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Advice on a road trip
#201035 09/10/2007 5:47 PM
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Hello all. I'm looking for any and all reasonable advice on taking a road trip. This may sound stupid to some I realize. I've been riding bikes for about 25 years now, but I've never really done a road trip other than 'there and back' in the same day. I've got my "personal" riding gear, boots, gloves, helmet, rain gear, so I think I'm all set there...

The bike has saddle bags and I plan on bringing a large book bag size pack too. I'm not doing anything too fancy at my destination, just more riding, maybe a dinner at a mediocre restaurant. I'm probably going about 400 miles in one day, riding around for 3-4 days, and then 400 back, all through the mid-west and down the east coast. The ride there and back will be solo, once there I'll have friends, but am trying to suprise them so I can't count on their provisions. I'm hoping to stay in a hotel, but may have to camp out. I've got gear for that, just not sure on room!

I'm looking for any advice on gear, tools I should bring, packing tips, etc that you all have learned over the years. I don't plan on laying out a lot of cash at the local dealer or anything, but I'm open to suggestions, or even packing lists if you want to PM me yours.

Thank you in advance all...


I see a chrome bike and I want to paint it black. 1972 CB500, fully stock and purrs like a kitten 2003 Speedmaster: TOR Shorties, AI removed, Freak kit, more to come...
Re: Advice on a road trip
sledder23 #201036 09/10/2007 5:56 PM
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I'll send you my list from my forthcoming trip to California. You don't list where you live so we don't know what kind of weather you're looking at.

I use drybags and/or compression bags (for river rafting) for my clothes and my BiPAP. I use tons of ziplocks for things like my cell phone, camera, etc. I have a waterproof box ("Otterbox") for my iPod. I do have a tool roll I take along. After dealing with a lot of rain (especially in British Columbia) I tend to get a little paranoid about preparing for it.


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Re: Advice on a road trip
FriarJohn #201037 09/10/2007 6:00 PM
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FJ, I was thinking of going over to the outdoor store for rafting gear myself, I'm sure my bags won't be dry and I don't trust them anywa. I live in Ohio, going down to NC. In OH at least, we're used to the rain, same as BC I imagine.

Thanks!


I see a chrome bike and I want to paint it black. 1972 CB500, fully stock and purrs like a kitten 2003 Speedmaster: TOR Shorties, AI removed, Freak kit, more to come...
Re: Advice on a road trip
sledder23 #201038 09/10/2007 6:25 PM
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I've been using a small compression bag and a large black dry bag for all previous trips. Many years ago I bought a giant yellow dry bag at Walmart but until this California trip I never had a use for it. It's just HUGE.

I have a buddy who doesn't ride anymore. I almost bought his used T-bag but I just didn't like it. It's a tall expandable model with a rollbag on top. I didn't like the way it sat on my bike and I didn't like that it had a separate rain cover. I'll keep my dry bags thankyouverymuch.


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Re: Advice on a road trip
FriarJohn #201039 09/10/2007 7:26 PM
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I use Hefty tall kitchen can bags, and Zip-Locs for cell etc.

Re: Advice on a road trip
sledder23 #201040 09/10/2007 9:14 PM
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A cell phone and credit or debit cards for sure. I line my saddle bags and backpack with a hefty bag and twist them up. Also zip-lock bags are great for that added protection. If it looks like I going to be in alott of rain I also take the hefty bags and put my back pack in one also. I am a photography buff so I have been using zip-lock bags with the small desscant packs to keep the moisture out. Sounds like a good trip be safe and wish you good luck.


You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one John Lennon Imagine Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty, anyone who keeps learning stays young, the greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. Henry Ford
Re: Advice on a road trip
britironrider #201041 09/10/2007 9:21 PM
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If you're coming to north carolina and planning on camping out be sure to bring insect repelant. You will spend a night of pure misery without it. Also its usually hot and humid as all get out this time of year. Except for the beach area and thats full of tourist. Mostly yankee's....

Re: Advice on a road trip
unclecharlie #201042 09/10/2007 9:36 PM
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I sought some similar advice once, and was told "Lay out all the stuff you think you'll need on your bed. Then put half of it away. Then put half of what's left away. At this point you're getting close to what you'll REALLY need."

That may seem extreme but the mistake most people make is over-packing. Clothes take up the most room, so if it's your first road trip make it easy on yourself and stay at motels etc that have laundry facilities and wash clothes when you need to rather than taking a change for each day. That way all you really need to pack is 2-3 changes of clothes to allow for weather, and your wet weather gear.

Book your bike in for a service about a week before you go. That gives them time to take longer than normal (eg: we have to order your spark plugs in!) and gives you a few days to "shake down" the bike to pick up anything they've left loose etc.

