Great post with a self-deprecating slant to it that you don't often see. I take my rain gear with me on any overnighter or longer trip, and I pack it in the top of the right saddlebag for easy access in case I need it. Why the right one? When the bike is on the sidestand, the right saddlebag sits taller than the left so you don't have to bend over as far to dig it out.
Knowing when it's going to rain is an art form. I've ridden with some who just seem to have some psychic ability to know when that drizzle is going to turn into a downpour. They have an uncanny sense about it and pull over to don the rain gear just before the deluge comes. Sure wish I had the same ability, but I always seem to wait until one exit too late before getting dumped on.
A windshield is a good idea for long trips not only in the rain, but also just to keep the windblast off your chest which can lead to fatigue after a few hundred miles. Sadly, my windshield let me down on my trip 2 weeks ago. With the adjustments I had to make to it after putting on different risers, I was getting too much head buffeting and wound up with a splitting headache so it did more harm than good. I was dumb for breaking one of my rules....always try out a piece of equipment/gear BEFORE going on a long trip.
I also forgot to fill up my Camelbak bladder with water in Kayenta, Utah, and almost paid the price for it when it was empty 40 miles from the nearest gas station and in 105 degree heat. I was guzzling a big bottle of water when I got to Hanksville for gas.
So even though I made a list before setting out on my trip, I still forgot to pack some essentials, like sunscreen. Road trips always seem to be that though, you always forget to pack something.
