DO'S AND DON'T OF

Welcomeonce again Full Throttle readers and riders! Spring is almost upon us and we are all ready to ride! Many of us have vacations planned this summer near and far. Some will be going on weekend trips and others are planning on being away for much longer. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong trip across the country, packing and planning for a bike trip can have its draw backs and issues. Depending on the bike you ride, you may have plenty of room to pack everything you need and you’re able to get through your trip with no problem. Then there may be some of you that have a bike that isn’t quite so “long haul friendly.” Your bike probably has no bags, no luggage rack, and not much room to spare.

Many of us, when it comes to traveling have a checklist of items we will never leave home without. For instance a couple items that are always on my checklist are clean whitie tighties and a toothbrush. When leaving on a bike trip, there are a couple other items you should always add to your checklist. You should always do a thorough walk around of the bike, checking the tires, lights, brakes etc. But what about the things you don’t think about for your trip? What about sun screen and as silly as it sounds chap stick? Nothing will ruin a trip faster than a nasty sunburn or that funky thing on your lip that pops up when you’ve been hit with too much wind and now when you’re talking to people and meeting new friends, it’s all they can look at. Bottom line is, if you’re going on a bike trip it’s going to take a little extra careful planning.

Sometimes it’s a tough decision on what stays and what goes? Some things like your rain suites are a necessity but also take up a lot of room. Be sure that you are not doubling up on supplies and sharable items that the group or passenger your traveling with may already have, something as small as a tube of toothpaste can be the difference from getting that saddle bag lid closed or not. I learned many years ago as a boy scout that folding your clothes to pack is not the right way to do it. Be sure to roll your clothes, you will be able to efficiently carry more in less space, also if you know exactly where you are staying, shipping your luggage can be an easy way to get around overloading your bike.