DIY// Where We've Been

We've been looking for a "Where You've Been" map for a while. Looking in every store possible for the perfect map in a color scheme that matched our apartment and lives. We were looking for a United States map specifically as we wanted the map to be fairly detailed.  Finally, we found a map at Paper Source.

We wanted to create an interactive piece of art that told a story about of travels as individuals and as a couple. It turned out to be a wonderful conversation piece because it allowed our friends to ask us about our travels around the nation as well as tell us stories about their travels. 

1 //  Map

2 // Spray Adhesive

3 // A Roller

4 // Map Tacks

Spray the adhesive on a foam core board or piece of cardboard. You will want to do this outside or lay down plastic as it will be very sticky and impossible to remove from surfaces.

Also, make sure the foam core is exactly the size of your artwork. If  not, you will need to cut it down to size on your own or you can ask an employee at your local craft store; most art and crafts store will cut them for a small fee. 

Line up two corners of map at one end of the foam core and gently place down. Using the roller, gently press the rest of the paper onto the foam core.
Once the map is down you can then use the roller to press out any remaining air pockets. You may need a partner in crime for this step. 

// If you do not own a roller you can use a rolling pin. //

Have fun placing your map tacks where you've been or where you someday what to go. 

We divided our colors into three categories:

Yellow // His

Green // Hers

Blue // Ours'

Things We Carry // Wrench

Working at a bike shop I constantly get the question: What do you keep in your bag?

All of these items fit neatly into the front two pockets of my large Bailey Works Bag

{1} Bailey Works Bag
Its important to have a bag that fits comfortably and meets your needs. My Bailey Works Bag, which has a large compartment and some smaller internal and external pockets meets my needs.
{I will be doing a more in depth review of the bag later.}

{2} U-Lock

Nothing special here. The U-lock from Kryponite remains to be the standard. Its thick steel that keeps most hand held cutting tools at bay.

{3} Multi-Tool

A multi tool can be a great way to save some weight and space in your bag. This tool by Serfas contains a set of allen keys, a chain break tool, and some basic wrench sizes.

{4} Frame Pump

This will NOT get you enough pressure for a permanent fix. This will only get you home or to the nearest bike shop. An alternative would be using CO2 cartridges but these can only be used once and at 4-7 dollars each it can get pricey in the long run.

{5} Batteries

My lights use AAA batteries so I like to keep a set on me in case my lights go out.

{6} Tire Levers

Used to change a flat tire.

{7} Adjustable wrench

If you have bolt on wheels you will need this to get your wheel off. Typically, axel nuts are 15mm but I like the adjustable wrench, because I can use the wrench for other parts of my bike.

{8} Spare Inner Tube

A spare inner tube can mean the difference between running 15 minutes late or running and hour late. I prefer this to a patch kit because its faster and more secure than gluing a patch on an inner tube.

{9} Gloves

Nothing makes my commute feel longer than numb fingers. I just keep a pair of light weight gloves just in case the weather gets a bit nippy.

{10} Pen & Pad

You always seem to need a pen and paper when you don't have one, so I keep it handy.

Other things to consider: A thin light weight rain jacket and pants, Food (cliff bar or power bar), a water bottle, bungee cords

What do you keep in your bag?