My 1st Bike Tour: 5 Things I Did Wrong, 4 Things I Did Right and 3 Things I Could've Done Better

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