I'd bring the wife so you have someone to blame if you forgot something

 

I think you have had great suggestions from everyone here - one thing I saw you didn't have on your revised list was headache relief. I always forget ibuprofen/aspirin and always hate life for doing so. I would love to remember allergy stuff too.

I like those CO2 powered tire patch kits. I actually used mine once and it was handy (gotta screw that thing in all the way or it will freeze though).

Living in Las Vegas, I am more equipped for hot weather riding. I saw a post about the possibility you may get warm, but also a few about snow. If you're going to possibly get warm, I would suggest a neck wrap that has the beads in them that you soak and wear - (last a few hours). I also have a hydration vest..that lasts longer and keeps ya cool. With the snow, you're on your own. I have only been in snow about 10 times my whole life...

 

I've got 3 of my buddies riding over from Prior Lake to meet me in Montana on July 3rd and we are spending a week going to the same places you are. I've done that same route some years back around Labor Day and there was snow in Glacier so bring something warm. I always wear underwear that wick away moisture and always boxers because of the lack of seams. I make sure I have enough for a clean pair every day. I wear jeans for two days in a row sometimes three. Like someone said you are just riding and this time of the year you'll be wearing chaps so they stay cleaner than normal. I like a clean t-shirt every day as they don't take that much room. Wear some socks that wick away moisture for maximum comfort and they are also thinner and your feet will thank you.

Like suggested, talk to your buddies and don't double up on tools and parts you don't need. I always pack a gun no matter where I go because I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. I always carry a couple of trash bags with me to put dirty clothes in and one is for covering your seat at night. A wet seat can make for a bad day. I've learned over the years to pack less and less. Have fun and enjoy because you are going to see some of the prettiest parts of this county.

Jeff

 

Many have mentioned leaving travel plans and routes with someone at home. Make sure that the list also has the hotel phone numbers and estimated dates & destinations.

Also, if you're crossing a border into Canada or into the US, ALWAYS make 2 copies of all your ID including your passport pages. Leave one set of copies at home, and take the other set with you. Put the 2nd set somewhere that if you lose your originals, you'll most likely still have the copies.

My son and I did that on a trip to Vegas a couple years ago, and when the original passports and travel itineraries were stolen, the copies I had in another bag saved our bacon when we called the embassy to get replacements.

If you really want to be efficient/prepared/traceable, get one of these.....
http://www.findmespot.ca/en/
I've had one for 2 years noaw and use it all the time for the tracking function.

 

Take and "escort" and some condoms.

 

there is one thing you really need to have with you. that's potassium gluconate pills. you know how when you've been riding a while, or too long, you'll get what i call "polio fingers"? where your fingers from gripping the bars for hours will tend to lock up and the joints will want to have a mind of their own? it's similar to leg cramps like you may get at 3 or 4 in the morning, etc. the potassium is equal to a few bananas and quells the polio fingers/cramps within about 30 seconds. it's a reason they give you a banana and a bottle of water at every checkpoint while doing the baja 1000. to replenish the water you've lost, as well as the potassium that comes out with it as you sweat. i keep potassium and some aleve with me in my jacket always. if you can't operate your clutch or brake, or your leg cramps up, on a bike, you're pretty well screwed.

 

I'm new to the scene as of last summer. I only have a few longer trips, but I have kept a journal in the form of a small day planner. I have kept the names and contact info of some great folks I have met on the road. i am so glad I have.

I have hooked up with some of these same peeps for snowmobiling, dinner when passing through on work, or lately when I got in a pinch in Canada. The locals saved my bacon.

I really like to go back and read over my trips, the things I saw, and the folks I met. When it's a bad weather day and I'm home bored I go through my "Harley Journal" and call up some of the folks I have met along the way and just BS them for a while. Usually the calls result in a ride or some other plans.

My mind is shot, I take lots of pictures so I can remember and show them to my sons when they are home from college. I think some of the best things you can take to or from a good ride are the memories and folks you met along the way. Hope you have a great trip. EW

 

Since you're riding solo, I wouldn't forget phone numbers.

 

Chris, the things I found myself using most on my trip last July were the baby wipes (gotta keep a clean ***), LOTS of SPF15 lip balm and sunblock,and a small bottle of eyeglass cleaner with a cleaning cloth. Also long sleeve light colored shirts cooler in the sun than dark - when your wearing you jacket it doesn't matter what color you're wearing.

The wind and sun will be brutal on your face, Larry's lips were blistered at the end of our trip. The small bottle of eyeglass cleaner will be useful when you do catch a juicy bug on the lens you can pull over and clean it off. The combination of sweat and sunblock will not wipe off easily. The cleaner will be handy. When it comes to laundry have Tom to the light colors and you can do the dark colors. ;-)

 

'Specially if you're going for the "scooter trash" image.