yabadabapal Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 I have no idea how to answer that question so I thought I would post it, hoping some of you pro bikers would help. Here are some questions I have. What kind of Maintenance before leaving... Medical Kits ?... Is it unwise to go alone... If you do go with others, how many is the right number and why... How many miles a day is healthy... What spare parts do you bring... How about communication accessories... Emergency food supplies... Freeways or back roads... Hotels or camping / is camping in state parks safe... Whats the best type of map to use for charting course... Clothes, what type... Whats the best system for packing all this stuff on your bike... Sorry about all the seemingly mundane questions. If you can think of anything I didn't mention, please mention it. And last but not least, a Big Thanks
Calvin (no socks) Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 I have done trips for 30+ years. Start small... Manage a few of those... find out what you didn't use on that trip..don't take it next time... after several shorter trips.. then you are ready to string a few of those together and pare down again what you don't need. I now carry a backpack, no luggage, a cell and few tools and professional tire plugging equipment to save others. I ride alone to reduce down time. Leave early, ride far, back roads provide entertainment from the monotony of slab riding. Slab riding is mandatory for longer trips with time constraints. I avoid taking everything but the kitchen sink. BTDT. A major breakdown may be unavoidable, but having your wits about you can compensate for not having the tools, equipment and knowledge to repair any forseeable failure.... A credit card with no limit also helps.
eddd Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 - What kind of Maintenance before leaving...I try to get anything out of the way that would come due during the trip. Medical Kits ?...I don't carry one. Is it unwise to go alone...I do that all the time and it has never been a problem. If you do go with others, how many is the right number and why...The most important thing here is to be sure you are riding your own ride. You need to feel comfortable with those you are traveling with so that you can let everyone know your needs and limits. How many miles a day is healthy...This is very subjective. I've done over 1,100 without problems, but everything depends on you. Stop and move around periodically, more often later in the day's ride, and stop before you get sleepy. What spare parts do you bring...A lot depends on the bike. On my RT I just carry an alternator belt, but plenty of tools. How about communication accessories...For me, cell phone, XM radio, and laptop. Emergency food supplies...I always have water, and I also carry some granola bars for backup. Freeways or back roads...Calvin already answered this one. Hotels or camping / is camping in state parks safe...I've done the camping but prefer motels. Camping requires a good deal of extra gear, and the time required to set up and take down. I've always felt safe in any state or national park/forest. Whats the best type of map to use for charting course...I like a big atlas to laying things out, with state maps or google (mostly google) for more detail when needed. Clothes, what type...Very subjective, but in general...layers and fabrics that breath/wick moisture. Textile riding gear. Whats the best system for packing all this stuff on your bike...I utilize my system cases for things I'll need on the road. Everything else goes into one of these, just not in camo. Sorry about all the seemingly mundane questions. If you can think of anything I didn't mention, please mention it. And last but not least, a Big Thanks
Quinn Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 Sounds like you could really use a mentor. Just think about a few things: What do you carry on a car trip? Other than motorcycle specific clothing to cover the range of weather, doesn't have to be anything different. Do you enjoy car camping? Are you equiped for it? I'm guessing not and no; or else you'd know that campgrounds are as safe as most motels. See if you can find motorcycle only campgrounds or motels; it just adds to the adventure. I prefer to go by myself so I can keep a slow pace without bothering anyone else, but would consider one to two others; above that there are too many compromises. I carry a water bottle and some energy bars in my tank bag. I stop every hour to walk around and take inventory of pains. However you choose to pack, waterproofing is important. Look at the Helen two wheels system for ideas. All of the above is just my opinion and may differ from other's perception of reality.
Bullett Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 Regarding clothing, take a few long day rides to see what clothing is comfortable for you under your riding gear. Hot weather is a challenge. In shorts, I find my knees rub on the inside of the knee protectors in my riding pants. I have tried nylon, quick dry hiking or travel pants, and yesterday, a pair of (un padded) lycra cycling tights. So, far, for me the nylon pants work best. The lycra tights were very comfortable, but became warm as the day warmed up. You will need to figure out what works for you. Since you bicycle, you probably have some bicycling gear that will work for motorized transport as well. I'm still working out the kinks on what to take--I always seem to pack too much stuff. Bag liners for your saddle bags will help keep things organized and help you filter out the things that don't fit.
