Bike Trip 2011 Packing List

Next Sunday, June 12, 2011 our high school students leave on their summer bike trip. This will be our 5th bike trip. We’ve biked to Sandusky, Ohio; Akron, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Louisville, KY on past trips. Each about 300-330 miles. This year we’re biking over 300 miles and ending in Elgin, IL. On Saturday, June 18 they’ll end their trip with a day at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL.
One last minute question always comes up from parents and students as they get ready, what do I need to bring? We’re posting a packing list here and on our student ministry site, theSaltCompany.com to help you out. For those going on the trip this year, remember that luggage is due to the church by Friday at 3PM.

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If you have other questions that aren’t answered below, you can Facebook your questions here:

Biking Clothes/Gear

First on your list should be your biking clothes/gear for six days of cycling. Here’s a recommended list of what to pack.

• Cycling Shorts (more than one pair would be best so you can wash them out and let them dry).
• Modesty shorts for when you get off of your bike.
• 6 extra pair of underwear for biking if you wear it under your biking shorts.
• 6 shirts for biking each day.
• 6 pair of socks for biking.
• A long sleeve shirt/sweatshirt and/or a light coat/jacket to wear biking if we encounter cold and/or rain.
• Cycling tights if you have them in the event of a cold day. (This is pretty unlikely, though.)
• Cycling gloves (optional, but very recommended).
• Cycling helmet.
• Mirror (mounted on helmet or handlebars).
• Cycling shoes (or shoes with a hard sole if you do not have clipless pedals).
• Cell phone if you have one. Don’t forget the charger!!! You will not be able to text during the trip, but you can have your cell phone while on your bike for emergency purposes.

Be sure that your bike is up to spec with the following…

• Water bottle(s)
• A travel bike bag of some kind and plastic map holder on handle bars
• A rearview mirror of some kind (bike or helmet)
• Front and rear brakes in top shape
• Front and back tires brand new or like new
• One spare tube (to be carried in your bike bag)
• Front and back deraillers cleaned, oiled, and adjusted
• Chain is new or in top shape, absolutely no rust

Casual Clothes

You will also need casual clothes for the evenings and Saturday.

• 6 sets of clothes for the evenings, Sun-Fri.
• 1 dry set of clothing (including extra underwear and shoes) for after rafting on Saturday
• Pack one pair of sweats or jeans for possible cold evenings or cold AC in churches
• Pack one long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt for possible cold evenings or cold AC in churches
• Don’t forget enough socks, underwear, extra shoes, hats, etc. that you might need/want

Toiletries/Sleeping Stuff

Don’t forget that you for your good and popularity with everyone else you need to shower and clean yourself each day!

• Shampoo (enough for 6 days)
• Deodorant (enough for 6 days)
• Toothpaste and toothbrush (enough for 6 days)
• Body wash/soap for showering ((enough for 6 days)
• Other incidentals, personal medications, etc. (enough for 6 days)
• Glasses and cleaner and/or contacts and solution for those who wear them (enough for 6 days)
• Gals, remember any feminine supplies you may need

And remember sleeping stuff or it’ll be a rough week.

• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Blow-up mattress (single only, not doubles — if you need to borrow one, let us know so we can find one for you.)
• Ear plugs (the old guys snore)

And…

Don’t forget to bring your bible, some pens, and journal if you like to write. You may also want to bring some extra spending money for the week and for your day at Six Flags.

Do Not Bring…

• iPods or mp3 players. We will take them from you for the week if you have them.
• Portable gaming devices.
• Other electronics, computers, etc.
• Fireworks, drugs, alcohol, etc.
• If you wonder whether or not you should bring it, the answer is probably no. (But if you’re not sure, ask Mike & Myra.)

I think that’s it. If you have any questions give the church office, Mike, Rocky, or Myra a call.

Salt Co. Bike Trip 2010

Our senior high ministry, the Salt Company, recently returned from their 2010 bike trip. They biked 320 miles this year across Indiana and Ohio, and spent the final day white water rafting in Pennsylvania. All throughout the trip they blogged and posted photos and videos at our Student Ministry Website, thesaltcompany.com.

You can check out all of the 2010 Bike Trip posts here: Bike Trip 2010 Blog Posts

Or, if you want to go back and relive the 2009 Bike Trip, you can read about it here: Bike Trip 2009 Blog

The Inaugural Salt Co. Student Art Show is Saturday, March 20 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The show is open to the public. Admission is $2 (to help cover costs) and will include one drink at the gourmet coffee barista bar. This year’s theme is “QAVAH”, a Hebrew word for “hope, wait, expect”. There is no entry fee to submit artwork to the show.

Visit thesaltcompany.com to read and download entry forms, posters, and more information on the show.