Loading the bike for a long trip????
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,264
Likes: 690
From: WESTERN CHICAGO AREA
No packing, I just wear what I start off with for the 2 or 3 weeks I'm gone.
Don't go near people - drive up windows at McD's for food, pay ay the pump gas.
Hey!! I'm a biker on vacation - I don't do laundry.
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.
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.Just kidding
If I'm going to a colder area, I will wear a leather jacket - absolutely NO chaps anywhere.
As was said earlier - mesh jacket with armour(if you want) and zip out liner. Helmet (some states require it), weeks worth of underwear(shorts and socks), 1 dress shirt and a sweatshirt, as many tools as I think I will need, tire repair kit and syphon hose, rain gear, 2 pairs of LD Comfort riding shorts(don't go anywhere without wearing a pair - they clean and dry out overnight). If it's a winter trip, I wear Gerbing electrics.
Since I ride solo everything I have is in the Saddlemen "Dresser" seat bag(it will hold at least 3 to 4 weeks of clothing) and it's a great back rest. I would NEVER stack the tour pac like I see in some of the pics(I know some of you have no choice). The most I've ever put on the lid was a leather jacket bungied on the luggage rack. If I needed more room, I'd go with the luggage that mounts on top the saddlebag lids, and maybe a small tank bag.
I don't camp anymore - use to a lot when I was younger. If I could be GUANATEED NO RAIN, I would still camp, but a nice warm/cool room and a pillow top mattress is my type of roughing it now.....especially if the TV is only 24"
Don't go near people - drive up windows at McD's for food, pay ay the pump gas.
Hey!! I'm a biker on vacation - I don't do laundry.
.
.
.
.
.Just kidding
If I'm going to a colder area, I will wear a leather jacket - absolutely NO chaps anywhere.
As was said earlier - mesh jacket with armour(if you want) and zip out liner. Helmet (some states require it), weeks worth of underwear(shorts and socks), 1 dress shirt and a sweatshirt, as many tools as I think I will need, tire repair kit and syphon hose, rain gear, 2 pairs of LD Comfort riding shorts(don't go anywhere without wearing a pair - they clean and dry out overnight). If it's a winter trip, I wear Gerbing electrics.
Since I ride solo everything I have is in the Saddlemen "Dresser" seat bag(it will hold at least 3 to 4 weeks of clothing) and it's a great back rest. I would NEVER stack the tour pac like I see in some of the pics(I know some of you have no choice). The most I've ever put on the lid was a leather jacket bungied on the luggage rack. If I needed more room, I'd go with the luggage that mounts on top the saddlebag lids, and maybe a small tank bag.
I don't camp anymore - use to a lot when I was younger. If I could be GUANATEED NO RAIN, I would still camp, but a nice warm/cool room and a pillow top mattress is my type of roughing it now.....especially if the TV is only 24"
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, CA
i have been on the 1 during August and there was a lot of fog and overcastness. (is that a word?)... anyhow, the locals all said that is the weather. If you go over the hills to the 101 it is BLAZING hot, 100+
If you are from a warm climate, you will likely be wearing your jackets even in the day time. then, when you head inland for your trip south, you can send them home with the laundry.
If you are from a warm climate, you will likely be wearing your jackets even in the day time. then, when you head inland for your trip south, you can send them home with the laundry.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,938
Likes: 23
From: MD just outside DC
Next June, my wife and I are going on a 3 week trip across to CA, up hwy 1, back to Tahoe, then wandering back home. We've done many week long trips, even on the Heritage. This one will be on the Ultra Limited. The wife packs well so we will be fine for clothes room, and every night will be at a motel, and we will send dirty clothes home to the kids USPS. Here's the trouble.....Even in June I'm told we will need the leather coats for hwy 1 and each will need a hoodie for hanging out in towns. My wife will have to take chaps while I will save the room. At 6'3" my coat takes LOTS of packing room and I won't wear it anywhere but the coast I don't imagine. Would you put coats in the bags, killing both bags with coats and chaps? Pack as normal and bungee the coats and chaps to the top of the rack bag, or is there an alternative I haven't thought of?
I've found many good tips on different topics here, but my searches don't help me much with thoughts on this. Your thoughts are appreciated!!
I've found many good tips on different topics here, but my searches don't help me much with thoughts on this. Your thoughts are appreciated!!