Twisties Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 I don't know that anyone can really answer these questions for you. You're going to have to find out for yourself... so what Calvin said. Start out with several short trips close to home. Roads I consider fun, others see as uncomfortable. Slab is something I avoid, others prefer it. Distance is very personal and depends on conditions. I've never been over 500 miles in a day. I find 400 miles on back roads with mountain passes to be a long day. If it's hot, or cold, or windy, or rainy, or I'm not feeling 100% could be a very long day. Only about half my days have none or minimal adverse conditions. Others get a significant portion of challenge. If I ever did do an entire day on an interstate freeway I'd expect to rack up a higher mile day. I carry a first aid kit. If you know how to use it, you probably ought to have it. I've used mine once for a minor cut, but I like knowing it is there. Going alone adds risks, but I wouldn't think twice about it. Your tolerance to that risk may be very different than mine. Be aware of your situation. Going alone into a back country situation at the end of the day, without camping gear or water is probably not too bright. Riding a well traveled road in the daytime is not much risk. Camping vs. hotels: carrying camping gear is a pain, camping takes a lot of time and effort, and will reduce your riding time. Getting your gear sorted initially is also a challenge. On the other hand, camping can be very enjoyable, and carrying gear gives you a lot of flexibility. Hotels may be full. With camping gear you can stop at many more locations. Hotels on the other hand have showers, beds, and climate control. You may need reservations, which is a pain and forces you to be at a particular place and time. They are getting to be somewhat expensive. It's all a trade-off. I always have some food and water or gatorade. Amounts vary depending on situation. We have the Michelin Road Atlas 2008 LINKY. Sharon carries a GPS, but we mostly use this to figure out where hotels, fuel and restaraunts are. Clothes: On a nice day I would be wearing a pair of wicking type underwear, such as the REI Mesh Briefs or mis-weight MTS briefs or boxers, then over that a pair of Underarmour heat gear shorts/tights, then my protective gear outers (riding pants). I would have a light shirt, and my riding jacket. See HERE. Gloves, boots, helmet. All clothes light weight and quick dry for rinsing out in sink. Stowed: Jacket and pants liner, heated jacket, winter riding gloves, long underwear, a couple of days change of the basic clothes listed above, a hat for walking around with. Our bikes have side cases. We use Cee Baily case liners. We have top cases. We could fit everything in that, but choose to carry extras like cameras, binoculars, extra shoes, maybe a bottle of wine. Therefore if camping we add a dry bag: This ONE. . We like the long opening, and air squeeze out features. It gets strapped to the pillion seat with Rok Straps LINKY. We can fit a three person backpacking tent, inflatable pad, sleeping bag, and camp chair in it. Best, Jan
hopz Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 What Jan Said +1 I can support his call for REI MTS wicking underwear. I have Patagonia (expensive Capilene) and REI (less expensive) and like them better. I take both on a long ride, alternate and wash out in the motel. May I suggest that you update your profile so that we at least know what part of the world you might be starting from? At the absolute minimum you need basic tools, first aid kit, tire patch kit with air pump, knife, sun screen, water, quart of oil, maps, the right clothing, toilet kit, insurance and legal papers and an idea of where you are going. Beyond that... its a matter of how complicated you want to make it.
yabadabapal Posted July 20, 2008 Author Posted July 20, 2008 Many thanks to all of you. Great info and comforting to have a realistic direction.
