Hee Haw was the name of a TV show way back when. Anyway, I found myself thinking “hee haw” yesterday, when I tried out my new Camel-Bak Mule.

I couldn’t figure out how to manage the drinking tube; so I guess I have to find a YouTube (no pun intended) that can show me what to do! My old Camel-Bak didn’t have any such complications as magnetic tube holders; and if it hadn’t developed a split in the shell’s fabric, I would have kept on using it. Aside from that split, it still had plenty of wear left in it.

Why this model of Camel-Bak is called “mule”, I don’t know; unless it’s because the pockets can hold enough stuff to fell a mule. That would be great for a long ride, if you don’t mind the load on your back. I’m not back to a full load of water just yet; but I’ve begun to pack along the tube of Chamois Butt’r. I’m tying to extend my Sunday ride by a mile or so each week; and while I’m at it, I need to work back towards my full load (3 liters of water; Chamois Butt’r; toilet paper; and cable lock!) Gosh, I feel like a pack mule now. Hee haw!

Yesterday I did 22.7 miles; and I think next Sunday I’ll aim for 25 miles. That’s still a long way from RAGBRAI‘s average of 65 miles per day; so it’s a good thing I’m not aiming for this year’s ride!