuff

Talc and get some pants like these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Armour-Original-Boxerjock-Extented/dp/B005CR6P96

I have tiny legs. But with even just 26 inch thighs the chaffing can get uncomfortable, particularly on long walks (only like 3 hours + though). The pants work. Talcum powder works if applied all over. Also, going commando in looser pants can also help.


But like /u/HPPD2 said, better pants helps a lot.

I'm a fan of Under Armour briefs with cheap generic 2.5" shorts with the liner cut out like these. Feels great to have zero resistance in range of motion, and the modularity means I can wear the shorts while hanging the briefs up to dry. I recently got some Terrebonne Joggers for when I want pants and they seem like they're gonna work well.

I never liked the issue sock system. The socks always became lose and bunched up or were just way too hot. I'm a cheap bastard and I generally never advocate for spending money on kit but I don't cheap out on socks. $20 for a pair of socks might sound ridiculous but they'll last you a long time and feel amazing. In my opinion good socks are just as important as good boots. I use Costco's Kirkland brand hiker socks for my everyday around the hanger sock or the Wigwam trail mix fusion if I'm going to be rucking, marching or on my feet a lot. If my feet feet get cold I just wear my neos or mukluks and its enough for me.

I swear by Underarmor heatgear boxer briefs: https://smile.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Original-Boxerjock-Black/dp/B014VAR0S4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1539818618&sr=8-6&keywords=under+armour+boxer+briefs

These keep everything in place for me, prevent chafing, and really helps keep moisture levels low.

For something feminine, Victoria's Secret "shortie" style panties work best for me. They have enough stretchy fabric to keep me comfortably contained up front.

Compression shorts?

I just picked up some 2XU's for a bum hamstring, it's amazing the difference I feel when I train with them.
I liked these ones: https://www.amazon.com/2XU-HYOPTIK-Compression-Reflective-XX-Large/dp/B00SMMHEJ8/ref=sr_1_31?ie=UTF8&qid=1503631881&sr=8-31-spons&keywords=2xu%2Bhyoptik&th=1&psc=1

> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Armour-Original-Boxerjock-Extented/dp/B005CR6P96

yeah I have like 10 pairs of these and pretty much only wear them

when ppl recommend reverse weave hoodie from champion, does it matter if it's without logo or with logo?

I use Injinji and it definitely aides my rolling pinky toes, which seems to be the same issue. I'm travelling around the world and basically own 4 socks: two pairs of Injinji in Original Weight and an Injinji in Midweight. I prefer the original weight weight / micro crew, I just bought the midweight at first, won't buy in the future - the micro crews are fine in my trail runners.

Going from a lightweight merino sock to the toe socks allowed me to basically double my daily mileage - I don't often have feet issues doing 20-30mi now. I still carry leukotape and have to do some prevention during heavy elevation gain/loss, but I'm a heavy guy.

They're not the most durable however, I wear them every day and they do develop holes in the toes over time, but I'm cool with $30/yr in socks. I'm planning on restocking two pairs during my Te Araroa trip (3000km).

I live in the south and we have an acre that I have to maintain every day after work, even in the summer, because the last time I trusted someone else to do it they ran a mower over some rare cactus my wife had just gotten to grow acceptably in the middle of a big pile of rocks and then they ran a weed eater through my melon and squash beds. An acre is a lot of mowing, edging, weeding, ... year round. So 5pm to about now every day ... this is my life.

I’m a fat pasty white northern boy who sweats like three pigs. Especially when it’s 110 and 90% humidity. I sweat so much that gold bond is ineffective after five minutes and baby powder applied to my ass pools in my shoes.

Adidas makes a boxer brief that is a bit longer than normal. 9 inch inseam I think. It keeps the chub rub from the pants inseams (if I weedeat in shorts my legs look like hamburger) and whatever non cotton synthetic these are made out of just laps up the sweat without chafing, but it doesn’t absorb and hold it, it transfers it to your outer layer. It’s like under armor for your junk.

Only way I’ve been able to handle the sweat is to just let it flow and find ways to not have it affect my body.

I like them too, but I find they wear out really fast. The merino ones are especially good in chilly, wet conditions.

Anybody know the difference between these hoodies labelled as "Powerblend fleece" vs these ones labelled as "Eco fleece"?

Eco fleece champion hoodies

Love these
https://www.amazon.com/Quality-MMA-Shorts-Blank-Black/dp/B00AK3UUBG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549984322&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=blank+mma+shorts&dpPl=1&dpID=319mCx64-8L&ref=plSrch

Here is the non-mobile link from the comment above
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Basic black champion hoodie
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005CSOS44/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481100946&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=champion+hoodie&dpPl=1&dpID=41rZSqVpE0L&ref=plSrch

I use some BaLeaf running pants. Super comfy and have a fleece lining so keep ya toasty on the ice.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0751DW9QC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I usually wear these when I run: http://www.amazon.com/Original-Boxerjock%C2%AE-Bottoms-Under-Armour/dp/B005CR6P96/ref=sr_1_15?s=athletic-clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1394941432&sr=1-15

This really help me out!

I've got 4 pairs of these http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004RKJN52/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?qid=1371002092&sr=8-10&pi=SL75 and they're currently my favorite. Especially since I have a tendency to sweat buckets, in the hotter months.

Your head is in the right place. You won't get sent home your first class, but you should buy some board shorts or something if you're going to stick with it. Those linked below have worked well for me and are reasonably priced--and I like the lack of logos.

https://www.amazon.com/Blank-MMA-Shorts-Black-32/dp/B00AK3UUBG/ref=sr_1_3?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1496509901&sr=1-3&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=blank+wod+shorts

These ones? https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B074RM659R/?coliid=IIGNW5QPCJE0H&colid=20FELY27FXDX4&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

​

I'm curious too because I was going to pick up a set.

I wear these, https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Original-Boxerjock-Black/dp/B014VAR0S4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536694389&sr=8-3&keywords=under+armour+underwear

As well as the compression pants, and compression shirt under my clothes to help with the sweat/smell. I also take glycopyrrolate, which i recommend looking into. It's a prescription I got from my dermatologist. Completely blocks sweating. Causes some dry mouth but i much prefer this.

I like my 2XU compression shorts.

https://smile.amazon.com/2XU-Hyoptik-Compression-Shorts-Reflective/dp/B00SMMHEJ8/

https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Hooded-Pullover-Sweatshirt-IND4000/dp/B00CR8Y67G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480800562&sr=8-2&keywords=independent%2Btrading%2Bhoodie&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Reverse-Fleece-Pullover-Hoodie/dp/B000GBOM3E/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1497222702&sr=1-1&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=champion+reverse+weave

[These] (http://www.amazon.com/adidas-Performance-Climalite-2-Pack-Medium/dp/B004RKJN52/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1411152321&sr=1-2&keywords=performance+brief+trunks) fucking things; christ! A guy in trunk performance briefs is kind of the [hottest thing ever] (http://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/6038602/New-Balance-Mens-Performance-Lifestyle-Boxer-Briefs-MLA13718063.jpg).

I go with these. They're just short compression shorts.

I wear compression shorts. As a note, you can get these for a bargain online (see http://www.amazon.com/adidas-Performance-Climalite-2-Pack-Medium/dp/B004RKJN52/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1393985294&sr=8-4&keywords=adidas+compression+shorts). I have noticed they are not as good quality as the UA or Nike ones you pay $50 a pop for, but only in that the material feels thinner. They have not frayed or anything for me yet, and I figure why spend a ton when they are only meant to catch the sweat in my crotch.