AdventurePoser Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 Hello, Bobby, and welcome to the board. You are asking good questions. Do some reading around the Board and this will help you tremendously. Also, as others have mentioned start small and pack light. Jennifer and I just finished a 3700 mile ride and we did it comfortably on a couple of changes of clothes, etc. One thing I would suggest is keep a journal and write down what works and what doesn't. Over a period of time your packing list and style will evolve to the point where you won't really even think about it. Please feel free to PM me specific questions. I am happy to mentor you along a bit as you gain experience. Cheers, Steve in So Cal
leikam Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 My advice is to start by taking a day trip out to somewhere and back home on the same day. Bring nothing extraordinary. This will show you what you need physically and mentally to make that all day loop work for you. That might include a medical kit; it might include a friend; it might include music or a full tool kit. Or you might be perfectly at ease leaving all that at home. All of this is subjective. It will also give you a realistic idea about how many miles per day work for you. Next take an overnight trip. Make a reservation at a motel some comfortable distance from home. This will show you what you need for an overnight trip. It should add one or two items to your packing list. Once you've done a couple of those, you'll have a better understanding of what it would take to add camping to the mix. From there you can build up to multiple day tours without worry and without overpacking for the unknown. This will also show you whether you actually enjoy touring or just the idea of it. The idea is to start small and build up some experience so that the next trip is just an extension of what you've already done rather than a quantum leap from how you ride today. Planning a trip can be as simple as deciding to head elsewhere during the commute home from work. Or you can spend months going over every detail and making all kinds of arrangements. I'm more inclined to the former but others here are experts at the latter. Also, don't worry about the small stuff. Chapstick works the same and costs the same regardless of whether you buy it near home and carry it with you for 500 miles or pick it up at a gas stop.
edge51 Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 Others have done a good job but I think I will add my comments. My first trip of longer than a days ride was taken in 1965 and I have been traveling the roads by MC every year since then. Line by line my answers are: Change the oil and if needed tires. I have done days ranging from 80 miles to 1500 miles. Go as far as is needed and/or feels good. I travel alone all the time. Some of my best trips have been alone. I also travel with my wife and others at times. Spare parts??? None. Cell phone and a credit card. I am diabetic so I carry some life savers and trail mix. Back roads almost all the time. Freeways are for the run home if I have stayed out too long. I have always camped and found state parks to be great places to stay. In the last year I ave started to motel it due to my advancing years and health. I wish I could keep on camping but if it means staying in motels to keep on riding, I will do so. I pick my maps up at the tourist info centers when I enter a new state. They are free. Clothes... ? Less if alone and more if with wife. Seriously I take stuff that can be washed in sinks and hung dry over night. Less stuff = more fun and more options when packing. Most importantly, stop often, walk into the open land keeping all your senses open. Stop to eat in small town cafes and strike up conversations with the locals. Listen and learn.
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 I bought my RT in spring '99. I took a couple of short trips that summer, and in May 2000 my ex-girlfriend and I rode 2up to California and back, 7000 miles over the course of three weeks. I spent most of the winter and spring researching and acquiring equipment, including camping gear. Not having done anything like this before, in April 2000 she and I did a "practice trip" from Ann Arbor to St. Paul (MN) with everything configured as it would be for the big trip; things went well, and we only made some minor changes before heading for the west coast a month later. What kind of Maintenance before leaving... Depends on the trip. Down to the Smokies for an 1800-mile weekend? Just make sure my tires are good. 5000 miles to Utah? full 6K/12K maintenance, even if it's a couple of thousand miles early. Medical Kits ?... This is one of those things...I know I should, but I haven't done it