SAN FRANCISCO (Ryan) -- Well, I pretty much looked at last year's packing list and tried to adjust it for more cold and rainy weather. Mainly, I bought rain pants. Oh, I should have brought some extra bolts for Amy.

In comparison to last year, I changed my saddle from a Brooks Pro to a B17 Champion, but unfortunately, the trip didn't last long enough to tell if it more comfortable.

SAN FRANCISCO (Amy) -- My packing list is pretty much the same as last year, except that I took into consideration the fact that we would be traveling in much worse weather. For instance, I purchased a fluffy white sweater at the thrift store, because it was made out of some kind of animal hair that was quite warm and yet lightweight. It was also button down, which is excellent for temperature control. I called this sweater Snowflake, and however much I emphasized to Ryan that it was just a practical item, he kept insisting that it was a fashion move. Whenever he could muster any kind of spunk on this draining trip, he used his energy to make fun of my sweater, saying, “Snowflake!” in a very annoying tone.

Ryan on the other hand was in total denial about the weather and failed to bring any kind of sweater. As stated, he did buy rain pants after I had told him for at least a week how dumb it would be not to. I really thought this was a wrong and stupid decision, not bringing a sweater. It’s OK with me if Ryan is cold and miserable, but on a trip like ours if he were miserable I would definitely be affected. So I secretly packed a sweater for him and I was really really hoping that at some point in the trip he would be so cold that I could get him to admit that he should have packed like I told him. And then I could present him with the sweater. I’m sure that would have happened if our trip had been longer.

Anyway, here is the basic rundown: