im - 9/19/2005 09:26:00 PM

The Pug and I made our way out to the western ‘burbs on Saturday for a night of camping in the sticks. I like to try different packing systems. So, for this outing, I went with the Velocipac frame bag (found this on e-bay), a Headland seatpost rack (extended using pieces of Scott aluminum ski poles), and a #7 Granite Gear stuff sack. I was max'd for space, but I had enough food for 2 days…even though I was only going for one night. The Velocipac fits ok in the front triangle of my frame, but a Pug-specific frame pack would be better. I think it might be time to pull out the old sewing machine and see what I can come up with. The Headland aluminum seatpost rack works well, but I broke 2 seatpost racks last winter (not Headland). So, I'll be a bit wary of these for extended off-road adventures. A steel version would be slightly heavier…maybe, but a bit more dependable if built correctly. I slept in my Hennessy Hammock and used the big Hennessy hex fly. I still need to tweak my sleep system…more non-shifting insulation underneath me, but the hammock gets high marks for overall functionality. Everything gets hung from the hammock support rope (underneath the fly) at night, so it stays dry…free from dew. I'll use the hammock until temps start dipping below freezing at night, then I'm back to my Kifaru 4-man tipi and collapsible wood stove. Staying warm around a campfire is doable, of course, but it's much more efficient to keep my fire inside the stove in the tipi. The leaves are starting to fall, so tipi time is near. I've been riding the Trucker a lot lately, so the Pug has been left alone for a while. I forgot how much I enjoy riding the fat bastard. And, despite its larger-than-average proportions, it can haul ass if I'm pedaling strong…after the tall mocha (no whip, please) and carrot cake muffin kick in. I love late summer and autumn, but I'm more anxious than ever to see the snow this year. I started riding the Interbike show Pug, last fall, but Endomorph tires didn't show up until late winter/early spring. This year, I have my rig dialed and ready for the first snowfall. Plus, I'll have playmates on their own Pugs. It's going to be a good winter. -----