yet... Is it unwise to go alone... Depends where you're going, what you're doing, and what kind of risk you're comfortable with. Traveling off the map in rural Mexico? Travel in a group with lots of tools, parts, and a satellite phone. Cruising I-80 across Nebraska? Fly solo, and don't worry too much if you forget your cell phone. Personally I prefer a mix: I enjoy spending time riding with other folks, and spending time riding alone; YMMV. If you do go with others, how many is the right number and why... The more people in your group, the bigger a PITA each stop is likely to be. Trying to get everyone to gas up, shut up and gear up in a reasonable amount of time can be extremely frustrating if you're trying to cover a lot of miles in a day. OTOH, if you're not frustrated, then you're the one holding up your buddies... Travelling with one or two friends for companionship and logistical support works pretty good, and even four or five isn't bad with the right people; more than that, and each gas stop turns into a half-hour affair while everyone tries to find an available pump, hit the bathroom, drink/smoke, add/remove gear, etc. Before you leave, make sure you share the same kind of pace with your companions, both on and off the bike. A weekend getaway with slowpokes is one thing, but a three-week dream vacation spoiled by guys who can't get out of their own way will leave you in tears. How many miles a day is healthy... Depends what you're capable of in terms of speed, frequency of stops, and # of hours in the saddle per day. As the Ironbutt people note, it gets harder and harder to do big-mile days as the trip progresses. Ann Arbor to Denver is about 1300 miles; I do it in two days, and I prefer the first day to be longer (~750-850) and the second day to be shorter (~450-550). If you're trying to push to your outer limit, external factors like weather and traffic can bring you up short: in spring '07 I was shooting for 860 miles on the way back from Denver, but a couple of hours of insane cross winds left me exhausted, and I cut my day short by about 100 miles. For me, pleasure cruises on sporty backroads generally don't last more than 300 miles; we leave the hotel at a comfortable time after a leisurely breakfast, and we like to be back before dinner time so we can socialize with the rest of our friends. Trying to get from point A to point B? Get up a little early with an alarm clock after a decent night's sleep, hit the road by 8, and ride until about 8 PM. As has been suggested, you may want to take some short practice trips to see what kind of daily mileage you're capable of. For a big trip, don't plan high miles for every single day. What spare parts do you bring... More and more as the bike has gotten older. Clutch cable, throttle cable, alt belt, tire plug kit, air pump, spare bulbs, zip ties, wire, voltmeter, electrical tape, and some other stuff I've probably forgotten is all tucked under the seat. How about communication accessories... Cell phone. If you're going to be away from cell service, tell someone where you'll be and when you expect to be back. You might also consider bringing a satellite phone. Emergency food supplies... I keep a bunch of granola bars on the bike. Not just for emergency, but for muching at rest stops. Freeways or back roads... Iowa? Nebraska? Freeways. Colorado? Utah? Stay the hell off the freeways. Hotels or camping / is camping in state parks safe... Used to do a mix, now I'm exclusively hotels. If you're gonna camp, seek out the smallest, lightest equipment you can find. Test it all in your backyard, at suitable temperatures, before traveling with it. Whats the best type of map to use for charting course... I use MS Streets & Trips for exploring routes. On the bike I use a GPS, but keep paper maps tucked away in the tank bag for surveying the big picture from time to time (and in case the GPS craps out). Clothes, what type... Depends when/where you'll be traveling. Try riding in the crappiest conditions you can find to see what your personal limit is and what gear is required. If you'll be riding in the western mountains (Rockies, Sierras, Cascades), you can hit these conditions at pretty much any time. Other places, don't worry about it unless it's early spring or late fall. Whatever gear you get, test it before you leave on the big trip. Whats the best system for packing all this stuff on your bike... For my big California trip I found a humungous tank bag from Marsee. between that, the sidecase, the trunk, and under the rear seat, we barely managed to fit all our stuff on the bike. Others prefer bags that strap across the rear seat or above the sidecases. search the web for motorcycle luggage and see what you find. As has been noted, make sure it's waterproof.
