Heading out in a couple weeks on my first solo trip which is about 13 hours each way.

I’m not planning on wearing a diaper, so I’m wondering how to manage bathroom breaks. I’ll have gear in bags and no way to lock them up. Don’t really want to carry my stuff into the bathroom.

First thought is to hope another rider is around and we could trade off watching each other’s stuff. That would work if one is around but if nobody trustworthy is around, I’m wondering what the best method is.

Any suggestions?

 

This isn’t going to go well.

 

I find when i need to go to bathroom , I stop and go to the bathroom. LOL

 

 

Seriously, I’d say you’re worrying way too much about your stuff. You have a greater risk of being groped by a Gold Wing rider in the men’s room than having your gear stolen off your bike.

 

Lock up the bags, let er rip, and spray...

 

Don’t worry too much. I think the chances of getting ripped off are slim. Especially if your pulled into a Mikki D’s Or something similar

 

I’ve gone into the C-store to go to the bathroom, buy a drink, and don’t give it a second thought. Most of the time I leave my GPS on the handlebars, sunglasses hanging on the mirror, and helmet stuck over the mirror. Never had an issue. Of course, you need to be mindful about where you stop.

Wear a diaper? Really?

 

I try to pick a place where I can get in and out quick and maybe keep my bike mostly in sight. And other than pulling my iphone off the bars and putting it in my pocket I don't take any other type of security precautions.

 

In my 50+ years of touring, I have never had anyone mess with my luggage when I took a bathroom or meal break. That's not to say I am not careful. If I am eating a meal, most of the time I stop at places where I can see the bike. And I take further precautions. On each bag, I put a small lock through the two ends of the zippers. And then I put a relatively thin cable through all the handles of the luggage and secure it to the luggage rack. This is not going to stop a dedicated thief, but it will prove helpful in cases of kleptomania. Those are people who will steal at any opportunity regardless of whether they want/need the stuff or not. It makes it a bit more difficult and makes they take more time and it would be obvious to others that they are trying to steal something.

So I hope you enjoy your first solo ride. Most of the time I'm riding with others but the solo rides are special for the isolation, just you and the road.