Thanks Herman, for the tires I will be using a combo of liners, slime, thicker tubes and a spare tire. I do plan on using a bob or as an alternate is a tag-a-long it is used for kids BUT removing the crank arms, seat and handle bars creates a handy and cheap trailer (easily obtained at thrift stores and pawn stops) I camp light and dont plan on carrying more than 35 - 40 lbs and keeping it light and "fast", since I not in a huge hurry ( what I don't get done this year.... I will next year) if something happens that cant be overcome .... pedal out to the nearest major city and rent a car or with the family being relatively close for the first week, and simply call for rescue.
Rainy season will be in the middle of our trip hitting NM around early July, i have a set of frog togs that work well in rain or as a wind breaker set over clothing and coats, besides bivy sack I use a tarp, tarps give you more options... down low they break the wind and rain, rigged high they allow you headroom and options for cooking and repairs. Anticipating some mud and NM mud can be terrible slow going (I'm from west Texas and was in NM alot during college) all gear will have separate bags ( if you place everything in one bag if that one gets compromised everything gets wet.) crutial items -- sleeping bag, cold weather gear and clean clothes are in dry bags. I carry lots of water , hiking in Palo Duro Canyon outside Amarillo and Guadalupe Mtns taught me that, and I carry a filter.
I use to have campfires they are the "romantic" side of camping but overall they are inefficient now i use a white gas stove , small easy to use and with a windscreen very efficient. I stay away from cans for the pack it in ...pack it out aspect, I am constantly on the look out in HEB, Whole Foods, and local stores for dry foods that you mix with water, I try them at home for ease of cooking and taste. No use taking something you really don't want to eat and always take tp and a basic first aid kit on a all day hike or weekend to weeks trip. it serves way more than one use. Considering I plan on hitting a town/city once every 2 -3 days I will always have 2 days of food onboard but eat off my plan or stock. If I do end up going it alone I will be carrying a Spot as well..... sh*t happens.
I have been looking at this for a while now, and at 60, i need to go while I am still a young man....lol. I have been playing the what if's, planning ahead, trying to anticipate the problems and feel like the biggest unknown for me is the mechanical... the motor.... It will be a 4 stroke, 49cc, with a jackshaft ( to take advantage of the gears) keeping the stock gas tank which will force me to stop, refuel, check over the motor,oil, chains, and gears, take a break from the bike every couple of hours at least. ..... then begin again.
I appreciate the imput and it makes me examine the details of the trip......
