Sunday, October 24, 2010

- tools for taking you there-

these pictures are doing a number
on my brain right now. The tools and
the machine. This is the formula that
took me cross country. I also had one
of those cruz tool kits rolled up in
my battery box and an extra 7/16,1/2,
9/16,5/8, crescent wrench, and screw
drivers in my jacket pockets.
I know many people have done it
with less and many do it with more.
But to have peace of mind on a 40 year
old rigid homemade machine, these are things
that i needed. Along with the cash for gas,
the occasional camp/motel food/beer and parts.
Two pairs of wool sox.. wash one pair in a sink
or at a gas station while the others being used.
I also opted for modern camping shit. I know
the old green army bag looks cool on your bike
but that thing takes up way too much space. Modern
shit folds up small and usually works real well.
Thanks the lords that i didn't need to use those
head gaskets. Put your extra master link in safe
place so you don't loose like i did... or swallow it
everyday and dig it out of your shit in the morning.
That little lantern almost didn't make it in the bag
and i'm so glad it did. This city
boy forgot how dark
it is out there in the middle
of nowhere...especially
when your broke down on the side
of the road at night
it also let off enough light
for everyone to set up camp
too. That little 3/4 blow up pad
was key too. Kept you off
the cold ground and annoying rocks. I didn't
bring one change of clothes and i would do the same
next time. You can by cheap socks and underwear on
the road. Long johns were key. I'd always rather be
too warm than too cold. I'm not gonna go through
every little thing but this is what i brought.
I look around my house at all my "things" and
it's trippy... To live so simple for a month
was amazing.
And the friends... my travel buddys and
the people that let us crash at their houses,
use their tools/shops and basically blew wind
into our sails.








30 comments:

Unknown said...

"make a pile of everything you think you’ll need. Put back half. Then put back half of that. Then you’ll be ready."

Nick said...

Agreed. Having a goose down sleeping bag is very key. My old bag used to take up more room than anything else. New age camping shit rules.

Dan said...

well executed max. really dig your pictures as much as i enjoy the words attached to them.

Screws Hampden said...

Max, did you have to wear a kidney belt? I wanted to ask you that when I met you at the Invitational but I was waay too nervous and my now ex-girl was back at the hotel flipping out, so instead it's been burning my mind as I consider throwing my hat in the cross country ring for next Spring. . .Thanks Man.

Seth said...

Sick moments forever preserved. Digging the pics and story

Zito said...

ha! i'm definitely hauling my master link in my gut from now on. good shit man. lots of the shit youve said is exactly what i felt about my XC run. feeling weird being still, realizing you dont need 99.9% of the shit you own. fuck man, after day 2 on the road, i realized my bike & about 15lbs of gear/tools is all i need to really feel alive. being everywhere and no where at the same time is where its really at.

max schaaf said...

"being everywhere and no where at the same time is where its really at."
yes

shiftace said...

homeless dudes have more stuff than that and they never really leave their block. doing 7k miles with that much gear is wild.

unlucky for the rabbit said...

ill get u a nice leatherman tool for Christmas. its the thing to have my man!

DutchmanPhotos said...

Rad post.

And, looking around your house is always trippy.

Cheers,

-Moreece

Anonymous said...

dirty hippie

Michael said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
drsprocket said...

"Different strokes for different folks". Agreed that to much shit is to much shit. But some shit is necessary. The wisdom is in the chosing. The road can also be a cruel mistress when she feels so inclined. Are you running from something, running toward something, or just running. It's nice to have a home port as then the sailing out of takes on just that more importance and joy. And always remember to take the path less traveled. Also the traveling is as important as the destination or more.

Joey Leather said...

packing is tricky. I packed & unpacked 3 times, then when i got half way into my trip i mailed stuff home. being out with only what you need is freeing. best feeling in the world. good camping gear is key, thats your home while you're out.
you're right about coming home & seeing all the crap you have that you don't need.
thanks for the pictures.

Michael Schmidt said...

good list...
Love the pics...

Mark Harris said...

Inspirado.

Ailton© said...

Looks heavy man :D anyway you can't do it without it, i'm not sure about the dirty socks ;)

Mighty Whitey said...

seeing your journey has inspired me to start the gears working on a xc trip next spring, thanks for living a life most dream of.

Gorgeous Corpse Culture said...

amazing trip man!

Unknown said...

Max,
Read "Zen and the Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance." That guy goes through his list of stuff to take on a cross country run and it is seriously enough to fill a Winnebago. I laughed pretty hard at how the list just goes on and on. His cross country run was in '68 or so too. Good book though.

Tony d. said...

only ONE zip tie? you're out of your mind.

Rich phillips cycles said...

Hey Max! this is Rich Phillips cycles. I have a brand new side saddle bag design that is designed specifically for hardtails that I'd be happy to send you. made out of really thick leather, and whatever color you want. My email is bikersaddles@yahoo.com

Davidabl said...

Back when I was a kid i remember seeing master links
clipped over people's brake cables..

SHAGOIRE said...

Doing a solo ride from washinton dc to Portland via San Diego for the winter as we speak. Currently in Joplin, Mo couch surfing it for the night. My biggest gear draw back is the extra skateboard shit I need for a month plus of skating on the road. Would love to just do a barge there and back asap.

max schaaf said...

screw no kidney belt.
strict sit up regimen
before i left and leaning
against my roll behind my back
seriously saved me.

tony-- i think i had
about twenty zip ties
in various pockets. one kept
my tailight on for miles.
key figure in the cross country
game.

rich i'll hit u up.

shagoire--
the board didn't make the cut.
i borrowed a board a couple times
and skated in boots... harsh but
i'm sure you get it.

Davidabl said...

Funny that the zip=ties were in your pockets with
your keys and the most-used tools.. The zip-ties not really spare parts, just expendibles like oil&gasoline..

Davidabl said...

...and sox

OcchioLungo said...

I carried a bit more, and unfortunately I needed it when the motor blew up. A good way to learn what is needed is to work on your bike at home using only the tools in your kit. You'll figure out what is needed right away.

Davidabl said...

Max, meet Wes...

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/
search on Labrador: the gadgets. Posted today, Fri. 29 Oct.

Wes, meet Max.


btw, the flare gun looks like something everybody
can enjoy. Except the bears :-)

Aaron@VanguardCycle.com said...

the spare primary belt is KEY!
i have been stranded before in the middle of nowhere trying to track down a belt...not fun.