Went over her panniers, they are now ziptied to the frame as well as locked on, that's a whole other story. Rain x ed windshield, my helmet face cover, my mirrors, pre-tripped (TCLOCS), adjusted tire pressure and then began strapping gear down. That action has become automatic. My muscle memory just took over and I found it meditative. Making sure everything was just so --- with two half hitches at he end, even though I have cam straps, just because that's how I do it. Took me a lot of miles to learn exactly how I want her to feel when packed. That being said, I was on my 2nd margarita while doing this, so I will need to re-check her this morning.
We are lighter this trip. No camping gear, not even my backpacking stove and coffee, hoping I won't regret that decision. But I have added some weight in the form of tools. See header photo. The cycle pump I had with me last year and I used it - love it. Last year, I had to be towed down the Mtn to Durango when I had a flat. I did not know how to take off a tire and repair an inner tube. This year I have watched lots of videos, repaired one tube, purchased a new wrench so I can take off my front or rear tire, and added a bead breaker kit to my arsenal of stuff. I am not fully confident about being able to do it now, however, I think I could and I have what I need should I need to do it. Plus I have 9R --- She instills confidence!