| Packing Right for Great Motorcycle Trips | | | | keeping your bike going when it comes to long |
| There truly is an art to properly packing and | | | | motorcycle trips. For example, if you plan on riding |
| preparing for a great motorcycle trip, especially when | | | | during the day you need to think about options for |
| the trip is a long distance one and you need to | | | | skin protection from the sun, because getting |
| prepare right for the best success. Most people who | | | | sunburned can really destroy an otherwise excellent |
| do not put enough forethought into packing find that | | | | day of riding. Always make sure to carry sunscreen |
| what they pack does not line up with what they end | | | | and lip balm at the very least. You should also make |
| up needing for the trip, which is why planning ahead | | | | sure to bring a small, portable style first aid kit that |
| and knowing exactly what to pack is the best way | | | | includes bandages, antiseptic ointment and pain |
| to make sure you are prepared for anything and | | | | relievers at the very least. |
| everything that comes up during your motorcycle | | | | In addition to having all of the right gear, there are |
| trip. When you begin packing for your long distance | | | | two things that I tend to walk out of the house |
| motorcycle trip, begin by crafting a list that reminds | | | | without that need to be remembered: Something to |
| you of what needs to be packed and where you | | | | eat, and a cell phone with a charged battery. Bring |
| intend to store it, since obviously motorcycles only | | | | something portable like snack bars or 100-calorie |
| offer a limited amount of space. Consider breaking | | | | snack packs so that if you stop someplace and |
| your packing into different groups or categories to | | | | cannot find food, you are not left to go hungry. Also |
| make the whole process easier. | | | | make sure that you always have a cell phone with a |
| - Things for the Motorcycle (Maintenance, Security) | | | | full battery, just in case you ever need to make a |
| - Things for the Rider (Gear, Snacks) | | | | quick call. Make sure that your "In Case of |
| - Equipment for the Trip (Camping Gear, Hygiene | | | | Emergency" or ICE number is programmed into your |
| Supplies) | | | | phone, just in case. |
| Things for your Motorcycle (Maintenance, Security) - | | | | Equipment for the Trip (Camping Gear, Hygiene |
| If you are taking a long trip, the odds are against | | | | Supplies) - |
| you in that you will probably end up having to fix | | | | You will undoubtedly get hit by road grime during |
| something, as this is just the nature of motorcycles | | | | your trip, so pack some basic hygiene essentials |
| and long trips. Always make sure that you have tire | | | | before you go. Carry things that you can wash up |
| patch and spare CO2 cartridges at the very least so | | | | with, like a washcloth and towel, and travel soap, |
| that road side tire problems can be handled. You | | | | shampoo, conditioner and other essentials. Also make |
| should also make sure that you have a complete | | | | sure to bring your toothbrush, toothpaste and any |
| portable set of wrenches, Allen wrenches and Torx | | | | other dental essentials before you leave. Even if you |
| wrenches. Having a small multi-tool that you can keep | | | | only have a limited amount of time to worry about |
| with you is another good idea, especially if it has an | | | | hygiene on your long distance motorcycle trip, a little |
| LED flashlight attached because breaking down in the | | | | can really go a long way so make sure you have |
| middle of the night is not enjoyable if you can't find a | | | | everything that you need before you head out. |
| light. | | | | Camping equipment is not easy to carry on a |
| It would also be wise to carry extra fuses, | | | | motorcycle by any means, because most is bulky |
| sparkplugs and light bulbs in your tool pouch just in | | | | and cumbersome and causes more trouble than it is |
| case, along with electrical tape and zip ties for quick | | | | worth. Still, if you plan on making a long distance |
| fixes. These repairs may not get you all the way | | | | motorcycle trip, it may be extremely advantageous |
| through your trip, but they certainly will get you off | | | | to bring as much additional gear as you can. Try to |
| the side of the road quickly. | | | | find a two man dome tent, as these tend to fold up |
| Additionally, if you are planning long trips, you need to | | | | easily, and when they spread out, they offer a lot of |
| consider security for your motorcycle and all of your | | | | nice room and comfort. Self inflating mattresses are |
| gear. It is always a good idea to consider locking up | | | | also worthwhile, even though they do take up a little |
| your bike, and locking up the wheels so that most | | | | bit of room on your motorcycle. They are not as |
| motorcycle thieves will be deterred and will stay | | | | cumbersome as a sleeping bag when they are |
| away from your bike. Carry locks that you can keep | | | | deflated, but they provide much more comfort than |
| with you, so that you can pop them on quickly | | | | even the softest sleeping back. Roll these things up |
| whenever you need to leave your motorcycle for | | | | into a sturdy protective bag and secure them to |
| any period of time. Portable locks are always | | | | your motorcycle and you are ready to go. |
| preferable to hefty or bulky chain locks, at least in | | | | Armed with the right essentials and gear, you can |
| my opinion. | | | | lead some truly interesting motorcycle journeys both |
| Things for the Rider (Gear, Snacks) - | | | | on a long distance basis, and on a local level as well. |
| Taking care of yourself is just as important as | | | | |