As far as breakdowns etc go there's not really much you can do on the side of the road unless you're pulling a trailer full of spare parts, even if you're a fully qualified mechanic. Take your chain lube, and one or two basic tools to tighten up anything that comes loose - and make sure you've got a cellphone, charger, and a credit card for breakdowns. Also before you leave home make up a list oh phone numbers of motorcycle tow services that operate in the areas you'll be riding through. Check your bike over each morning for small things that could become bigger at speed - eg: stuff caught in tyres, loose chain, seat bolts coming loose and so on.

If you're taking something that relies on batteries (camera, mp3 player etc) take a spare set or a charger if rechargeable, or ask yourself if you REALLY need it.

I'll bet you've got a nice itinerary drawn up and you know where you'll be at the end of each day? Treat that as a rough guide only - it only takes one accident or roadworks to put you several hours behind schedule for the rest of the trip. Plan a destination every morning and an alternate one either side of it, so if you get held up you can shorten your trip and if you make great time you can lengthen it. While you're at it, plan to have a day or two free at the end of your trip before any commitments so if you're slower than you thought it's not a problem. It also doesn't hurt to have someone back home you can call every night to say "I'm in this place, everything's going great" so if you do start running late or don't call one night there's someone to call the police and say "last heard of in this place at that time and heading to that place".

On that topic, it sucks to rock up in a country town just on sunset and find out there's no accommodation. Before you leave in the morning call a motel where you plan to be for the night and make a reservation. Also call motels at your two alternative destinations and ask how many rooms they have free etc, just in case your plans change. If you find yourself caught in traffic pull over and make a reservation at a closer motel instead.

Take a small notebook and write down everything you spend. Last thing you need is to be filling up at the only gas station for 200 miles and have the dreaded "transaction declined" come up on your credit card. It'll also help explain to your wife/husband/pet gerbil why your credit card's maxed out when you get home. Take some cash too, but use your plastic when you can and save the cash for the times you can't use plastic.

Remember to pack any medications you're taking, and put a spare prescription in a waterproof plastic bag someplace. If you run out or lose them you can just rock up at a pharmacy and get the new prescription filled. Bring some non-prescription painkillers for headaches, sore back etc. If you use glasses etc take a spare set. On the topic of medication, to quote the song "use sunscreen"... and chapstick (or whatever to protect your lips from wind burn). Ever had a badly sun & wind burned and had to go face 3 more days of the road? It's miserable. Pack 2 or 3 of those little zip-lock sandwich bags someplace easy to get at - great for putting things like cellphones etc in when you get caught in a thunderstorm in the middle of nowhere.

If you don't already have one, get a small shoulder bag or something similar to pack things like cellphone, sunscreen, notepad etc in that you'll be wanting frequently. If you have to go digging through saddlebags, T-bags etc for it chances are you won't use it.

Above all, don't let the little things stress you out - you're riding for pleasure! If some jerk cuts in front of you, or you get a face full of bugs etc just let it go. You don't want to be stressed out at 70mph on a holiday! Pull over and relax, take your time, and enjoy yourself.

Re: Advice on a road trip
Sandmann #201043 09/10/2007 9:41 PM
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Excellent write up. I would add that if you wear glasses or contacts, bring along your prescription for those, too (I don't have a spare set). I carry mine in my wallet.


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Re: Advice on a road trip
Sandmann #201044 09/10/2007 9:44 PM
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don't spend the money on dry bags.
Zip loc makes a large and an extra large bag for gear.
Just line the inside of your saddle bags.
I also store sleeping bags in them, that should give you an idea for the size of them.
Good luck

ps I would carrie extra fuses!

Re: Advice on a road trip
oregonrider #201045 09/10/2007 10:20 PM
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Put a sandwich baggie in your wallet. When you're surprised by rain it's the fastest way to protect your wallet and its contents.


A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
Re: Advice on a road trip
oldroadie #201046 09/10/2007 10:24 PM
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Flask......for those dang on places that happen to be dry and you just need a quick swig before you go to sleep.

Plus all the other stuff everyone said. I use an old army back pack on my sissy bar and just stuff everything in trashbags or sandwich bags.

Plan for any roads that are toll roads to (even though I hate highways I take them some).....here the road takes 1.25 at each toll so I wrap a dollar tight around a quarter for each booth and stick it in my jacket pocket so that I dont have to search around for it


2003 Red and Black Speedy. What do I want to change on my bike next????
Re: Advice on a road trip
oregonrider #201047 09/10/2007 10:24 PM
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You're probably right. I have a number of giant Ziplocks as well. I use them if I use my plain old non-waterproof dufflebag. But I'm not about to trust my BiPAP to a Ziplock. I have a dry bag that fits it perfectly.


