This may sound like, well everyone knows that but, in practice it doesn't always happen.

Put the rainsuit on before it starts to rain!
Lots of times there is nowhere to pull over, or it really starts coming down and you'll be soaked right through before you have a chance to put on the rain suit, if you wait.

 

Everyone has their favorite way of touring. My approach is simple. I have a general idea of where I want to go and take an atlas with senic roads that are marked. I don't make any reservations or put myself on a schedule. I also avoid big cities, interstates, and try to take senic roads if at all possible. I ride at a lesiurly pace and go until almost sundown but I make stops along the way whenever I want. I normally avoid chains resteraunts and try to find local pubs, etc. to eat and meet folks. You would be surprised at the good advice you can get from a bartender on roads to take, things to see and places to stay. Traveling this way is so relaxing and you get to see little towns you would otherwise never go through.



Oh...one more tip. Try to stay at a hotel where you can park the bike right outside your room door.

 

If you stay at a hotel.When done with your morning shower.Take the towel and soak it in the hottest water you can get.Slap on bike, remove towel.Bugs come right off.
dave

 

If travelling alone keep your cell phone on you in your jacket pocket. You never know if you get thrown and can't get to your phone in your saddlebag.

 

+1 If you have a lot of bugs, fill up your ice bucket with super-hot water and take it out to your bike so you can rinse the towel when it gets bugs all over it or it cools down. Let the hot water do the work. Wait a minute before you wipe.

 

I am amazed that after a zillion posts no one mensioned "long sleeved shirts". 100% cotton and they protect from windburn, sunburn, 80MPH contact with the elements.

On hot days, this is must.

...gene

Oh yeah I forgot, if it's just boiling out there, soak the shirt, you'll get at least 2 hours of bliss....

 

I used to wear cotton...no more...it takes too long to dryout. I've switched to backpacking zipoff pants, worn under the Darien overpants and shirts. If it can't be washed out in the sink or shower and dry in a couple of hours it doesn't get packed.

One short sleeve and One long sleeve of this: http://www.rei.com/product/742779

One Pair of these for off bike:http: http://www.rei.com/product/694431

LD DryLine Shorts for riding:http://www.rickmayercycle.com/ld_wear.html

RainGear/Protection Jacket: http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/...t-p-16377.html

RainGear/Protection Pants: http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/...s-p-16380.html

RainGear/Protection Boots: http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/...s-p-16559.html

All this wasn't purchased at once...but over time.

The best $20 bucks I spent was for one of these: http://www.rei.com/product/691367
Click on the video for its uses.

I also carry other gear, but these are the basics. I don't like to carry dirty clothes....they stink up the clean stuff. Its the really warm temps that make you go though clothes.

Last but not Least: Ride Your Own Ride!!!!!!!!!!!!

daryl

 

That is a damned good tip.

I don't ride with the cellphone on my belt - it's uncomfortable. Until now, I've just stowed it in a saddlebag. I ride solo a lot, however, and could easily see how a fall may possibly not allow me to crawl over to the saddlebag.

Thanks for this tip.

Doc

 

Be realistic about how many miles you want to ride each day. My wife and I set a limit of 300 +/- a few so that we have time to walk around the little towns we drive through. IMO, if all you do is pass through them, you're really missing the best. There are always good people in those towns who want to share a bit of history with visitors.

Second, if you collect t-shirts from dealers, pack 2 or 3 less than you figured on...wear the new ones home instead and save room.

Third, use the plastic travel bags that you roll / zip to remove air. They can collapse two pair of jeans and lots of shirts into very small packages.

Take swim trunks for the pool.

 

smile alot