Some touring tips
#1
03-29-2009 | 01:00 AM
Some touring tips
I got this from another site and thought a lot of it was good. I can not take credit for any of this other than the cut and paste.
1) Eat at weird times. Everyone and their dog eats around 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. To get in and out of restaurants in a hurry, don’t be hungry then.
2) A short metal cable with loops on both ends (like those made to keep people from stealing bicycle seats) is perfect for securing a jacket and helmet to your bike’s helmet lock.
3) Carry a spare key. Zip-tie or duct tape it somewhere hidden on your bike, or better yet, give it to a traveling companion.
4) Portable weather radios are now in the $20 range, and the first time one saves you from running right into a massive storm, you’ll wonder why you ever traveled without one. Check accessory companies like Aerostich, or Radio Shack.
5) On high-mileage days, you’ll feel a lot better if you carry eyedrops and use them every time you stop for gas. Do not use Visine - it gets the red out by dilating the blood vessels and this leads to dryness. Use a good moisturizing drop like SyStane which is available in most drug stores.
6) If you’re nearing the end of your riding day, and want to set yourself up for a quick getaway in the morning, consider riding to the far side of the next city you reach before you stop for the night, eliminating urban traffic the next day.
7) Take a tip from off-road riders and carry a backpack hydration system so you can drink while you ride. A must for arid weather.
Going on a long, complex trip? Keep yourself organized with the envelope system. Before you leave, prepare one envelope for each day on the road. Mark the dates and locations on the outside, then stuff things like hotel reservation info and lists of things to see inside. Instead of juggling your entire stack of literature to find the piece you need, you can just open up that day’s envelope.
9) A simple map case attached to your bike’s tank (we’ve used a Rev-Pak version that has been available through www.whitehorsepress.com for years) can keep you on course without the bulk of a tankbag.
10) Keep your stuff dry in saddlebags by using trash compactor bags as waterproof barriers. They’re thicker and more durable than standard garbage bags.
11) Use earplugs to help reduce wind noise. You can get them from most mail-order shops or dealers, or in bulk from safety-equipment supply houses.
12) Don’t forget that pack-and-ship places are just about everywhere these days. They’re perfect when you spot that antique umbrella stand you’re dying to buy hundreds of miles from home.
13) Don’t forget a small towel or rag for wiping dew off seats, windshields and mirrors, and even for doing a quick whole-bike cleanup. Those synthetic chamois cloths work particularly well.
14) Pack extra bungees and zip-ties. ’Nuff said.
15) Go ahead, buy that GPS you’ve always wanted. They’re perfect not only for finding yourself, but also for allowing you the freedom to get lost in the first place.
16) You’ve heard it a million times, but we’ll say it again: look over your bike carefully every morning on the road. Checking the simple stuff—air pressure, oil level, loose or missing fasteners—can save you from big trouble.
17) Sign up for AMA MoTow. For $25 a year, you get peace of mind, knowing that if you do break down, a motorcycle-savvy towing crew is only a phone call away. To sign up, call the AMA at: (614) 856-1900.
1 Stash a little cash somewhere hidden on the bike or on you, so you can make something happen when all else fails.
19) Before you take off from the hotel or campground in the morning, double check every strap on tankbags or soft saddlebags, and every latch on hard luggage.
20) Especially if you’re riding alone, wear a dog-tag with your name and contact info. You can get them lots of places, including your local army surplus store.
21) Take a look back at where you were parked every time you leave someplace. You’d be amazed at what you find.
22) A cellphone can be a lifesaver in an emergency. You can dial 911 for help anywhere you find cell service, but you’ll need to tell a dispatcher where you are. Keep track of route numbers, interstate exits, towns you’ve passed, mileposts—anything that can save emergency officials time in getting to you.
23) Good motorcycle gear really is worth it. Waterproof, breathable linings in boots and jackets will transform the way you think about bad weather. A number of companies offer materials that work well, but always test your gear on a rainy day at home before facing a storm on the road.
24) Do routine maintenance at home with your bike’s toolkit, so you’re sure you have what you need along the side of the road. Carrying a spare set of plugs (pre-gapped and ready to install).
25) On a long tour, plan for at least one day every week of doing nothing. Time is the ultimate luxury, and can mean the difference between a vacation and an endurance run.
26) Be realistic with your daily mileage. In really scenic areas, 150 miles may make a very full day. Don’t assume you can achieve freeway mileage on good back roads.
27) Guidebooks can be invaluable, but these days, a search of the Internet can add spice to your trip by revealing special-interest locations most books fail to include. One of the sites we’ve used is www.roadsideamerica.com. World’s largest concrete bison, anyone?
2 It is possible to use a kit to make emergency repairs on tubeless or tube-type tires alongside the road. But before you count on this as your safety net, practice using the kit on an old tire in your garage.
29) A packable motorcycle cover not only keeps your bike clean and dry overnight, it also discourages thieves. If you choose not to cover it at night, bring along an old bath towel and drape it over the handlebar controls to prevent dew from accumulating on them. In the morning, use the towel to wipe down the rest of the bike.
30) If you can afford it and are short of time, you could always ship your bike somewhere cool and ride it back. Call the Federal Companies at (800) 747-4100, ext. 217 or 218, for details.
31) If you call a hotel--even if you're two blocks away--you can often get a better rate than if you just walk in. And if you have access to a computer, there are some spectacular Internet-only deals available these days. Either way, do yourself a favor and have a reservation by 4 p.m. You never know when a convention will take over your destination city. Remember that AMA members get a discount at several hotels chains including: Red Roof Inns (call 800-RED-ROOF or go to www.redroof.com and use discount code CP503343); Choice Hotels (call 800-258-2847 or go to www.choicehotels.com, click on “Enter Special Rate ID” and use discount code 00947556); and Motel 6 (call 800-4-MOTEL6 or go to www.motel6.com and use discount code CP540176).
32) A nap can do wonders on a long day.
33) If you’re traveling east or west, schedule your breakfast or dinner times near sunrise or sunset so you don’t have to stare into the sun when it’s low on the horizon.
34) When securing your bike, use a disc lock (preferably on both the front and rear). Given opportunity and time, a crafty thief can get it off, but it will take much longer than it does to cut a chain or steel cable with a pair of bolt cutters. It also prevents your friends from moving your bike as a practical joke.
35) If you choose to wilderness camp and want to park your ride next to you for comfort, don't lay out your bedroll so close to the bike that when it falls over in the soft dirt at 2am it doesn't fall on top of you. If you must have your ride close to you, use a sturdy kickstand puck to rest it on, or better yet, sleep on the right side (opposite of the kickstand). Best to keep it at least 10 feet from the campfire too. Sparks and embers do bad things to paint, leather and vinyl.
36) Pack a travel-size medical kit. More often than not, you'll find the need for it.
37) If you're a radar detector user, consider one for your bike. Escort and Beltronics are both highly rated manufacturers. Hardwire kits are also available online (many on eBay). It can be installed to turn on/off with the key, or it can be direct-wired to the battery. Better yet, install a fused power block (recommend the Centech AP-1). If direct-wired, a single-pole switch can be installed inline (in series) between the power source and the detector. Be sure it is turned off when not in use. They don't pull many amps but it will eventually drain your battery if left on. Mine has paid for itself many times over. They are legal in all States, except VA and the District of Columbia (DC). http://www.ama-cycle.org/legisltn/laws.asp
1) Eat at weird times. Everyone and their dog eats around 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. To get in and out of restaurants in a hurry, don’t be hungry then.
2) A short metal cable with loops on both ends (like those made to keep people from stealing bicycle seats) is perfect for securing a jacket and helmet to your bike’s helmet lock.
3) Carry a spare key. Zip-tie or duct tape it somewhere hidden on your bike, or better yet, give it to a traveling companion.
4) Portable weather radios are now in the $20 range, and the first time one saves you from running right into a massive storm, you’ll wonder why you ever traveled without one. Check accessory companies like Aerostich, or Radio Shack.
5) On high-mileage days, you’ll feel a lot better if you carry eyedrops and use them every time you stop for gas. Do not use Visine - it gets the red out by dilating the blood vessels and this leads to dryness. Use a good moisturizing drop like SyStane which is available in most drug stores.
6) If you’re nearing the end of your riding day, and want to set yourself up for a quick getaway in the morning, consider riding to the far side of the next city you reach before you stop for the night, eliminating urban traffic the next day.
7) Take a tip from off-road riders and carry a backpack hydration system so you can drink while you ride. A must for arid weather.
Going on a long, complex trip? Keep yourself organized with the envelope system. Before you leave, prepare one envelope for each day on the road. Mark the dates and locations on the outside, then stuff things like hotel reservation info and lists of things to see inside. Instead of juggling your entire stack of literature to find the piece you need, you can just open up that day’s envelope.
9) A simple map case attached to your bike’s tank (we’ve used a Rev-Pak version that has been available through www.whitehorsepress.com for years) can keep you on course without the bulk of a tankbag.
10) Keep your stuff dry in saddlebags by using trash compactor bags as waterproof barriers. They’re thicker and more durable than standard garbage bags.
11) Use earplugs to help reduce wind noise. You can get them from most mail-order shops or dealers, or in bulk from safety-equipment supply houses.
12) Don’t forget that pack-and-ship places are just about everywhere these days. They’re perfect when you spot that antique umbrella stand you’re dying to buy hundreds of miles from home.
13) Don’t forget a small towel or rag for wiping dew off seats, windshields and mirrors, and even for doing a quick whole-bike cleanup. Those synthetic chamois cloths work particularly well.
14) Pack extra bungees and zip-ties. ’Nuff said.
15) Go ahead, buy that GPS you’ve always wanted. They’re perfect not only for finding yourself, but also for allowing you the freedom to get lost in the first place.
