> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blog.sebcycles.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # It's finally starting and final preparations are underway. - URL: https://blog.sebcycles.com/es-geht-endlich-los-und-letzte-vorbereitungen/ - Published: 2026-05-30T20:05:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-17T01:23:42.000Z - Author: Sebastian - Tags: Panamericana 🌎 As I write this, I'm sitting at Frankfurt Airport waiting for my flight to Anchorage. The last few days have been pretty exhausting and stressful. Packing everything, seeing all my friends and family one last time, and updating and fully automating my IT systems. ## Prepare and pack the bicycle With the cold temperatures in Deadhorse, Northern Alaska, I needed and tested a second sleeping bag. With the extra thermal clothing for cycling in 0-4 degrees Celsius, things got pretty cramped on the rack. The new tires (Schwalbe G-One RS pro 40 mm) caused the rack to rub under the increased load. Since I absolutely wanted wider tires than those I'd used for the North Cape and Istanbul, I had to buy a new rack five days before my flight. Even though I haven't taken it on any long rides since then, the Ortlieb Quick Rack looks significantly more stable. On the other hand, I no longer have a dynamo-powered rear light. If I need one, my headlamp can shine red. I also changed tires again to Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour with improved puncture protection. I'll be keeping track of the flats. ![](https://blog.sebcycles.com/content/images/2026/07/1000029867.jpg) ![](https://blog.sebcycles.com/content/images/2026/07/1000029987.jpg) ![](https://blog.sebcycles.com/content/images/2026/07/1000030157.jpg) ![](https://blog.sebcycles.com/content/images/2026/07/1000030411.jpg) I'd already bought a cardboard box for my bike three weeks ago from a local bike shop. It was bigger than my last two from TromsΓΈ and Istanbul. Three days ago, when everything was packed in the box, it weighed a whopping 37 kg (100 lbs) – box, bike, and gear 😬. So I had to put some of my gear in an old suitcase that I could "forget" there. The suitcase weighed 16 kg (63 lbs) at the airport earlier, and the bike box weighed 26 kg (69 lbs). They didn't check if the bike box contained anything other than the sports equipment/bike. Luckily, I was able to check the suitcase in without any extra charges by upgrading to Premium Economy during online check-in. I will update my packing list with the last few minor changes in the coming days: [Bikepacking Equipment Panamericana Cycling Basti Packing ListMy complete equipment for 25,000 km Panamericana. Tent, sleeping bag, stove and more. Cycling Basti's Bikepacking Packing List!![](https://blog.sebcycles.com/content/images/2026/07/bastis-welt-marker-6.png)Cycling Basti - My cycling travel blogCycling Basti![](https://blog.sebcycles.com/content/images/2026/07/IMG_20250831_200635_HDR-3.jpeg)](https://blog.sebcycles.com/meine-ausrustung-fur-25-000-km/) ## IT automation A lot of time has also gone into updating and automating my IT. All operating systems and databases have been updated to the appropriate LTS (Long-Term Support) versions, and individual programs have been automated with Ansible. I also had to replace a faulty RAM module and give everything a good dusting. Now it's just a matter of keeping my fingers crossed that everything runs smoothly for the next 19 months. I can still handle minor issues remotely πŸ˜…. If this site is ever offline, something hasn't worked properly. ## Farewell With a barbecue, some food, and finally at the airport, I said goodbye to friends and family over the past few weeks. I will be easily reachable for a while, and I hope to avoid the loneliness I experienced in Turkey that way. It's a strange feeling to say goodbye after 19 months. It still doesn't feel real that it's finally starting. The fear isn't of the bear, but of the unknown and the loneliness. As everyone has told me, the nearest airport isn't far away. I'm really curious to see what happens next πŸ˜…. ## The next few days Yesterday I booked a hostel in Anchorage where I'll be staying for two nights. Judging from the pictures of the hostel, several other cyclists have already started their journey there. Walmart is nearby so I can buy supplies for the next few days. I'll also decide there whether I'll fly to Deadhorse on Monday. It looks warmer at the moment, but the road is impassable for cyclists due to the rain. [Questions and Answers (Q&A) about my Pan-American Highway cycling trip.You asked me questions about my upcoming cycling trip from Alaska southwards. I have answered them here as best I could.![](https://blog.sebcycles.com/content/images/2026/07/bastis-welt-marker-7.png)Cycling Basti - My cycling travel blogCycling Basti![](https://blog.sebcycles.com/content/images/2026/07/1000009814.jpg)](https://blog.sebcycles.com/faq-panamericana-mit-dem-rad/) ## Sponsorship and merchandise Sponsorship and support opportunities can be found at the bottom of the [About Cycling-Basti page](https://blog.sebcycles.com/uber/) . Many thanks to Lucas, Helga, and Carmen for subscribing to the newsletter. Personal thank-you gifts will be sent from Alaska in the coming days. Some of you may have already seen it in one or two Instagram stories. Unfortunately, the tax office isn't the fastest at issuing tax ID numbers in response to digital applications, which usually takes three weeks. As I just learned, mine has arrived. This means that as soon as I'm in Alaska, I can add it to the shop and publish it. Stay tuned! 🀩 ## Follow and share my journey! This newsletter will provide the most detailed account of my trip, the WhatsApp channel will be the most up-to-date, and Instagram and other platforms will also offer further insights. ## Cycling Basti's Newsletter Register Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. Bicycle tours and stories from the road 🚲 On the Pan-American Highway from Alaska southwards since June 2026 [All other channels to follow](https://blog.sebcycles.com/uber/) My route is uploaded to the map every day (with a 6-12 hour delay), and if there is no network connection, a point appears on the map via satellite. [Current position and route on the world map](https://map.cycling-basti.de/collection/Panamericana?ref=blog.sebcycles.com) ## Departure πŸ›« Now it's a 10-hour flight with a 10-hour time difference, so departure at 3 PM and arrival at 3 PM. After the first flight was already delayed by an hour due to a drone sighting, I hope it will be better this time. PS: Since I'm no longer writing this newsletter on a PC, I can't have AI correct the comma placement. I hope you'll forgive me.