Shady’s Tips and Tricks - What the Hell do I know?
Shady’s Two-Wheel Tips
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 9 years old. My father taught me to ride dirt in the early 1970’s and I never lost the excitement of straddling two wheels. I began riding street back in 1982 (I really don’t feel that old) and have not been without a bike since. I was told that as the years pile up, one gains knowledge with experience. So, here I am writing about one of the things I think I know... the joys of motorcycling. I hope that this monthly column helps out a few of you out there who take the time to read it. And if you have any ideas or questions, please don’t hesitate to suggest or ask.
My father and I have been riding together for the past 19 years taking trips to almost every state in the nation. We started with some 4 day trips back in Missouri when he would trailor his bike in from Colorado. He would come in around springtime to turkey hunt with his buddies for a week and then he and I would take our 4 or 5 day trek into the back woods of Missouri, which if you have never ridden, has beautiful rolling hills and winding roads for awesome motorcycling.
We then shifted our trips out to Colorado starting in 1995 and have almost every year based our trips out of Denver. Colorado has to be one of the coolest, majestic and dryest states to ride in (so did you get the hint... we got tired of running into rain, sleet, and tornadoes in the spring of Missouri - it’s best to ride in the summer or fall in the Show-Me State).
So after riding on week long to two week trips, you learn a few things. The following gives a few hints of what you might need or put in your bags that will help you survive on the road for a week.
1. Tools
Yep, it is a good idea to have some kind of tool kit with you on any road trip. Whether it is a simple kit you buy from your dealer or a bike shop, or one you put together yourself, it is a must have. I have two bags of tools, one in each saddle bag. One bag has a few of the larger items you might need like a vice grips, a wratchet wrench, a crescent wrench and a few larger screwdrivers. The other has miscellaneous other smaller tools. Hex wrenches, smaller open end wrenches, wire ties, wratchet ends, and even a siphon hose is included in case your buddy forgets to fill up and you need to borrow from yours or someone elses gas reserve.
2. Maps
Yep, I have been traveling with the “hard copy” maps since I started riding. I am the kind of person who rarely gets lost and usually know where I am, but on occasion, a map that is handy, either in your tank bag, or on top or your t-bag is a wonderful thing. These days, all one needs is a GPS system, but I prefer the old fashioned way of seeing the “You Are Here” dot on the printed kind. Before heading out on any long trip, I recommend going to a book store and purchasing all necessary state maps. And really, they aren’t that hard to fold back up.
3. Flashlight
I carry a small flashlight in one of my saddlebags, not just for the occasional night time ride, but for almost all problem instances. A flashlight is handy in case of a breakdown as you will never know if you have to look deep into the bowels of your bike. Small flashlights are pretty cheap and can fit into just about any nook on you or your bike.
4. Rain Gear
On short trips, I usually make sure I carry my leather jacket, chaps and gloves for the occasional rain shower. The leather will usually keep the water off for the brief downpoor until you can reach a cafe or ride through. On long trips, I always carry my rain suit, usually in my saddle bag, and not too deep in case I have to quickly slide the rubber or polyester ensemble on. And this is a little hint... try not to wait until you get into the rainstorm before pulling over. If you are coming up on a storm, it’s better to be a little cautious instead of being a little soaked (or maybe you like feeling like a fish).
5. Extra Keys
This has not happened to me, but I have heard stories of riders either misplacing, or somehow losing their set of keys on a trip (slipping out of their jacket or dropping out of their pants wihile pooping in some stinky side road johnny). I always have an extra set of keys in one of my bags just in case.
6. Locks
Plural. You can never lock your bike up too much. Carrying an extra disc lock or cable lock is never ever a bad thing. People out there want your bike, no matter what you ride. So, carry extra security. And always lock your bike up if you are not going to be in sight of it. I actually had a bike stolen way back in the 80’s. I was visiting a friend in an apartment complex, parked my bike next to the complex, and when I came out (after only about 15 minutes), my bike was g-o-n-e. I thought maybe a few of my friends were playing a joke on me, but that turned out not to be the case. The funny thing about this is, they found my engine on another stolen bike frame four years later. The cops picked up a guy who was stealing the stolen bike.
7. Helmet
I know... you should always wear one anyway, but some states don’t require a helmet and for those of us who like the freedom, we occasionally don’t wear a helmet because we like to feel the air flowing through our hair. But I am a firm believer in having one with you for the occasional storm... and this could be a storm with high winds, blowing sand, or rain or hail. Have you ever ridden through hail and had it bouncing off your forehead? Not fun.
8. Sunscreen
Lather it on. It will save many a restless night. And, don’t forget the part in your hair.
9. First-Aid Kit
Usually a good idea to carry a small first-aid kit of some kind. Band-aids, bandages and gauze, ointments and creams, at some point, will come in handy. Hopefully you will never have to open this kit, but if you need it, it’s nice to know it’s there.
10. Water and Snacks
Re-hydrate when you can. Try to keep a bottle of water in your bags, and when you stop for a break... take a swig. It really does help after cruisin’ for awhile, especially on a hot day. As for snacks, I usually prefer peanuts. Nuts are a good source of protein and can keep you going til the next meal. Some people prefer the protein bars - another great pick-me-up.
11. Cell Phone
Back in the day... when we started our trips, no-one had cell phones. As we look back, there were quite a few times we wish we would have had at least one. Nowadays, everyone has one which is good and bad (I think). I actually liked not carrying one for the longest time because part of the fun of a trip was to get away from the life you are accustomed to and escape. But these days, it is a good habit to always travel with one because it makes for a great companion in case of a serious emergency. It makes for the best “repair kit”. And, before heading out... make sure it’s charged. Duh.
12. Cash
Not everyone takes credit cards... really.
So, those are the items that I would consider to be on any necessity list. Over the years, I have compiled a checklist of items that I usually pack for a long trip. The following is that list... and you can add or subtract to it depending on what kind of trip you take.
Moto Trip checklist:
money
bike t-bag
bunjees
chaps
leather coat
goggles
rain gear
leather gloves: light and heavy
boots
camp shoes
airmattress
fishing gear: fishing pole, small tackle box with lures & flies, knife
coffee cup (plastic)
water bottle
bug spray
sun block
baseball hat
bandanas
helmet
bike cable and locks
travel alarm clock
clothes: jeans, shorts/swim suit, tank tops, t-shirts, longsleeve t-shirts, sweatshirt, undies, socks regular & wool, small towel or wash rag
overnight bag: soap, shampoo, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, Ibuprofin, tums/rolaids, lip balm, antihistamine, vitamins, shaving stuff (optional)
toilet paper, wet ones
trash bags, ziplock bags
matches or lighter
rope
cell phone
huggy (beer)
collapsable cooler
sunglasses or goggles
mess kit
eating utensils
camera
maps
tent
sleeping bag
thermal blanket
camp chair/stool
flashlight
tools
No comments:
Post a Comment