Looooong rides

[ersigh]

For those of you who do touring, I was wondering if you'd share with us some things you think are important in regards to that sort of riding. Such as things that are MUSTS to be brought along, things that should be taken into consideration beforehand. Tips on how to be aware of weather, be prepared for it, etc. If you camp, how do you pack your gear. What sort of gear?

I am looking into doing a long trip once I get some risers and know that they're going to work for me. I've put a lot of miles on over the years but the longest ride I've done is maybe 600 miles.

I'm going to look into getting a small tent that breaks down easily. I think I'm going to get the USB GPS thing I can use with my laptop. If I can, I'm going to borrow some soft bags from a friend (I'll have to put my stock pipe on, which is no biggie since I have a power commander). I'll get someone with AAA to get me assloads of maps and I will be planning ahead with various people so that I can crash with friends when I'm not camping. To be lazy, I'm planning to ship some stuff ahead as the point of this trip is to visit some friends in various places so I will have places where I will need more than my riding boots and riding gear. I tend to be a light packer anyhow (camera equip. an exception). I also am planning to research places to get maintaince done if I hit the point I need to do that (mileage amount may be enough I will need to get an oil change along the way and my tires may need replacing as I think they are 1/2 worn now) so I'll plan my trip and ask around about places before I even leave so I will be prepared in that regard.

I'm just curious what else I should take into consideration.

[Lucky_Devil]

Water, water, and more water (or even Gatorade).

Never underestimate the power of dehydration... even when it's cooler, but especially when it's hot.

There are a lot of nifty camping/touring items at the Aerostitch website (http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html) and a TON of good advice at the Iron Butt Associations website (http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm), look for the "archive of wisdom."

Good luck, and have FUN!!! :thumbup:

[ersigh]

Water, water, and more water (or even Gatorade).

Never underestimate the power of dehydration... even when it's cooler, but especially when it's hot.

There are a lot of nifty camping/touring items at the Aerostitch website (http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html) and a TON of good advice at the Iron Butt Associations website (http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm) (http://www.ironbutt.com/about/default.cfm%29), look for the "archive of wisdom."

Good luck, and have FUN!!! :thumbup:

I'll check out the links. I can't spend too much money on equipment right now. Someday I should be able to though. :]

The one thing I'm not worried about is hydrating. I'm a freaking hydration nazi.

[KCDakar]

I have been blessed with living close to Voni Glaves. (Google Her) She is one of the BMW top long distance riders in the world. When I got started with BMW's I got to go out to lunch with her and one of the best things she told me was to wear Under Armour long bike shorts under my pants. It wicks away my sweat and keeps my skin from chaffing too! I swear that it added 300 miles to my days!
I use them now all the time even under my race leathers. They roll up to nothing and wash out and dry over night. I just can't say how much they help!
I told a big Harley rider (200 pounds) about them when he asked me how I could ride 1000 miles a day and he laughed at me. But he did try it and came back to tell me thanks.
Loose clothes also make you tired on the road. The flapping is hard on your mind and body. One does not notice it on short trips but on long hauls it will wear you out. If your jacket arms flap put a Velcro strap around them to hold them down. Now more jackets come with them already put on.
I have many things I could pass on but don't know what you already know and what you need.
If you want to know more just ask and I would love to help anyone that is interested.
One other thing you should carry is a spare headlight bulb. It REALLY SUCKS to have one go out in BFE. I don't care to tell you how I know this:(

And one more thing always carry your cell phone on your body! You and your bike (I hope never happens) could part ways and you might not be able to get to your phone. It happened to a friend and he laid by the Highway and watched the cars go by for 2 hours before a child saw him as they drove by in a car in broad daylight...

[ersigh]

I have been blessed with living close to Voni Glaves. (Google Her) She is one of the BMW top long distance riders in the world. When I got started with BMW's I got to go out to lunch with her and one of the best things she told me was to wear Under Armour long bike shorts under my pants. It wicks away my sweat and keeps my skin from chaffing too! I swear that it added 300 miles to my days!
I use them now all the time even under my race leathers. They roll up to nothing and wash out and dry over night. I just can't say how much they help!
I told a big Harley rider (200 pounds) about them when he asked me how I could ride 1000 miles a day and he laughed at me. But he did try it and came back to tell me thanks.
Loose clothes also make you tired on the road. The flapping is hard on your mind and body. One does not notice it on short trips but on long hauls it will wear you out. If your jacket arms flap put a Velcro strap around them to hold them down. Now more jackets come with them already put on.
I have many things I could pass on but don't know what you already know and what you need.
If you want to know more just ask and I would love to help anyone that is interested.
One other thing you should carry is a spare headlight bulb. It REALLY SUCKS to have one go out in BFE. I don't care to tell you how I know this:(

I love my body armor stuff. I wear it at the track and any day I'm wearing my suit. It's great. I can't imagine riding without it (never have).

I avoid wearing anything baggy. I have this fear of crashing and having my skin torn because whatever I was wearing was too baggy and it bunched up on me. I got a cheapy rain suit that I put over my leathers when I was riding from norcal to socal and even through the leathers the damn rain suit beat the living crap out of me.

I have also found that ear plugs help add quite a bit more stamina.

Good idea on the headlight bulb. I've got two seperate ones so I've got a bit more leway but it's better safe than sorry me thinks. Thanks... I would not have thought of that. :)

[racercutie]

I've gone moto camping once as a passenger and what I appreciated bringing was the headflashlight (fit's on your head so your hands are free), my meds (Rx/over-the-counter, etc.), water tabs and collapsable water bladder, wet wipes, sunscreen.
Bring something for cold nights (thermal), and hot days (shorts/swimsuit).
And string to wash and hang your clothes depending on how long you're out (also to hang your food and scented stuff from bears).

You can buy saddle bags for your bike (I know there are some that fit sportbikes), tail bag and tankbag. The bike will be loaded so adj the suspension (note it down as you'll be also riding without your gear).

Frequent stops too keep the hands from cramping.
Bring cell phone with charger. You can charge the phone on stops (restaurants, etc.) or buy a neat solar pad to charge your stuff.

[KCDakar]

A phone card because you never know when or where your cell phone will work.
I would have thought mine would work in Sturgis SD but it dosen't...
I got mine from Wally World and just use it when I am on the road. I have never had a problem using it yet. 2.9 cents is way cheaper than a collect call any day in my book :thumbup:

And if you can find a old used tire and practice using your tire repair kit. It is not always the easiest thing to use if under less than pleasant conditions. I did mine when I was at the shop getting new tires. Poked a hole and went to town. Try a hole that is at a angle. always a good one!;)

Gotta git ta work, Have a good Monday:tongue