Whip Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 One of the things that helps me a lot is having a designated riding suit. That way your clothes stay cleaner and you don't have to carry as many sets. Mrs Whip and I were gone for 35 days last summer and I only had two changes of clothes, one pair of soft shoes, 3 pair of socks, and a couple extra warm layers. All fit in the left side bag with spare parts and tools. The other 2 bags and attached rolls were for Mrs Whip. I did have three sets of gloves in the tank bag. Whip
bmweerman Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 - Medical Kits ?...I don't carry one. With all due respect to eddd, not carrying a medical kit is, for sure, insane. You never get to pick when you are going to crash and having had the experience of bloody body parts needing attention. A little care in selecting the right medical kit is worth 10 times it's weight and trouble. I would also recommend this website for comprensive and customizable motorcycle travel checklists. Cameron
bmurphypdx Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 Just got back from a 9,600 mile trip - 25 days - half solo, half with my SO. Big maintenance items before the trip - good tires, good brakes and an oil change. Much easier/more flexible during the day without the SO (only one person to please - me) but obviously having her along provided nice company in the evenings and made those nights much more enjoyable. Another consideration - she can tolerate up to 10 days on the bike so the full trip was too much for her. From this board, I realized the solution was to have her fly out to near the halfway point. Best of both worlds - I got some time to myself upfront and had her along for a good part of the journey. As to riding with others - up to you for much the same reasons. Ideally, you might ride with different people at different times, depending how long your trip is. I've done group rides - nice for company and backup but did not like having to get so far in a given day if I didn't want to. By yourself you stop whenever. With a group you feel more like you have to get to point B on time. I did a good part of the trip solo and never felt uneasy about it. Of course, I was in the states and really never far from civilization. When in some of the more remote areas of Canada, I would not want to travel alone. By the way, cell phones are great but there are many, many areas where you do not have any signal strength for hours. The only food I was certain to carry was a couple of water bottles and an (one) energy bar as a back-up. Remember, you'll have to stop for gas every couple/three hours so anything you need, foodwise, will be readily available throughout the day and no more expensive than if you bought it at home. I bought a couple of water bottles and just refilled them along the way (highway rest stops have potable water for refills). After several days, the bottles became unusable so I checked them and bought two more bottled waters which I again resued untiol they were no good. I did carry too many tools. What I did bring and will carry again: a flashlight with extra batteries, one flat and one phillips head screwdriver, a thin Haynes repair manual (worth its weight in gold even if you are just trying to remove a body panel or something simple), a complete set of Torx drivers, an air pump that works off of my 12vdc system and a battery charger(I have the BME charger that works with the CANBUS system, a tire plugging kit (SLIME bottles and the like are not compatible with the BMW Tire Pressure Monitoring System). And a cell phone and credit card. I camped (state parks) during the solo portion of the trips. I found that invariably I was camping next to young families, etc. I actually liked it. Generally, campers keep to themselves but, if you want, will open up and chat with you. A motorcycle seems to be a nice conversation starter for folks who don't ride so you have plenty to talk about. I did learn that camping eats about 90 minutes a day, or more, from your schedule with set-up and tear-down. Despite my best efforts, it always took longer than I expected. Gathering your stuff, walking to the shower, getting your gear together and packed, etc just takes longer than rolling out of bed in a motel into the shower and off you go. On the other hand, motels over an extended period of time gets to be too pricey. I chose a mix, camp two days, motel the third. With a small bit of calling ahead, you can find a motel with laundry which is nice every several days. Also there was the "I'm not taking a shower this morning, I'll do it tonight at the motel" trick to save time in the morning. Your daily miles is really a personal thing. Some here enjoy 1,000 mile days. That's way too much for me. Even when solo, I like to do no more than 500 miles a day, with my SO I tried to limit it to 400. Gave me more time to take breaks, explore back roads, etc. Back roads where you are trying to enjoy the ride, see the country. Freeways to get from Point A to Point B in a given time frame (IMO slab driving on a bike is just slightly better than driving a cage). As to maps, I love my GPS. Never worried about taking an interesting road or changing course mid-day. Whenever I wanted the GPS would always show me the quickest way to get back on route to to my next destination. Very comforting. Also when driving non-Freeways, I occasionally would question whether this was really the right road. The GPS removed all doubts as to where I was. Very comforting especially near the end of the day. There's more but that's enough. You ask good questions. Of course, It's all trial and error and each trip teaches you something. Most importantly, once you are off on the trip, all of your planning is over so don't fret and remember to enjoy the adventure.
bmurphypdx Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 Oh yeah. An indespensible tool - one of those compact Gerber "all in one" jobs. Used that more than anything. Includes a corkscrew which is useful now and then.