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Re: Advice on a road trip
FriarJohn #201048 09/10/2007 10:26 PM
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What is a BiPap??


2003 Red and Black Speedy. What do I want to change on my bike next????
Re: Advice on a road trip
stevieh #201049 09/10/2007 10:27 PM
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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A machine for severe sleep apnea.


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Re: Advice on a road trip
FriarJohn #201050 09/10/2007 10:29 PM
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Oh OK. Though it was some new gadget I was going to have to buy. Godspeed on dealing with that. The only problem I have sleeping is when my wife smacks me for snoring....which could be minor sleep apnea.


2003 Red and Black Speedy. What do I want to change on my bike next????
Re: Advice on a road trip
stevieh #201051 09/10/2007 10:40 PM
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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Yeah, you don't want this if you can help it. But if you have any suspicion at all that you have apnea, get tested. Left untreated it can lead to congestive heart failure. I was diagnosed in '04 and not a year too soon. Doc says there's nothing wrong with my ticker. Snoring can be an indicator but not always. Oddly enough, having a thick neck is often a sign.


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Re: Advice on a road trip
FriarJohn #201052 09/10/2007 10:46 PM
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No thick neck....wife says I have a thick head though. Snore only when i sleep on my back....on my side no probs so I never figured it was anything


2003 Red and Black Speedy. What do I want to change on my bike next????
Re: Advice on a road trip
britironrider #201053 09/10/2007 10:51 PM
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Quote:

Also zip-lock bags are great for that added protection.



I almost always keep my camera in a zip-lock bag (lost one because it got wet)

Soren

Re: Advice on a road trip
stevieh #201054 09/10/2007 11:00 PM
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Quote:

Plan for any roads that are toll roads to (even though I hate highways I take them some).....here the road takes 1.25 at each toll so I wrap a dollar tight around a quarter for each booth and stick it in my jacket pocket so that I dont have to search around for it




Yep, $3.75. I've been making that trip for 20 years now. First time on a M/C though, and I hope to avoid those interstates if and where possible.

Thank you all for your input, I sure appreciate it!!


I see a chrome bike and I want to paint it black. 1972 CB500, fully stock and purrs like a kitten 2003 Speedmaster: TOR Shorties, AI removed, Freak kit, more to come...
Re: Advice on a road trip
sledder23 #201055 09/10/2007 11:04 PM
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where are you from Slender? You travel on the WV turnpike?


2003 Red and Black Speedy. What do I want to change on my bike next????
Re: Advice on a road trip
stevieh #201056 09/10/2007 11:11 PM
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I've from Ohio, but have made more trips to the Carolinas than I can remember. Probably 100 or so, maybe more. Second worst road I ever paid to be on. Nothing beats PA.


I see a chrome bike and I want to paint it black. 1972 CB500, fully stock and purrs like a kitten 2003 Speedmaster: TOR Shorties, AI removed, Freak kit, more to come...
Re: Advice on a road trip
sledder23 #201057 09/10/2007 11:12 PM
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yeah that is so true....you pay to travel across a crappy road......really sucks. Have a safe trip....take some pics along the ride for everyone to see


2003 Red and Black Speedy. What do I want to change on my bike next????
Re: Advice on a road trip
sledder23 #201058 09/10/2007 11:16 PM
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Quote:

Second worst road I ever paid to be on. Nothing beats PA.




You mean for good roads or bad roads? There is great riding here in the Poconos but the road conditions can suck depending what road you are on. Now new 6 rocks. New concrete surface and no cops at all. I regularly hold my bike wide open on that road. Smooth as glass.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Advice on a road trip
The_Dog33 #201059 09/10/2007 11:25 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

Second worst road I ever paid to be on. Nothing beats PA.




You mean for good roads or bad roads? There is great riding here in the Poconos but the road conditions can suck depending what road you are on. Now new 6 rocks. New concrete surface and no cops at all. I regularly hold my bike wide open on that road. Smooth as glass.




The road itself. Parts are nice, but some stretch is always under construction. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL country down there in West Virginia though, and I bet there are some nice roads. I've done most of my M/C riding in Southern Ohio though, and that's hard to beat for twisties.


I see a chrome bike and I want to paint it black. 1972 CB500, fully stock and purrs like a kitten 2003 Speedmaster: TOR Shorties, AI removed, Freak kit, more to come...
Re: Advice on a road trip
sledder23 #201060 09/11/2007 6:38 PM
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Even if your bags are supposedly waterproof, pack your stuff in big ziplocks anyway. Better safe than sorry.
Make sure you can get your rainsuit out in the blink of an eye.


Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow The Hayabusa Killa 16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled Procom CDI "There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
Re: Advice on a road trip
BrianT #201061 09/11/2007 6:41 PM
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I'm actually using the giant ziplocks (and some cheap funky vacuum bags I got in the travel section at Target) to organize the stuff going into the giant dry bag. Frogg Toggs go in the saddlebags.


BA.com Caretaker | Friarsride | jb.com
Re: Advice on a road trip
FriarJohn #201062 09/11/2007 8:41 PM
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Yep, rain gear will be on top of the closest bag. I'm going to get the ziplocks tomorrow night. If it looks like 4 days of rain, I'll probably stay home and do work around the house.

I've got a week now to plan and pack, so I should be all set I think. Not too much else to buy...


I see a chrome bike and I want to paint it black. 1972 CB500, fully stock and purrs like a kitten 2003 Speedmaster: TOR Shorties, AI removed, Freak kit, more to come...
Re: Advice on a road trip
sledder23 #201063 09/12/2007 11:53 AM
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Sandmann’s exposé is spot on.

Moe’s distilled advice:

Cash is accepted everywhere. Use plastic whenever you can.

Travel light. Waterproof one change of clothes. Dead reckon. Always carry a map. Ride like a snake. Always check out the area before you put the sidestand down. Fuel up before you need to. Carry water and snacks. ALWAYS carry the libations you intend to consume. Carry a weapon. Whatever you wish you had packed, buy it. What you don’t need anymore, mail it home. Every journey has highs and lows. Enjoy them both. People you meet along the way are way more interesting than you could ever imagine.

Slow down.

The best riding is dawn and dusk during the summer months. Fear not rolling into town after dark. Fear nocturnal critters. Survey your surroundings before you touch down.


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Advice on a road trip
moe #201064 09/12/2007 11:56 AM
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Quote:


Slow down.






I don't remember hearing you say this during our run through the mountains last Fall?


In Between the Dark and the Light..
Re: Advice on a road trip
moe #201065 09/12/2007 12:16 PM
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Quote:

Moe’s distilled advice:

ALWAYS carry the libations you intend to consume.

Slow down.





I think "slow down" is Jim's form of southern humour? It's hard to pick up inflection nuances off a keyboard.

Ask all of your friends at ba.com to come along for the party.

Have fun............

jh


"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
Re: Advice on a road trip
freedom #201066 09/12/2007 12:32 PM
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Slow Down. Like in smell the roaches er roses. Not speed wise youwisearses.

Yous guys crack me up


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Advice on a road trip
moe #201067 09/12/2007 1:11 PM
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Quote:

Carry a weapon.




Ok Moe, can you elaborate a little as I am planning on touring the states in the near future.


Bedouin. Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
Re: Advice on a road trip
FriarJohn #201068 09/12/2007 1:17 PM
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Quote:

A machine for severe sleep apnea.




Oh GEEZ! Well in THAT case, I guess the wife and I won't be gettin' much sleep the night of Friday September 21st!!!!

(how well does that thing work, John???)



Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
Re: Advice on a road trip
Dwight #201069 09/12/2007 4:02 PM
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i'd suggest an oil filter and a couple quarts of oil and fix-a-flat.


"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." - Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus
Re: Advice on a road trip
Dwight #201070 09/12/2007 6:19 PM
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Quote:

A machine for severe sleep apnea.







A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice. Pat
Re: Advice on a road trip
Sandmann #201071 09/12/2007 6:43 PM
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Quote:

I sought some similar advice once, and was told "Lay out all the stuff you think you'll need on your bed. Then put half of it away. Then put half of what's left away. At this point you're getting close to what you'll REALLY need."

That may seem extreme but the mistake most people make is over-packing. Clothes take up the most room, so if it's your first road trip make it easy on yourself and stay at motels etc that have laundry facilities and wash clothes when you need to rather than taking a change for each day. That way all you really need to pack is 2-3 changes of clothes to allow for weather, and your wet weather gear.

Book your bike in for a service about a week before you go. That gives them time to take longer than normal (eg: we have to order your spark plugs in!) and gives you a few days to "shake down" the bike to pick up anything they've left loose etc.

As far as breakdowns etc go there's not really much you can do on the side of the road unless you're pulling a trailer full of spare parts, even if you're a fully qualified mechanic. Take your chain lube, and one or two basic tools to tighten up anything that comes loose - and make sure you've got a cellphone, charger, and a credit card for breakdowns. Also before you leave home make up a list oh phone numbers of motorcycle tow services that operate in the areas you'll be riding through. Check your bike over each morning for small things that could become bigger at speed - eg: stuff caught in tyres, loose chain, seat bolts coming loose and so on.

