ALT-5 Guide to Motorcycle Touring
Motorcycle Touring
I have been on many long motorcycle trips and with retirement coming I am looking forward to more and longer rides. In fact I plan on a retirement ride of 4-6 weeks covering much of this country. From these rides I have built a list of things that I always take with me. Many times I have started out with clear weather planned for my route only to run into heavy rains and more than once snow and sleet. The first time this happened I had left my cold weather suit at home and hit that snow storm because I just couldn't imagine needing it on that trip. Now I pack it no matter what.
If you love to ride, and don't want to let inclement weather, within reason, stop you from taking a trip, then buy only quality gear. It can be more expensive to begin with but if you are going to be using it frequently it will be well worth the money and in the long run might save you money.
The important list of things I always pack include:
Rain suitCold weather riding suitMy cold weather suit has a waterproof breathable liner so that it can be worn in the rain also. The inner quilted warmth liner zips out so that I can also wear it as a rain suit when the weather is warm. That way I don't have to carry a separate rain suit.Light weight glovesCold weather glovesClear safety glassesSunglasses with safety lensesEven with a full face helmet I wear clear or sunglasses with safety lenses in case I have the shield up.Light weight long sleeve cotton shirtWhen riding across the desert in the heat of the day I have found it more comfortable to wear a light weight long sleeve cotton shirt than a short sleeve t-shirt. It protects your arms from sunburn and from the heat of the sun beating down on your bare skin.Normal clothingBase the amount of clothing on the length of the trip and how comfortable you are in wearing your clothes a second time. I always pack enough socks and underwear so that I have five changes. If I am going to be on the road for more than a week I will find a Laundromat during one of my nightly stopsTennis shoesBootsTowelNeck warmerAn actual neck warmer is nice to have but I have made the equivalent out of t-shirts or towels. Just fold them in half and wrap them around your neck like a scarf. Then tuck them up into your helmet and under your collar. They are somewhat bulky but they are better than freezing.Tool KitIf you plan on using the kit that came with your motorcycle make sure the tools will stand up to actual use and look at adding other tools that might make your life along the side of the road easier.Tire repair kit and inflating kitsPeople will argue over whether motorcycle tires should be plugged or replaced however when you are out in the middle of nowhere with no help in sight, which for motorcycles can be in some small towns, the argument can become academic and your normal decision might have to be altered.Elastic or bungee cordsMaps of your intended routesMore and more this is being replaced by Global Positioning System units but paper maps will work just fine and you don't have to worry about batteries or if you can get three satellites.Air gaugeI don't trust the ones on the end of gas station or air station hoses.A camera with plenty of film if it isn't digitalSpare headlamp bulb
As you have seen my list is fairly long. Am I saying you have to have all these things? NO! There are not too many things on this list I would say I have to have to ride, because even when I am cold or wet, or hot I still love the trips and that is the most important thing.
Make sure you take the time to go over your bike for any mechanical problems before you ride off.
As I said above I am planning on covering this country soon and have some things on my list of places I want to see. I want to ride up to Alaska and reach the Artic Circle. I want to visit New England for the lobster and historical sites. I am still building my list, so if you have any ideas post a list.
Thanks and enjoy the riding!
