Checklist

When I hike, I try to pare down what I carry to the bare minimum (as opposed to my dad, who usually ends up carrying spare change to the top of the mountain...for the Coke machine?). I'm translating that into this trip as well. What's the best way to fit luggage onto a smallish sportbike? Just don't take much. I have a magnetic tankbag given to me by someone who used to ride, and between that and the tailbag you (used to) see on the picture at the top of the blog (changed it on 5/14/09), those will be my main storage compartments. I've already planned to do laundry at the half-way point, which helps cut down on the need for extra clothes. I'll be wearing an armored jacket and armored riding pants, leather gloves, a full face helmet and waterproof riding boots. Also will carry an insulated liner for the jacket, rain gear (pants, jacket and gloves), and a tire patch kit (just in case a lonely stretch of South Dakota decides to bite me). Nine days to be gone...my main shoes (aside from the boots) will probably be flip flops. One pair of jeans, probably a skirt for Sunday, and an assortment of tops. Probably still need some layers to be able to shed after riding in the chilly mornings (still down in the low 40s...brrr!). Computer and camera. Water and snacks. Map. Journal. Kitchen sink.

My new tires for the trip arrived this week (Michelin Pilot Activ), and the rain gear and riding pants should be purchased tomorrow. In terms of securing the bike, I've thought about a a disc lock (fits on the front brake disc, so the wheel can't turn without that whacking into the front forks), or a cable lock. There will be four hotel nights, and I'd really prefer if some ne'er do well didn't decide to lift the bike.

One seminar I sat in when the International Motorcycle Show came through Greenville was on long distance touring, and a suggestion made by the speaker was to pack everything you'd need, load the bike up, and do some practice runs around town to see how the bike handles with the extra weight and if you need to make any adjustments to the load distribution. I'll prolly do that next week...I'd be willing to bet some pictures find their way on here from it :)