Xlymit Sleeping Pad

Xlymit came through and helped me out with the sleeping pad that I wanted! I picked up my new “Insulated Static V Luxe” this morning on the way home from work. Xlymit has an outlet store in Centerville, it is easy to get to off of Parish lane. Their address is 1265 W. 1275 N. Centerville Utah.

Along with the pad I got a pillow that comes in a pouch that is about the size of a deck of cards. If anyone likes to camp or backpack you must stop into their outlet to see the great pads and backpacks they offer. Check them out at www.klymit.com or drop into a Recreation Outlet to see their cool stuff.

So things are swiftly progressing towards my trip, I am getting the last few items for the camping bag, working out the electronics and setting up my new computer for checking e-mails and writing my blog posts. I am writing today’s blog on my new / used Lenovo Ideapad. The Ideapad is a 10” notebook that has a real keyboard, a 150 gig hard drive and a camera that will allow me to keep a video diary.

I plan on stopping at coffee shops along the way, pull up wifi and check my mail and facebook as I chronicle my trip. I will also be able to manage my photos and post them to my blog as well. The Blog will Google up under, Wix Long Way X cross. I purchased a used notebook to stay within my budget just like I purchased a used bike.

I really like used stuff, I like Ebay and the thought that someone else took the depreciation hit. New is cool too but I cannot imagine BMW giving me a new motorcycle or Lenovo sponsoring me with a new notebook. Some things must be new, socks, underwear, sleeping bags, etc. For the most part you can save some big money by being smart and purchasing quality used gear.

You must be smart and safe, not cheap. My Tourmaster riding jacket was lightly used from Ebay, I paid $35 instead of $250 but I purchased my HJC helmet brand new. My Tourmaster riding pants were new on Ebay, $50 instead of $99. Saving money is a two part plan, equipping myself for the trip and sustaining myself on the trip.

In planning the budget for any trip I like the round number of $100 per day. A moth long trip should cost around $3000, a week would be $700. Obviously you cannot spend every night in a hotel that costs $150 a night but you can stay at a camp site for a couple of nights then get an $89 room for the third night. Meals work the same way, cook a pan of chicken and vegetables for a night or two then grab some pub grub and a beer.

So everything is going as planned, winter is moving its cold soggy ass along and spring is on the horizon. I will be registering the BMW soon, finalizing my gear and planning a few test trips before I set out. I would like to head south, Vegas area, camp along the Colorado River possibly a spring desert camp. As for the Long Way X-cross, the 11,000 mile trip, I am working on the best way to do it. I am still dreaming about the dream.