Also duffles are low and don't catch wind. But for your jacket either in the duffle or under a cargo net on top. You can even throw it in a garbage bag first so if rains it stays dry.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
The wife and I are on a trip right now. We use "throw away" clothes when we're on the road. When we pack for a trip we pack clothes that are on their last leg. Socks, underwear, T shirts, sometimes even jeans. We wear them, then throw them away. She won't ever wear something twice, but I will, especially if the trip is primarily road travel day after day.
Bags get lighter and smaller as the trip goes on. If we extend the trip, a quick stop at Wallys for a three pack of essentials and we're good to go.
Bags get lighter and smaller as the trip goes on. If we extend the trip, a quick stop at Wallys for a three pack of essentials and we're good to go.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Sep 19, 2013 at 07:38 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
Ya only need 3-4 days of clothes. Wash as ya go. Underwear just makes your butt sweat. So like a pair of jeans, 2-3 t-***** (if ya plan on buying some don't take any), 3-4 pairs of socks, and a pullover plus sandals and swimsuit in each bag. In the summer wear a good mesh jacket and use the pullover (it is a good thermal one?) if it gets cold. if ya don't want to mess with chaps wear Kevlar jeans. Ya won't need rain gear in Calif. summer. You and the wife each get a bag. Tourpack is pretty empty. If ya need something else there are stores along the way. You guys haul a bunch of crap around?? Oh if ya gotta haul all that stuff a small cable lock through the jacket sleeves on the tourpack and a helmet lock on the crash bar is a good idea.
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Sep 19, 2013 at 10:34 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 147
From: Grays Creek, NC
Ya only need 3-4 days of clothes. Wash as ya go. Underwear just makes your butt sweat. So like a pair of jeans, 2-3 t-***** (if ya plan on buying some don't take any), 3-4 pairs of socks, and a pullover plus sandals and swimsuit in each bag. In the summer wear a good mesh jacket and use the pullover (it is a good thermal one?) if it gets cold. if ya don't want to mess with chaps wear Kevlar jeans. Ya won't need rain gear in Calif. summer. You and the wife each get a bag. Tourpack is pretty empty. If ya need something else there are stores along the way. You guys haul a bunch of crap around?? Oh if ya gotta haul all that stuff a small cable lock through the jacket sleeves on the tourpack and a helmet lock on the crash bar is a good idea.
.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: indy
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
Next June, my wife and I are going on a 3 week trip across to CA, up hwy 1, back to Tahoe, then wandering back home. We've done many week long trips, even on the Heritage. This one will be on the Ultra Limited. The wife packs well so we will be fine for clothes room, and every night will be at a motel, and we will send dirty clothes home to the kids USPS. Here's the trouble.....Even in June I'm told we will need the leather coats for hwy 1 and each will need a hoodie for hanging out in towns. My wife will have to take chaps while I will save the room. At 6'3" my coat takes LOTS of packing room and I won't wear it anywhere but the coast I don't imagine. Would you put coats in the bags, killing both bags with coats and chaps? Pack as normal and bungee the coats and chaps to the top of the rack bag, or is there an alternative I haven't thought of?
I've found many good tips on different topics here, but my searches don't help me much with thoughts on this. Your thoughts are appreciated!!
I've found many good tips on different topics here, but my searches don't help me much with thoughts on this. Your thoughts are appreciated!!
I do. I roll it from both sides toward the middle including the sleeves. All that is exposed is the back of the jacket. It works for me and has been through all sorts of weather.
Beyond that, when deciding what to pack in general, lay it all out. Lay out everything you think you need all over the floor. Now as you walk over it for 3 weeks, you will look at it and take away those things you really won't need.
Look at 3 necessities:
Does it keep you warm?
Does it keep you dry? (the first 2 include tent and sleeping bag for those of us who go that route)
Will it keep you from being stranded? (cell phone, tools, air compressor, plug kit)
In the end, nothing else is necessary.
Ride safe!!
After decades of riding, I always take extra care when the woman that has spent over 3 decades with me is aboard. I can't replace her.
Last edited by Jonesee; Sep 22, 2013 at 03:10 PM.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
After decades of riding, I always take extra care when the woman that has spent over 3 decades with me is aboard. I can't replace her.[/quote]
I'm with ya! Mine has spent many miles on the back of my bike. Something we both enjoy!
I'm with ya! Mine has spent many miles on the back of my bike. Something we both enjoy!