What things to pack on a LONG trip?

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by joshbea6, Aug 2, 2010.

  1. joshbea6

    joshbea6 New Member

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    Ok guys,

    I'm about to take a 2600 mile round trip from Columbus, OH to Austin, TX.

    What I need from y'all... is a list of some things to be sure to pack.

    These are things that I'm packing (aside from clothes and toiletries) as it is, so what else?

    1. Large Camelback
    2. Helmet
    3. Gloves
    4. Mesh Jacket
    5. Riding pants (jeans 2 pair)
    6. Riding boots and extra socks
    7. Rain gear
    8. Reflective Vest
    9. GPS
    10. MP3 player and headset
    11. Cell phone and AAA motorcycle coverage... lol

    Anything else that I should pack for the bike, tools, chain lube, etc. please chime in... and I KNOW that with this crowd I'll get the inevitable "don't forget to pack deodorant"... but I'm trying to give myself enough time to get everything together with plenty of time if I need to have anything shipped, so please TRY to keep that to a minimum... lol.
     
  2. afpierce489

    afpierce489 New Member

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    How about a small first aid kit with a couple of essentials, ie. band-aids, tylenol, motrin, tums, hand sanitizer. I don't think you are going to be that far off the beaten path, however from personal experience, having any aches and pains for an extra hour and a half while you look for a store is not that fun. Good luck.
     
  3. ECHO 800

    ECHO 800 New Member

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    Add:

    -Tire Repair Kit and gauge
    -Proper tool kit
    - Eye drops
    -Printed directions/map (incase your GPS takes a shit)


    I like to pack granola bars/energy bars as well as sucking candy like Wherthers or Life Savers.
     
  4. nozzle

    nozzle New Member

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    I like having a tank bag for long trips so I can get to stuff easily. In that I try to keep, good for short or long trips.:
    small air pressure gauge-I can't stoppie or wheelie well enough to have one wheel go down while riding
    electrical tape-smaller than duct tape, but still fixes lots of stuff for long enough
    bungee cords-I case there is something I need to strap to the bike. She usually doesn't mind.
    change for parking/tolls.

    Enjoy your trip. I hope it is inot in the Fall..... (rim shot, cymbal crash)

    - Nozzle
     
  5. Comicus

    Comicus New Member

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    -talcum powder (helps keep your balls dry...things will get sweaty and uncomfortable)
    -ear plugs
    -twine (I know but I broke a strap in the middle of Kentucky and just happened to have twine and was able to tie my bags back down)
    -camera
    -most important, if you don't have a throttle lock, a cramp buster. best $10 I ever spent on a motorcycle. cramp buster - Google Search

    Have fun and post some pictures.

    oh and someone smarter than me said "saddle bags can't hold everything you want but they can hold everything you need." So use the space you have wisely.:cheersaf:
     
  6. wdgah

    wdgah New Member

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    Other than what's been mentioned already:

    A handful of tie wraps.
    A decent length of electrical wire (to make any needed fixes AND/OR to tie down something)
    Spare master link (iffy)
    Waypoints for all the Honda dealerships pre-loaded into your GPS.
    High-energy snack food or food bar.
    5-Hour energy :)
     
  7. joshbea6

    joshbea6 New Member

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    All good suggestions guys, THANKS!!!

    I'm headed out the 19th to the 23rd of this month. I know it's probably going to be a scorcher which is why I'm glad I have the "screen door" jacket... MUCH better than my black textile. However I like the armor better in my textile jacket, so I may do a swap before the trip.
     
  8. CBR600F4i

    CBR600F4i New Member

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    Don't forget cleaner and rag for your visor (assuming you wear a helmet). I went to the store and grabbed the cheapest thing I could find in a small pump spray bottle with a cap (leather cleaner at TSC, was on sale for $0.99). Dumped out the contents and filled it with window cleaner. I now have a nice little bottle of bug remover that I keep in my tank bag at all times.
     
  9. Pliskin

    Pliskin New Member

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    Zip-lock bags in different sizes (sandwich size to gallon or larger). Great to throw a cell phone, mp3 player, spare batteries, or whatever else in case you ride in the rain - or a downpour. A little extra protection from the elements.

    Throw one of your changes of clothes into a bag as well. If your riding clothes happen to get wet and you need to stop by the laundromat, its nice to change into dry socks, skivvies, shorts and shirt while you wait for your other stuff to dry.

    Makes me wonder about those vacuum pack bags. Bet you could fit a lot more shit in your bags if you vacuum sealed it. Of course, then you have to get it back home once its unsealed...
     
  10. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Drewl?......... you did say LONG..........
     
  11. vfourbear

    vfourbear New Member

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    I can state from experience that having some kind of pain reliever that you are comfortable with will add miles of enjoyment and keep you from focusing constantly on how much whatever it is thats bugging you hurts.
     
  12. VFROARR

    VFROARR New Member

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    - A small flashlight (Mag Lite) could be useful.
    - A whistle to leave in your jacket's pocket, in case (God forbid) you end-up in a ditch where no-one can see you and that your iPhone didn't make it (happened to a friend's friend).
    - Electrolytes packs. In case you start being dehydrated, which would affect your reflexes, judgement, etc.
    - Camera (to bring back memories)
    - Sunglasses
    - Sun protection - don't wanna have a red neck, do you ;)
    Have fun!
     
  13. Lgn001

    Lgn001 Member

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    The credit for this goes to Peter Egan; bring ratty old clothes such as underwear, T-shirts and the like. Rather than launder them, throw them away when they get dirty enough. That way, you end up with less luggage than you started with.
     
  14. Mark 024

    Mark 024 New Member

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    Contraception/Rubbers.
    Have a great trip.
    Oh, lube your chain (no pun intended)
     
  15. Knife

    Knife Member

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    And Viagra. It will keep your chain tight and stiffen your suspension.
     
  16. Comicus

    Comicus New Member

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    Well if your bringing the rubbers you might as well bring the ruffies also.
     
  17. Zion

    Zion New Member

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    this is all really helpful. I have a similarly long round trip coming up at the end of the month and want to make sure im fully prepared. I definitely will be adding mag lite and electrical tape to my list
     
  18. Hammerspur

    Hammerspur New Member

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    Don't forget the most important accessory, useful, no indispensable for all emergencies... your credit card!
     
  19. stumpy

    stumpy New Member

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    Take some WD40 or other water repelling spray
     
  20. afpierce489

    afpierce489 New Member

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    Here's another one: A daily checklist for your bike, things that you want to check out each day before you ride for the next xxxx miles. I'm sure that if you have a smart phone or i Phone, there's an app for that. Also, you mentioned a GPS, however I would bring along a paper map of your route just in case something happens to the GPS. Another thing is leave your route with a friend/brother/sister/wife, someone, and try and check in with them on a daily basis roughly around the same time. This way if you don't check in with them say at 7pm +/- 1/2 hour, then they know to send out a search party.

    Adam
     
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