Long Ride Essentials
You do not need lots of clothes, one spare pair of jeans, a few T shirts, a couple long sleeves, a hoodie, leather jacket, underwear. Hotels have laundry facilities.
Cup holder so you can drink and ride.
List of meds taped to your drivers license.
Cup holder so you can drink and ride.
List of meds taped to your drivers license.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 592
Likes: 46
From: Connecticut
Suggest a full face for rain, if you don't normally use one.
Toll transponder (ez pass) - check your route of course. Can't go anywhere in the northeast without tolls.
neck protection. Something soft and light, that you can soak in water.
Your tires got 2k left on them? 2 weeks ago with my buddy (a very seasoned rider) he knew his back tire was near the end of its life. He was fine with that until threat of/actual rain. He got a new tire at a local dealer while we toured the York factory. In the end, it was a decent price, but he was planning on trying some different rubber, but did not have a real choice at the dealer.
Cigar for end of ride. (Or Jack, but I quit drinking 3 years ago).
Toll transponder (ez pass) - check your route of course. Can't go anywhere in the northeast without tolls.
neck protection. Something soft and light, that you can soak in water.
Your tires got 2k left on them? 2 weeks ago with my buddy (a very seasoned rider) he knew his back tire was near the end of its life. He was fine with that until threat of/actual rain. He got a new tire at a local dealer while we toured the York factory. In the end, it was a decent price, but he was planning on trying some different rubber, but did not have a real choice at the dealer.
Cigar for end of ride. (Or Jack, but I quit drinking 3 years ago).
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 441
Likes: 52
From: Utah
I have a cooling towel that lives in my saddlebag. I use it like a scarf if its cold out. If its hot I soak it in water and put it around the back of my neck and let the ends hang down my chest. Cheap, easy cooling that lasts for an hour or so. I always wear a mesh jacket when its hot.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Arctic-Co...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Arctic-Co...Q&gclsrc=aw.ds
Banned
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 5
From: Columbus, Ohio
I did 2000 miles from Ohio to Louisianna and back. Based on that, in addition to what others have mentioned: 1) small bottle of water, to fit in lower front fairing, not to drink but to use with that micrfiber cloth to remove bugs from your eye protection and windshield, 2) a few ziplock baggies and rubber bands to keep dashboard stuff dry, if needed, 3) extra key hidden on bike or tied into your shoelaces (forget who does that, but it's in a post on the Touring Bikes section, 4) cheat sheet on how to start the bike with the 5 digit code--you know the code, right? right?!?, 5) extra fob kept in luggage so it isn't near the bike at night, 6) Goretex or similar rainproof gloves, which cost me $40 but I was really super happy to have on the third day of rain, 7) tiny Slime compressor or AAA extra coverage for towing, road repairs, etc. (I read that HOG coverage sucks donkey d**ks.) Finally, I'd bring some hearing protection b/c 600 miles a day of wind noise is def gonna take a toll on your serenity.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 229
From: Saskatchewan
Lip Balm with good SPF rating as well. I also agree with long sleeve t shirts, sun block works but it is only good for about 2 hours then you need to re-apply. My arms and face still burned using SPF 70 sun block, probably because I didn't apply it often enough.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
Everything suggested above is right on.
I would add an extra fob wrapped in foil or with the battery removed to disable it until you need it. You can hide it on the bike that way.
Also, learn how to override your security system in case all else fails.
I've been carrying one of those small battery jump starters. It's already gotten me out a a few jams. Have fun.
I would add an extra fob wrapped in foil or with the battery removed to disable it until you need it. You can hide it on the bike that way.
Also, learn how to override your security system in case all else fails.
I've been carrying one of those small battery jump starters. It's already gotten me out a a few jams. Have fun.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 34
From: Wisconsin
Call AAA and get RV insurance, do a three hole change before you go and leave behind everything you don't need, like extension cords. Take one bottle of water and buy more at gas stops. I did this ride almost weekly for 1.5 years, I can tell you the gas brands at every exit. Going through Arkansas is a nicer drive than Oklahoma. The fastest way is north from little rock on 67, but if you have the time go east of fort smith and head north through the ozarks. It takes 17 hours of road time which I usually did straight through going north. Headed south I would stop at the Hampton inn in Harrison and head south over the mountains at dawn ( in the fog ). Have fun.
