Bicycle Touring - What to take?

Suggestions - submitted by Bob White, VP Touring - Bicycle NS / NS Ramblers.

For the Bike
Front (low rider) and rear racks, fenders, front & rear panniers, tool kit, two tubes, patch kit, pump, spare spokes, multi purpose bike tool, rack straps, two water bottles, bike light, front ( will double as camp light) and rear light, bell, spare tire, chain lube, rag, rain covers for panniers.

For the Cyclist
2 pairs of cycling shorts, cycling tights (can be part of rain gear), cycling gloves, cycling shoes, windproof breathable jacket (can be part of rain gear), helmet, 2 light shirts, and 1 warmer one, 3 pairs of socks,, one pair of wool socks, warmer cloths if spring / fall tour, 3 pairs of underwear, sweater for cool evenings, sandals, hat for warmth, sun protection.

For the Campground
Tent, including poles, pegs and waterproof full fly, ground sheet, sleeping bag, small pillow, good insulating air mattress pad, stove, fuel, matches, pot, small frying pan, mug, cup, and utensils, can opener, pot lifter, flipper, dish soap, dish towel and scrapper, food for emergency (can of tuna, ham, instant rice / potatoes, packaged soup, spices), towel, face cloth, deodorant, shampoo, $.25's (for showers), clothes soap, tooth bush & paste, comb, toilet paper, 1st aid kit, bug repellent, candle and personal medication.

Other
MSI / Hospital card, emergency contact #, let someone know your travel plans before you go, wallet, money credit cards, sun glasses, Ziploc bags, maps, length of cord (clothesline, etc.), camera.
(You should now have about 45 pounds / 20kg) of cargo.)

Hints
Roll clothing tight and pack in Ziploc bags, keep weight to a minimum. Practice loading and unloading and ride the bike before tour - adjust cargo accordingly. Try to keep stuff in same location to save time searching for items - some cyclists have pannier "charts" for each pannier. I like a handlebar bag and keep my wallet, map, tools, spare tube and snacks handy. Wear bright coloured cloths and dress for the conditions. When "loaded", plan to cycle at a modest pace. If traveling a distance, leave early, rest during mid day heat. Set up camp as soon as arriving, and then have shower to avoid evening "chills". Eat well, and often - you will burn 600+ calories an hour - lots of fruits and veggies - they are power foods. Stay hydrated - this will reduce chance of leg cramps; I also take Tums, as I feel they have both calcium and help prevent leg cramps. I also take powdered Gatorade to replace lost electrolytes. If it rains all day, I look for a B&B / motel as I want to enjoy my tour. Book campsites ahead of time.
Before arriving at the campsite, I plan to stop at the last available outlet for fresh food for dinner, breakfast. Quite often we tour in groups; it is nice to coordinate meals with other cyclists, for both economy and variety.
Travel with a sense of humour and camaraderie; be sure to offer assistance to your fellow cyclists.
Enjoy yourself - Have Fun