Before the trip

Introduction

This article is written for your everyday guy with a bike that would like to take a road trip but don’t necessarily have the experience. These are basically heads-up tips that might just help someone out there to be a bit better prepared without having to learn the hard way like some of us.

You don’t have to go on an expensive shopping spree before the trip.

A few big factors to take into consideration when packing your bike for the trip will be good planning, weight, space and balance. Don’t take things with that you don’t need for the trip and end up over loading the bike which will make it uncomfortable, unbalanced and actually dangerous to handle. When packing your bike make very sure to strap everything securely and out of the way of moving parts like the wheel or chain. Also take care of the space at the sides which can be hazardous when overtaking or going past objects. Also don’t pack the bike too high because that affects the handling of your bike greatly, especially with cross winds and strapping become a pain to do securely and safely.

Planning

Double check to make sure your reservations is confirmed at where ever you are going.

Plan your route that you want to take, keep in mind to make sure you have stops where you can refill petrol, get something to eat or whatever you might need along the way.

Plan your groceries that you will need carefully before the trip. You don’t want to run around and get frustrated because you can’t find what you need at unknown shops. Also keep in mind that you have only so much space to pack your stuff and you don’t want to have the headache along the trip to try and fit everything on when there is just not enough space anymore to fit anything.

Make sure you take enough cash with you because you can’t predict problems like power failures, machines that are out of order to mention a few problems you may experience with a credit or debit card.

Check the weather forecast for the time window of your planned trip, not nice to ride all the way in thunder storms and rain. Rather reschedule your trip for better riding weather and actually enjoy it.

Make sure to take a proper, practical travel bag to strap on your bike if you don’t have pannier boxes. Try to have it as water proof as possible for the unexpected rain cloud on the way and to keep out dust.

Bike in good running order

It is always a good thing to make sure your bike is in good running order and recently serviced before your trip. Not nice to break down every now and then on a trip. Pay special attention to your tyres, brake pads and lights.

Tools

A few things you may want to take along for the unexpected breakdown on the trip in order to help yourself to at least get to the next town for mechanical assistance. Keep in mind the weight and space factor vs. necessity and usefulness when packing this.

Long nose pliers.

Combo screwdriver set.

Shifting spanner.

Cable ties (Biker’s best friend).

Duck tape (Biker’s best friend).

Small socket set.

Petrol can if necessary (depending on your route and distance between petrol stations).

Tyre fix, as a rule I strap mine with cable ties under my carrier rack at the back of my bike. That way it’s out of the way but still easily reachable if needed.

Spare globes and fuses.

Some groceries and cooking wear (if you’re going to camp along the way)

Water bottle.

Tin food.

Dry food.

A Dixie pan to prepare your food in.

Fire bucket for coffee or soup.

Fuel tablets to start your fire without too much fuss.

Dish wash soap.

Medical items

Medication for allergies (especially if you are allergic for bee stings which can happen on the road).

Stomach remedies (nothing so uncomfortable like riding with an upset stomach).

Mosquito spray.

Clothes & wet weather

A proper riding jacket is one of your most important clothing items for the trip, they are usually water resistant and have protectors for your elbows, shoulders and back which will give some form of protection during an accident. I’m not even going to talk about the safety aspect of why is it necessary to have a proper helmet. A visor on your helmet keeps the insects and bugs out of your eyes and should you be so lucky to get rain along the road it keep the rain out of your face. Ever rode in the rain at anything over 80 km/h and felt the sensation of needles stinging into your face as the rain drops hit you, even a very light drizzle. Not nice. The same applies to being behind a vehicle, especially a truck which picks up the dust and dirt from the road surface that ends up in your face. A poncho is handy for the unexpected rain storm along the way. The good thing about a poncho is that you can pull it on quickly and comfortable over you, and then you can wait the worst of the storm out.

Camp gear

Depending on the type of trip you plan, a two man tent and sleeping bag is a handy to take with

since they don’t weigh much and if you use some imagination, initiative and practical thinking it is

not difficult to strap it on the bike secure and safe.