Motorcycle Trip

Great Motorcycle Trips

Packing Right for Great Motorcycle Trips

There truly is an art to properly packing and preparing for a great Motorcycle Trip, especially when the trip is a long distance one and you need to prepare right for the best success. Most people who do not put enough forethought into packing find that what they pack does not line up with what they end up needing for the trip, which is why planning ahead and knowing exactly what to pack is the best way to make sure you are prepared for anything and everything that comes up during your Motorcycle Trip. When you begin packing for your long distance Motorcycle Trip, begin by crafting a list that reminds you of what needs to be packed and where you intend to store it, since obviously motorcycles only offer a limited amount of space. Consider breaking your packing into different groups or categories to make the whole process easier.

- Things for the Motorcycle (Maintenance, Security)

- Things for the Rider (Gear, Snacks)

- Equipment for the Trip (Camping Gear, Hygiene Supplies)

Things for your Motorcycle (Maintenance, Security) -

If you are taking a long trip, the odds are against you in that you will probably end up having to fix something, as this is just the nature of motorcycles and long trips. Always make sure that you have tire patch and spare CO2 cartridges at the very least so that road side tire problems can be handled. You should also make sure that you have a complete portable set of wrenches, Allen wrenches and Torx wrenches. Having a small multi-tool that you can keep with you is another good idea, especially if it has an LED flashlight attached because breaking down in the middle of the night is not enjoyable if you can't find a light.

It would also be wise to carry extra fuses, sparkplugs and light bulbs in your tool pouch just in case, along with electrical tape and zip ties for quick fixes. These repairs may not get you all the way through your trip, but they certainly will get you off the side of the road quickly.

Additionally, if you are planning long trips, you need to consider security for your motorcycle and all of your gear. It is always a good idea to consider locking up your bike, and locking up the wheels so that most motorcycle thieves will be deterred and will stay away from your bike. Carry locks that you can keep with you, so that you can pop them on quickly whenever you need to leave your motorcycle for any period of time. Portable locks are always preferable to hefty or bulky chain locks, at least in my opinion.

Things for the Rider (Gear, Snacks) -

Taking care of yourself is just as important as keeping your bike going when it comes to long motorcycle trips. For example, if you plan on riding during the day you need to think about options for skin protection from the sun, because getting sunburned can really destroy an otherwise excellent day of riding. Always make sure to carry sunscreen and lip balm at the very least. You should also make sure to bring a small, portable style first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic ointment and pain relievers at the very least.

In addition to having all of the right gear, there are two things that I tend to walk out of the house without that need to be remembered: Something to eat, and a cell phone with a charged battery. Bring something portable like snack bars or 100-calorie snack packs so that if you stop someplace and cannot find food, you are not left to go hungry. Also make sure that you always have a cell phone with a full battery, just in case you ever need to make a quick call. Make sure that your "In Case of Emergency" or ICE number is programmed into your phone, just in case.

Equipment for the Trip (Camping Gear, Hygiene Supplies) -

You will undoubtedly get hit by road grime during your trip, so pack some basic hygiene essentials before you go. Carry things that you can wash up with, like a washcloth and towel, and travel soap, shampoo, conditioner and other essentials. Also make sure to bring your toothbrush, toothpaste and any other dental essentials before you leave. Even if you only have a limited amount of time to worry about hygiene on your long distance motorcycle trip, a little can really go a long way so make sure you have everything that you need before you head out.

Camping equipment is not easy to carry on a motorcycle by any means, because most is bulky and cumbersome and causes more trouble than it is worth. Still, if you plan on making a long distance motorcycle trip, it may be extremely advantageous to bring as much additional gear as you can. Try to find a two man dome tent, as these tend to fold up easily, and when they spread out, they offer a lot of nice room and comfort. Self inflating mattresses are also worthwhile, even though they do take up a little bit of room on your motorcycle. They are not as cumbersome as a sleeping bag when they are deflated, but they provide much more comfort than even the softest sleeping back. Roll these things up into a sturdy protective bag and secure them to your motorcycle and you are ready to go.

Armed with the right essentials and gear, you can lead some truly interesting motorcycle journeys both on a long distance basis, and on a local level as well.