If you're taking something that relies on batteries (camera, mp3 player etc) take a spare set or a charger if rechargeable, or ask yourself if you REALLY need it.

I'll bet you've got a nice itinerary drawn up and you know where you'll be at the end of each day? Treat that as a rough guide only - it only takes one accident or roadworks to put you several hours behind schedule for the rest of the trip. Plan a destination every morning and an alternate one either side of it, so if you get held up you can shorten your trip and if you make great time you can lengthen it. While you're at it, plan to have a day or two free at the end of your trip before any commitments so if you're slower than you thought it's not a problem. It also doesn't hurt to have someone back home you can call every night to say "I'm in this place, everything's going great" so if you do start running late or don't call one night there's someone to call the police and say "last heard of in this place at that time and heading to that place".

On that topic, it sucks to rock up in a country town just on sunset and find out there's no accommodation. Before you leave in the morning call a motel where you plan to be for the night and make a reservation. Also call motels at your two alternative destinations and ask how many rooms they have free etc, just in case your plans change. If you find yourself caught in traffic pull over and make a reservation at a closer motel instead.

Take a small notebook and write down everything you spend. Last thing you need is to be filling up at the only gas station for 200 miles and have the dreaded "transaction declined" come up on your credit card. It'll also help explain to your wife/husband/pet gerbil why your credit card's maxed out when you get home. Take some cash too, but use your plastic when you can and save the cash for the times you can't use plastic.

Remember to pack any medications you're taking, and put a spare prescription in a waterproof plastic bag someplace. If you run out or lose them you can just rock up at a pharmacy and get the new prescription filled. Bring some non-prescription painkillers for headaches, sore back etc. If you use glasses etc take a spare set. On the topic of medication, to quote the song "use sunscreen"... and chapstick (or whatever to protect your lips from wind burn). Ever had a badly sun & wind burned and had to go face 3 more days of the road? It's miserable. Pack 2 or 3 of those little zip-lock sandwich bags someplace easy to get at - great for putting things like cellphones etc in when you get caught in a thunderstorm in the middle of nowhere.

If you don't already have one, get a small shoulder bag or something similar to pack things like cellphone, sunscreen, notepad etc in that you'll be wanting frequently. If you have to go digging through saddlebags, T-bags etc for it chances are you won't use it.

Above all, don't let the little things stress you out - you're riding for pleasure! If some jerk cuts in front of you, or you get a face full of bugs etc just let it go. You don't want to be stressed out at 70mph on a holiday! Pull over and relax, take your time, and enjoy yourself.




What the fu...heck?!!! He's only going for 5 days!!! I took less than this on a 4 month trek round Europe!!!
Take: socks, 2pairs; underwear, 2pairs; pants, 2pairs; tops, 2of; waterproofs; personal stuff (pour shampoo and shower gel into smaller plastic bottles, comb, toothbrush/paste (small tube)); any meds you take(times no.of days you'll be gone+1); a bin bag for waterproofing stuff; credit card n phone. And that's it. Anything else you need, buy out on the road.

Re: Advice on a road trip
Echoance #201072 09/12/2007 6:58 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
I asked the same advice when I went riding round Oz. I got simular answers.

However my plans were simple. It was:
Leave sisters house.
Meet Sandmann at Dreamworld at 17.00 on Friday.

That was it. OK there was over 1000 km to cover and left sis on Wednesday, but really they were my plans. The joys of a hire bike were if it broke down I called the hire shop and they would find someone to find me. I'd have more than likely called Matt and got him to find me as I'd know he'd know what he was looking at....
And clothes...hey you know how it is...

My advice...
Put as much as you can in to half of the baggage on the bike. On leaving, leave the rest empty. Then you have space knowing that you'll never get it packed again as it was when you left home!


Gina 03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 09 America - It's very blue....
Re: Advice on a road trip
GinaS #201073 09/12/2007 7:32 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
My small bit of advice pour shampoo into film cans 35mm your whole toiletry kit should fit in a sandwich baggie. Talk to a friend who does backpacking its the same idea space is the issue.

Re: Advice on a road trip
Dwight #201074 09/12/2007 9:14 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
Quote:

Quote:

A machine for severe sleep apnea.




Oh GEEZ! Well in THAT case, I guess the wife and I won't be gettin' much sleep the night of Friday September 21st!!!!

(how well does that thing work, John???)






I didn't realize I'd be sleeping in your room. I might have to go to a motel...

The machine works great. It sucks having to use it but it saved my life.


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