A fellow club member sent me these to put in our next club newsletter, and I thought it worthwhile to post here, since riding season is upon us. Â (Maybe if
you have a secret or tip, post it here and share it with the rest of us!) Â
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33 Secrets for Smart Touring
There’s nothing like the feeling of loading up and heading out on a big motorcycle trip.
And there’s nothing like the security of knowing you’re prepared for life on the road.
It can take years to develop that knowledge through trial and error. But we’ve got a shortcut. We’ve asked AMA staff members to share with you the experience they’ve accumulated over decades on the road.
What you’ll find here isn’t a comprehensive collection of touring knowledge. Instead, here are 33 insider tips—useful suggestions that have made our tours more organized and more fun. We guarantee you’ll learn something.
1) Eat at weird times. Everyone and their dog eats around 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. To get in and out of restaurants in a hurry, don’t be hungry then.
2) A short metal cable with loops on both ends (like those made to keep people from stealing bicycle seats) is perfect for securing a jacket and helmet to your bike’s helmet lock.
3) Carry a spare key. Zip-tie or duct tape it somewhere hidden on your bike, or better yet, give it to a traveling companion.
4) Portable weather radios are now in the $20 range, and the first time one saves you from running right into a massive storm, you’ll wonder why you ever traveled without one. Check accessory companies like Aerostich, or Radio Shack.
5) On high-mileage days, you’ll feel a lot better if you carry eyedrops and use them every time you stop for gas.
6) If you’re nearing the end of your riding day, and want to set yourself up for a quick getaway in the morning, consider riding to the far side of the next city you reach before you stop for the night, eliminating urban traffic the next day.
7) Take a tip from off-road riders and carry a backpack hydration system so you can drink while you ride. A must for arid weather.
Going on a long, complex trip? Keep yourself organized with the envelope system. Before you leave, prepare one envelope for each day on the road. Mark the dates and locations on the outside, then stuff things like hotel reservation info and lists of things to see inside. Instead of juggling your entire stack of literature to find the piece you need, you can just open up that day’s envelope.
9) A simple map case attached to your bike’s tank (we’ve used a Rev-Pak version that has been available through
www.whitehorsepress.com <http://www.whitehorsepress.com/> Â for years) can keep you on course without the bulk of a tankbag.
10) Keep your stuff dry in saddlebags by using trash compactor bags as waterproof barriers. They’re thicker and more durable than standard garbage bags.
11) Use earplugs to help reduce wind noise. You can get them from most mail-order shops or dealers, or in bulk from safety-equipment supply houses.
12) Don’t forget that pack-and-ship places are just about everywhere these days. They’re perfect when you spot that antique umbrella stand you’re dying to buy hundreds of miles from home.
13) Don’t forget a small towel or rag for wiping dew off seats, windshields and mirrors, and even for doing a quick whole-bike cleanup. Those synthetic chamois cloths work particularly well.
14) Pack extra bungees and zip-ties. ’Nuff said.
15) Go ahead, buy that GPS you’ve always wanted. They’re perfect not only for finding yourself, but also for allowing you the freedom to get lost in the first place.
16) You’ve heard it a million times, but we’ll say it again: look over your bike carefully every morning on the road. Checking the simple stuff—air pressure, oil level, loose or missing fasteners—can save you from big trouble.
17) Sign up for AMA MoTow <http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/motow.asp> . For $25 a year, you get peace of mind, knowing that if you do break down, a motorcycle-savvy towing crew is only a phone call away. To sign up, call the AMA at: (614) 856-1900.
18) Stash a little cash somewhere hidden on the bike or on you, so you can make something happen when all else fails.
19) Before you take off from the hotel or campground in the morning, double check every strap on tankbags or soft saddlebags, and every latch on hard luggage.
20) Especially if you’re riding alone, wear a dog-tag with your name and contact info. You can get them lots of places, including your local army surplus store.
21) Take a look back at where you were parked every time you leave someplace. You’d be amazed at what you find.
22) A cellphone can be a lifesaver in an emergency. You can dial 911 for help anywhere you find cell service, but you’ll need to tell a dispatcher where you are. Keep track of route numbers, interstate exits, towns you’ve passed, mileposts—anything that can save emergency officials time in getting to you.
23) Good motorcycle gear really is worth it. Waterproof, breathable linings in boots and jackets will transform the way you think about bad weather. A number of companies offer materials that work well, but always test your gear on a rainy day at home before facing a storm on the road.
(The remaining 10 secrets posted below...)
