Packing for an overnight trip on the bike
Hopping on the bike and heading out on the road can be a great experience or one that may break your desire to ever ride a motorcycle on an overnight trip again. Taking an overnight trip requires a little planning and thinking ahead. There is a lot to consider.
What is the weather forecast going to be in the place where I start, along the way, and finish my ride? It is going to be cold, rainy or hot? Will I need to pack rain gear, warm clothes, cooler clothes, swim trunks, extra jeans or shorts? Should I dress in layers? Weather is a huge factor in determining what you should pack and wear.
Also, how long will I be on the ride? Will I need to do laundry? Do I have the hotel reservation set? It is a lonely feeling when you arrive at your hotel and finding no rooms available. You may also want to give the hotel a credit card number for a late arrival. Don’t over commit to distance either. Sightseeing is fun and you may not adhere to an initial time schedule. Do you like riding in the daylight? Are you opposed to riding at night? What time does the sun rise and set? That could determine the time you need to start the ride.
Know your route and how far your bike can go between gas fill ups. Love hitting the back roads, but it can be frustrating knowing you have already hit the reserve in your gas tank and have no clue where the next gas station is located.
Take some food along. A bottle or two of water and some granola or health bars to eat can really save you too. Some of the back roads can have very long stretches between places to eat or drink.
Give your bike a GOOD look over. To be stuck on the side of the road, especially when traveling by yourself stinks. Check the tire pressure and make sure your headlight has both low and high beams. Are your brakes in good condition? When was the last time you changed your oil or checked your coolant level? Are your turn signals working? Bikes will break down… It just makes sense to make sure the bike is in top working order before heading out.
A small tool kit or repair kit is vital! The last ride we did through Arkansas, my windshield bolt became loose. Only one of the four of us had a wrench that would fit that bolt. Many items can become loose or need adjusted. The small tool kit is one item I have already added as a permanent fixture to my saddle bag.
Now you have a list of about 100 items you will want to take on the ride with you, but only have space for about 25. Bikes have very limited storing space, usually having only two saddle bags and maybe a small bag attached to the sissy bar. Look at the big picture and pack what you will definitely use or need. Just remember, you are traveling with all the things you pack…Plus, you are probably going to buy some things while on the road and should consider that too.
Overnight trips can be a blast. Make sure you plan your trip as much as possible, but most of all… have fun…