16) You’ve heard it a million times, but we’ll say it again: look over your bike carefully every morning on the road. Checking the simple stuff—air pressure, oil level, loose or missing fasteners—can save you from big trouble.
17) Sign up for AMA MoTow. For $25 a year, you get peace of mind, knowing that if you do break down, a motorcycle-savvy towing crew is only a phone call away. To sign up, call the AMA at: (614) 856-1900.
1 Stash a little cash somewhere hidden on the bike or on you, so you can make something happen when all else fails.
19) Before you take off from the hotel or campground in the morning, double check every strap on tankbags or soft saddlebags, and every latch on hard luggage.
20) Especially if you’re riding alone, wear a dog-tag with your name and contact info. You can get them lots of places, including your local army surplus store.
21) Take a look back at where you were parked every time you leave someplace. You’d be amazed at what you find.
22) A cellphone can be a lifesaver in an emergency. You can dial 911 for help anywhere you find cell service, but you’ll need to tell a dispatcher where you are. Keep track of route numbers, interstate exits, towns you’ve passed, mileposts—anything that can save emergency officials time in getting to you.
23) Good motorcycle gear really is worth it. Waterproof, breathable linings in boots and jackets will transform the way you think about bad weather. A number of companies offer materials that work well, but always test your gear on a rainy day at home before facing a storm on the road.
24) Do routine maintenance at home with your bike’s toolkit, so you’re sure you have what you need along the side of the road. Carrying a spare set of plugs (pre-gapped and ready to install).
25) On a long tour, plan for at least one day every week of doing nothing. Time is the ultimate luxury, and can mean the difference between a vacation and an endurance run.
26) Be realistic with your daily mileage. In really scenic areas, 150 miles may make a very full day. Don’t assume you can achieve freeway mileage on good back roads.
27) Guidebooks can be invaluable, but these days, a search of the Internet can add spice to your trip by revealing special-interest locations most books fail to include. One of the sites we’ve used is www.roadsideamerica.com. World’s largest concrete bison, anyone?
2 It is possible to use a kit to make emergency repairs on tubeless or tube-type tires alongside the road. But before you count on this as your safety net, practice using the kit on an old tire in your garage.
29) A packable motorcycle cover not only keeps your bike clean and dry overnight, it also discourages thieves. If you choose not to cover it at night, bring along an old bath towel and drape it over the handlebar controls to prevent dew from accumulating on them. In the morning, use the towel to wipe down the rest of the bike.
30) If you can afford it and are short of time, you could always ship your bike somewhere cool and ride it back. Call the Federal Companies at (800) 747-4100, ext. 217 or 218, for details.
31) If you call a hotel--even if you're two blocks away--you can often get a better rate than if you just walk in. And if you have access to a computer, there are some spectacular Internet-only deals available these days. Either way, do yourself a favor and have a reservation by 4 p.m. You never know when a convention will take over your destination city. Remember that AMA members get a discount at several hotels chains including: Red Roof Inns (call 800-RED-ROOF or go to www.redroof.com and use discount code CP503343); Choice Hotels (call 800-258-2847 or go to www.choicehotels.com, click on “Enter Special Rate ID” and use discount code 00947556); and Motel 6 (call 800-4-MOTEL6 or go to www.motel6.com and use discount code CP540176).
32) A nap can do wonders on a long day.
33) If you’re traveling east or west, schedule your breakfast or dinner times near sunrise or sunset so you don’t have to stare into the sun when it’s low on the horizon.
34) When securing your bike, use a disc lock (preferably on both the front and rear). Given opportunity and time, a crafty thief can get it off, but it will take much longer than it does to cut a chain or steel cable with a pair of bolt cutters. It also prevents your friends from moving your bike as a practical joke.
35) If you choose to wilderness camp and want to park your ride next to you for comfort, don't lay out your bedroll so close to the bike that when it falls over in the soft dirt at 2am it doesn't fall on top of you. If you must have your ride close to you, use a sturdy kickstand puck to rest it on, or better yet, sleep on the right side (opposite of the kickstand). Best to keep it at least 10 feet from the campfire too. Sparks and embers do bad things to paint, leather and vinyl.
36) Pack a travel-size medical kit. More often than not, you'll find the need for it.
37) If you're a radar detector user, consider one for your bike. Escort and Beltronics are both highly rated manufacturers. Hardwire kits are also available online (many on eBay). It can be installed to turn on/off with the key, or it can be direct-wired to the battery. Better yet, install a fused power block (recommend the Centech AP-1). If direct-wired, a single-pole switch can be installed inline (in series) between the power source and the detector. Be sure it is turned off when not in use. They don't pull many amps but it will eventually drain your battery if left on. Mine has paid for itself many times over. They are legal in all States, except VA and the District of Columbia (DC). http://www.ama-cycle.org/legisltn/laws.asp
#7
03-29-2009 | 08:06 AM
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 17,717
Likes: 1
From: NY
