| So you want to go on a motorcycle road trip to | | | | use these on the road as a quick meal. Use a large |
| Sturgis this year. You've made all of the travel | | | | gallon sized sealing bag to store your food to keep the |
| arrangements for the trip. You have your hotel room | | | | mess to a minimum. |
| reserved. You have the local hot spots during the | | | | A road map is essential. You can buy folding maps for |
| week all mapped out. Your job knows that you are | | | | the trip, no matter your destination. Even better, |
| taking your vacation. Everything is set. Or is it? Did you | | | | consider buying a navigation system for your |
| remember to pack everything? | | | | motorcycle. These are great, and can be easily |
| When planning any motorcycle road trip, it is good to | | | | adapted to work with your motorcycle. If you don't |
| plan what and how you are going to pack your | | | | want to use a navigation system, consider using a cell |
| motorcycle. Make a list of supplies you are going to | | | | phone with broadband internet access, to use free |
| need . Lay out everything and check off the items on | | | | services like Google maps or Mapquest. |
| your list as you pack them into your motorcycle | | | | Think about the other essentials of the road. Personal |
| luggage. Remember to take an extra change of | | | | toiletries like travel sized tooth brush, tooth paste, |
| clothing, just in case. Pack your motorcycle rain suit in | | | | shampoo, soap, and deodorant can all be obtained and |
| last, so that you can get to it easily. The last thing you | | | | stored in a small travel bag, easily stored in your |
| want is to have to search for your gear in the rain. | | | | motorcycle luggage. Consider even packing a small roll |
| Take the time to research different motorcycle repair | | | | of toilet paper, for when nature calls, and you are in |
| shops along your route. Keep a list of these shops in | | | | the middle of nowhere. You are going to some remote |
| your wallet, or even better in your motorcycle tool bag. | | | | locations at times right? |
| You did remember to pack that right? Take as many | | | | When packing your motorcycle luggage, try to keep |
| tools that you might need for any minor repairs. A | | | | the weight balanced on each side of the motorcycle. |
| phillips and standard screwdriver, a pair of needle nose | | | | You don't want to have a bike that wants to lean to |
| pliers, some cable ties, a couple of combination | | | | one side or the other. Taking a long trip with a lopsided |
| wrenches that fit majority of the sizes on your | | | | motorcycle will wear you out quickly as you try to fight |
| motorcycle, and a repair manual might even be handy | | | | to keep the motorcycle upright. The best way to do |
| too. | | | | this, is to have someone help you pack the luggage, |
| Make sure to pack some easy to eat snacks for the | | | | while you balance the motorcycle. After packing, take |
| road. Granola bars, trail mix, and candy bars are a | | | | your motorcycle out for a short test ride, and make |
| good idea. You can also purchase MREs, (Meals | | | | adjustments. |
| Ready to Eat), from a local army surplus store, and | | | | |