Thinking about first long trip -- tips?

[duc996]

Travel light,relax and enjoy the ride...

[dropstharockalot]

<<<<< 100% agreement with the Gold Bond recommendation...

[He Man]

i stack my bike up with a lot of shit. but my friend took it overboard when he recently strapped this badboy to his bike.

so you have no excuse if you dont carry atleat half as payload as this.

[nicrosato]

Other must haves: Rain Suit, Ibuprophen.

[Popeye the Sailor]

A second set of gloves. If you get one set wet, it's ice to wear the others while the first ones dry.

[He Man]

or do it like this guy, tent and sleeping bag inside a garbage bag. not sure you want to put your new 1100 on the dirt like that though. 25mph on dirt roads = lots of nasty kick up.

[beancounter]

He Man, that looks like you in the picture

or do it like this guy, tent and sleeping bag inside a garbage bag. not sure you want to put your new 1100 on the dirt like that though. 25mph on dirt roads = lots of nasty kick up.

[sugarcrook]

Along the lines of not carrying anything on you and putting it on the bike, kayaking gear works well on motorcycles.  I use a 40L Seal Line bag to carry clothes and sundries, so I only have one thing to grab if I'm hoteling it.  You can find them at REI.  Attached with RokStraps, you should be all set. 

Other suggestions include a Camelback, electrolyte tablets and an iPod loaded with podcasts and audiobooks.  I'm kinda weird, so I put essential survival gear in my Camelback, like a good camp knife, survival blankets, compass, lighter, matches, magnesium bar and dry tinder.  But like I said, I'm weird.  Careful on the size of the knife if you're crossing the border. 

Also take a tire patch kit and, at the very least, a dozen CO2 canisters to fill tires.  The law of CO2 canisters states you'll have exactly one less than you need to fill a tire, so I favor a Slime compressor.  You'll need power to run it, but you probably have a battery tender pigtail installed already. 

Depending on the roads you take, you might want to take a Spot Tracker for piece of mind. 

[ScottRNelson]

Also take a tire patch kit and, at the very least, a dozen CO2 canisters to fill tires.  The law of CO2 canisters states you'll have exactly one less than you need to fill a tire, so I favor a Slime compressor.  You'll need power to run it, but you probably have a battery tender pigtail installed already.

That's why I have a bicycle tire pump instead of CO2.  It's a little bit more work, but it never runs out of air.

[sugarcrook]

But... That's not a farkle! 

[Punx Clever]

Here's a few long trip tips... I've been there, done that, and (almost) got the certificate.

I plan a tank of gas to go 150 mils (s2r1000).  First half of the day on a long ride, 150 miles between stops isn't bad.  After lunch, I like to make two stops per tank.

Full riding gear, plus bike shorts.  Jeans, boxers, briefs, whatev... are not designed to be ridden on and have seams in the butt area.  Riding shorts (or underarmor) and leathers generally take that into consideration.  Good gear makes for a good ride.

Eat well before, during, and after.

Plan your route.  You will notice the effects of the distance more on straight, boring rides.  Pick out a route with turns and you'll increase your time in the saddle greatly.  Also, don't just think about the destination when you are planning, cool shit along the way makes things better too.

Ride the speed limit.  Wind on a monster will really drag you down.  Also, the rest of the trip sucks after you get singled out from the pack of cars you are keeping pace with just because you are on a motorcycle and get the ticket.

Plan for the weather.  On long trips nowadays I will always take both my regular gloves and my winter gloves.  Extra socks if it's an overnight or day long journey... getting caught in a rainstorm and riding home in wet socks sucks.

On that note, definitely take a bag of some sort.  Tank bags, saddle bags, and seat bags are the top choices obviously... I always end up cursing myself for using a backpack.

I like music... inside the ear earbuds have similar effects as earplugs.  Many people will say that music is a distraction and you shouldn't have it.  I put the MP3's on shuffle and don't touch it till i stop for food or get where I'm going.

Ibuprofin.  With my goofed up knee I couldn't survive without.

Finally, and this one just rehashes some of my previous points, if you see something cool, stop and check it out!  Your joints and muscles will appreciate it, and it will keep your interest.

One of the best rides I've ever had was this one:


I could have taken a more direct route, but this was much more fun. I coulda got there quicker, but I stopped for the scenery.  Coulda been cheaper, but I ate well.  Great trip. The next day was back again on a different route.

[Jarvicious]

All good advice.  One thing I always make sure to do on the mental side of things is to realize it's going to take you longer to get there on your bike than it will in a car.  Between the fatigue and the gas stops I usually add an extra 15-20 minutes for every hour it would take in a car (i.e.- how long google says it will take) so don't rush and just take your time. 

I bought one of those uber thick gel pads for the BMW but it actually works out better on the Monster.  One of the benefits I hadn't thought of is that it raises my ass off the seat an inch or so which is just enough to alleviate the pressure on my knees, as well as dampening the vibrations.  +1 on the bike shorts too.

A riding buddy is nice too.  The difference in 10 miles an hour is a tiny tiny twist of the wrist so having someone else there to moderate things and keep you alert is handy.

Someone already said it, but WATERPROOF YOUR SHIT.  Years of camping/backpacking has taught me that nothing can mess up a good trip like wet gear. 

Other words of wisdom gleened from unfortunate experiences:  Make sure your back pack is zipped up all the way, or at least make sure nothing important is on top .  I was fortunate enough to loose only toothpaste and shampoo.

[gatorgrizz27]

+1 on the earplugs, you should have to stop for fuel often enough to let you stretch.  Don't know about the 696, but on classic monsters a Sargeant seat helps a ton.  Interstates suck and fatigue you, I try to run backroads or highways if possible, even if it takes a bit longer, enjoying the ride is most of the point.  It's also possible to stretch for a few seconds while on the bike, you can stand up on the pegs or stretch a leg out by the front wheel to keep the blood flowing.

Also make sure you are plenty warm.  What would feel like a nice cool breeze on a 30 minute ride will chill you and make you shiver after an hour or 2

[Jett]

long trips can get tough on the body. like many have suggested, dont be afraid to take breaks. stop by a mini mart and get a drink and stretch your legs. comfort was obviously not the main priority in building the monster but it is a great bike and i love my 01 M750.

for really good trip tips you should watch long way round with Ewan McGregor and Charlie Bowman. great show. buy it and watch it, its amazing.

[DesmoLu]

I too ever so whole-heartedly emphasize the importance of the Sargeant & camelback. Having lived out of my camelback for over a week, I was amazed how much I could fit into that little thing and how much I didn't really need anything more!

Six hours doesn't seem long for mixed riding but if its 6 hours of straight twisties it can get incredibly exhausting, especially in heat - don't push yourself when you feel your pace and even body positioning dying towards the end of the day and don't forget to save some energy for the ride home - that's how I ended up shiny side lots of places in the air and down.