Merlin has been a motorcycle rider for 25 years. He enjoys sharing his experience and riding wisdom with other. For more information about motorcycle trips, accessores, or motorcycle saddlebags visit www.Chilhowee.net

Motorcycle trip in 30-40 degree weather?
I am debating if I should ride my motorcycle from St. Louis to Chicago next week. I Would be stopping at a friends about halfway through the trip, so it would be a 2 day trip. Supposed to be about 40 degrees the first day in St. Louis, and about 32 degrees the second day in Chicago. 10% chance of rain both days, with rain/snow probably occurring a few days earlier over the weekend. If I am dressed warm enough, are these safe riding conditions? I mean are the roads safe enough to ride on in these cold temperatures, or will tire traction be a problem? My bike is a Honda rebel 250, if that helps.

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Are you only supposed to wear chaps for long motorcycle trips?

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does anyone know if there is a sign indicating when you are actually entering glen coe.?
I am planing a motorcycle trip from glasgow to john o groats with stop offs at glen coe, loch ness and the isle of skye. but i was wondering is there a sign at the start of glen coe so you know when you are at the start of it.

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Getting Dropped By Friend Once He Gets A Girlfriend?
I have a friend who recently got a girlfriend. Anyways, before he came across her we pretty much hanged out every weekend, went bar-hopping, went on motorcycle trips, had bonfires, etc. Anyways, once he met her he became real shady with me, and only contacts me if he needs favors done. Favors such as using my garage to work on his truck, helping him pick up a vehicle, picking up car parts for him, needs help completing repairs on his parent's home, or if his new girlfriend is away or out of town he then wants to go out and get a few beers. Anytime I call him he is real short with me, "Hey what's up? I gotta run I'm with her, or I'm going down to her house. Did you need something? Let me call you back later." So, I just stopped calling him. However, within a week's time he'll call me again just for a favor, or to do something that is to his benefit. It seems like he only comes around when he needs something, or if it may be convenient for him. Historically throughout the years when he had other girlfriends, he was the same way. He would make plans to go out and do something, and then cancel at the last minute to go out with his girlfriend instead. Also, he would be real shady, and two-faced. Then when these relationships with these girlfriends ended he would be pestering me to go out, and do things. On multiple occasions with these girlfriend he had through the years, he would bring up the idea of hooking me up with a female friend of his girlfriend's. However, it just seemed like a big game he was playing with me. Somehow his girlfriend liked me even though she only met me once, then a few days later she hated me (according to him) and would certainly not hook me up with one of her friends. I don't know it seems like he thinks everybody is stupid and that he can pull everybody by a string to do things to his benefit. I understand that relationships take up a lot of people's time. Therefore I distanced myself from him as in not calling him, and not taking his calls. Historically he has always done this all of what is mentioned above. He tries to make it out as though I am jealous that he has a girlfriend because I am still single. However, that is not the case. My question is how do you deal with people like this? Do you just drop them back in return, and leave them be? I have other friends, and other things to do with my time, but I don't want to be the jerk in this situation since I have been friends with him for many years.

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Do they make small carry on gas cans for long motorcycle trips?

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Motorcycle Trip News

Veterans encourage all to keep patriotism alive

War veterans riding to the nation's capital to observe Memorial Day hope their cross-country motorcycle trip will inspire patriotism among others.

Patriotic Freedom Ride roars to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST — Sunny skies and the 80-degree temperature made for an idyllic motorcycle trip Sunday, but it was the nation’s heroes that motivated more than 1,000 people who roared

Motorcyclist dies in parkway crash

BREVARD — A police chief from Florida on a motorcycle trip with friends died in a crash Monday on the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Brevard.

For the sixth year, patriotic Freedom Ride roars to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Chatham Borough Public Works deputy director dies in motorcycle accident

Charles Dziedzic was on a cross country motorcycle trip with two other men at the time of the accident

Group works to honor fallen and forgotten veterans

Sometime in the next few days, Fred Salanti will finish a cross-country motorcycle trip from California to Williamsburg, where he will attend a memorial service for 18 men he never knew.

Kyle Petty driven to help ailing kids; Ex-NASCAR star's benefit hits Redding

Sports legends arrived in Redding on Saturday afternoon on a cross-country motorcycle trip to raise money for sick children.

Cannes Film Festival: Walter Salles' journey to 'On the Road'

It's been a long ride for director Walter Salles and his lyrical 'On the Road,' which stars Kristen Stewart and Sam Riley in an adaptation of Jack Kerouac's ode to youthful freedom. CANNES, France — Walter Salles carefully raises the fingers of his right hand and gently strokes the back of his left.