Yeeha! Stephen Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 One thing Not to do... Don't read these Forums right before you leave. You'll end up stressin' over Final Drives, Splines, Clutches, Throttle Cables, Tires, Batteries, etc... Just do your normal Walk Around and check the usuall stuff and stay away from the Tech section. Only read the Ride and Event Planning section, skipping over the "what do I pack" posts. If not, you'll end up with a Headache and way too much stuff on your bike! Good luck on your trip. Now, where did I pack that Backup Alternator Belt that backs up my backup belt?
ian408 Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 I just took at trip up to Oregon. Camping. I don't mind cooking in camp as long as it's coffee. So that's typically all the cooking gear I bring. Since I use a JetBoil, the equipment list is pretty short. After that, my house. It consists of a tent, sleeping bag, pad and pillow. I like to bring a chair too. That's it for the house. Depending on how long you're going for, pack clothes accordingly. Remember, the goal is to keep things light and small so if you'd pack a jacket, consider your electric vest and sleeves. Also think about poly pro for under garments. It cleans and dry easily meaning you conceivably carry two pair--one to wear and one to wash/keep for tomorrow. Think about clothes that pack well. Meaning you can roll them up and the wrinkles won't matter too much and clothes which pack tightly. Also think layers. As for planning. For me, that varies a lot. Sometimes, I have only my destination in mind. I may take any number of roads to get there. Other times, more detailed planning is required. Especially true when time is of the essence and when you want to see a lot. Traveling alone is OK. Just be sure to let someone know where you're headed and when you expect to be back. It helps if you can give a mobile number in case someone needs to get hold of you. You could also get a SPOT or similar for your family to track your progress on the web. I usually keep a bunch of cords/batteries to charge the cell or iPod. Plus a camera, spare gloves & sunglasses in the tankbag. Consider $10 in quarters too. You can use them for showers, laundry and other things that require change. My riding gear consists of textile suit, discovery boots and a good helmet. Because you're out in the weather, it's important to stay hydrated. You can do that with a CamelBack filled with ice and water in the morning. To fill it up, stop at a 7-11 or other convenience store for ice and water (if you don't have access). I carry a minimum set of tools including a compressor, tire repair kit and some hand tools. I ride a GSA so this might not work for you. In one case, I keep my clothes. In the other, sleeping bag, shoes and whatever bike related gear I have. My camping gear (tent, pad, chair, etc) goes in a dry bag and that in turn is strapped to the bike. If I take the top case, I try to leave it fairly empty. Hope that helps.
azducgirl Posted July 22, 2008 Posted July 22, 2008 The more long trips I go on, the less "stuff" I take, but I always take my Gerbings and rain gear, also Under Armour shirts and shorts. One thing I appreciate the most: my riding partner. A good one is like gold.
TheTick Posted July 23, 2008 Posted July 23, 2008 I just got back from my first MC camping trip. Cincinnati OH to Somerset PA. About 360 miles one way. Figured this would be a good run for practice, as I was meeting family, and my father-in-law would be able to bring back my stuff as well as having anything I might have missed. I pretty much followed the same list of items already mentioned, with little difference other than taking my own food as well, for a couple of reasons. 1) Not sure what was avaible locally from the camp site (distance/time, etc) 2) In case we desided to head out and stay somewhere else....it was family ya know. I took Mountain House freeze-dried food. can cook it all with the Jetboil, and packs real small. Other than the breakfest choices (egg's where not ment to be freeze dried I think). Otherwise, quite good. For the ride I wore underarmor shorts, and a bicycle type wicking shirt from Dick's Sporting Goods, textile pants, and mesh jacket. I brought the liner in case of rain. I must say, that the wicking type synthetic clothes are great! As for riding with others? Well, in addtion to what they have already stated, it also depends on the reliability of the bikes. My bike, flawless, my buddies bike, had problems on the way there and back, costing 3-4 hours time. Apperantly when he took it in for a tire change for the upcoming ride that the mechanic set his bike on fire while looking for a vacum leak....with brake cleaner...! It must have burned the wirining harness in a few places, as the starter got stuck ON, and would not shut off even when the key was removed. He thought the bike was working fine and HOPED it would continue so. Weird example, but just know that delays will happen, and the more the people, and mechanicals that come with them, the more likely such an event will occur. On longer rides you may want to discuss this in advance. What's your plan should a BIG break-down or even an accident occur? Is the trip over should your buddies bike not make it? Are you going to wait with him to get shipping arranged and him on a plane? These things should be discussed BEFORE you leave. I would also suggest a book: The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Travel: Tips, Technology, Advanced Techniques Good luck.
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