mootsman, not that being a friend to geeks is an incorrect statement, but point taken, haha. No backpack = less spending too since if I can’t eat it there or if an item is too large, won’t be buying it. But I’m sure there will be plenty in the rest towns anyway, where carrying it to the tent will be much more manageable.

Any thoughts on bike locks? Also, how do you decide if you’re going to stop in a pass through town? I’m assuming there isn’t much we can read in advance, so perhaps the decision is made when you see an interesting sign on the road itself.