I just returned from a cross country ride, during which I somehow lost my driver's license. It was a major hassle renting motel rooms without a photo ID; I wound up taking an extra day so the ol' lady could send my passport. I won't leave home again without it in the bottom of the saddlebag!

 

i do tend to over pack but for the bike that really doesnt work so well. extra key fob battery is a good idea. we're stayin at Hog Heaven with some veteran Sturgis folk so that will help with knowing how to get around. plus theyre taking all of our stuff up there for us so all im hauling is a day pack. wal-mart has all the cool stuff!

 

Heck, if your friends are taking most of your stuff, then pack whatever you want.

I suggest wearing long sleeves going there. Being sunburned the first couple days in ain't fun.

 

As someone mentioned, don't forget the rain gear. It WILL rain at least one day, almost guaranteed, if it doesn't hail into the bargain. Have fun.

 

always found it easier to roll my kit (socks, underwear, t shirtsand packed on-end). keep rain gear handy and get it on before ur soaked! plan ur waypoints, check weather. first day the worst IMO. use sunscreen. 1/2 helmet most comfortable.

 

I carry 1 tiny USB key with scans of my licence, passport, insurance, service documents, hotel reservations, medical prescriptions and I duplicate my data on a web server.

 

I usually get the large ziplock freezer bags (I think they are the gallon size) and pack my clothes in them. You can fit a pair of jeans, t-shirt, socks, and underwear in a single bag and then squeeze the air out of the bag. Saved me a lot of hassle a couple of years ago when a rain storm knocked a corner of my tent over and flooded everything. My clothes were the only thing dry.

 

If camping with electric. Extension cord and power strip. Made charging helmet communicators, cell phones and laptop a lot easier.

 

Put the stuff you plan to bring in one pile.
Put the money you plan to bring in another pile.
Then cut the first pile in half and double the second pile.

 

I do the same, plus a first aid kit, tactical light and a couple of those pocket "blankets" and and extra battery for everything that has one.