panniers

i'm torn regarding which blog this goes on. it's sort of related to training, but not for triathlon. i would say it falls more under "personal," so it's going here. i ordered my panniers for my trip to ireland. these bags will have to hold all my stuff for two weeks - eek! they come in a pair and attach to each side of a rear rack installed on the bike. they also have a shoulder strap and unhook from the rack easily, which will be nice and easy for when we have to unload for the night. i think the yellow will look way nice with the maroon bike i'm taking. they are so waterproof that they can be submerged completely underwater and your stuff will still stay dry! they weren't the cheapest panniers i found, but i figured i might as well just invest in good ones that will last a lifetime or two. ortliebs seem to get great reviews among experienced tourers. i, of course, scrounged the internet for the best deal, and wayne (www.thetouringstore.com) had the best prices by far. i got the last set of yellows in the '06 closeout "bin." he is super nice, you call the 800 number on his website to reach him. he was driving when i called, pulled over, and took my order right there on the spot. i love the mix of high tech internety stuff and low tech pen and paper order taking. i can't wait to get the bags and start really thinking about what i can and can't take along.