Over the last month, I’ve been painstakingly researching just about everything I can regarding Cross Country travel on a small-displacement motorcycle. I’ve read web pages, blogs, spoken with people that have done it, and discussed it on forums such as the Scooter Subreddit and Modern Buddy.
Part of the research was deciding what I was going to pack and bring with me, as opposed to ship things ahead of time (which will definitely beat me there!).
I currently have A Spreadsheet filled out in my Google Drive (which is what I’ve been using for of the organization for this trip). Really, it’s a collection of 5 Spreadsheets in one file (as you do when making spreadsheets). So, let’s take a (constantly live) look, shall we?
Donna
As you can see, all preventative maintenance items have been completed prior to the trip. Though they were all done earlier this month, I have not had the opportunity to ride as often. Everything will be triple checked prior to leaving.
I am only currently missing one expected accessory need, and that is a gas can. While I was originally going to purchase one or two MSR 30oz cans, research on the route (particularly if I take US-50) shows I should carry at least 1-2 gallons of gas in reserve. So, I’ll likely be picking up a 2-gallon container and strapping it securely to the bike.
As a side note, installing the windshield and GPS mount (I purchased a RAM Mount) wasn’t hard, but was frustrating. Mostly because as I was installing the windshield, I stripped the threads on the left side mirror bracket. A helicoil fixed that, though.
Riding Gear
Moving on to the riding gear I’ll need.
I currently have a 3/4 TORC Bluetooth helmet that works wonderfully. While I know I SHOULD be using a full face for the safety aspect, I find the 3/4 a lot more comfortable to wear. The bluetooth aspect will come in handy during the long stretches of road. Have to make sure to pack the charger! While I was considering purchasing a new face shield (this one has a few scratches on the periphery), the $35 went to the helicoil repair instead. Related to the helmet, I also have a bag of ear plugs, to help keep down “wind fatigue” from the constant wind blowing in my ears. Bonus points, it makes the bluetooth easier to hear!
I’ve had a Vega riding jacket for a few years, and it will do excellent duty for this ride. It’s comfortable, armored, and vented, all necessary for this trip!
At this time, I do not have proper motorcycle rain gear….nor is it in my already tight budget. Rain pants and jacket would be very nice to have just-in-case I hit one of those midwest storms on the road, but I will have to make due with a waterproof trenchcoat (and maybe plastic bags over boots?).
Thanks to Ted, who has graciously offered me one of his spare rainsuits!
Clothes
Clothes are important! Especially when literally every site, forum, and blog says “Less Is More!” As such, I plan on shipping my suitcase to my final destination with professional clothes, so I can ride a bit freer.
You’ll notice the list is very barebones. A few pants (I’m actually considering bringing one less pair…), shirts, underwear, twice as many socks (I learned while camping you ALWAYS bring extra socks), a jacket, and some comfortable shoes for walking around.
There appear to be some fabulous Natural Hot Springs on my path, and I’m sure by the time I get to the West, my body will need a bit of a soak, hence the bathing suit!
Tools
Many have reminded me to “pack some tools…just in case!” I am definitely taking that to heart. While not bringing my entire tool box, I will be supplementing the rather low-quality “included” tool kit that came with Donna with my own tools. This includes tools to swap the spark plug, tighten various nuts, bolts, screws, etc., and change a tire on the side of the road. Still have to find a jack solution for the rear tire, or I can just do the “lay it on it’s side” trick. Or a can of unopened coconut water!
I’m on the fence about the patch kit for tires. I do have a spare, but what if I hit something with both tires? Better prepared than not, right? As a side note, I am running on tubeless rims and tires, so I don’t have to worry about tubes.
Everything Else
Finally, the catch-all list! Toiletries (things I will already take like toothbrush, etc. aren’t necessarily on the list.
Baby wipes to keep “fresh”/wipe off sweat/sand/dirt from riding. A fresh bottle of ibuprofin to keep the riding aches away, a tent, sleeping bag, hammock – all necessities.
Not sure about the AAA/AMA membership at this time – likely not cost effective, though would be very nice to have!
Did I miss anything? Is it too much? Suggestions? I welcome them!
Want to Help? That would be super-cool!
Than trip should take an estimated 10 days maximum, and roughly 3,000 miles. That will take a bit of a toll on the ol’ wallet, so I am happy to take any donations my generous friends would like to offer. For reference:
$3 will get me approximately 70 miles closer to my goal.
$15 will feed me for the day
$35 will get me one night at a Tent Campsite at a KOA Campsite
$40 will buy me one tire when I get to my destination (as the rear tire will likely be spent by then!)
$75 will get me one night at a hotel (and more importantly, a shower!)
If you would like to donate, feel free to leave a comment (they are private until I approve them, or you can email me at bryrhoey at gmail) and I can set that up. I’d prefer Google Wallet (since to my knowledge, it’s free), have Venmo Set up (contact me for the info), or you can send me money via PayPal! 🙂
If you live along the route, and don’t mind me camping/crashing/eating with you, I’d appreciate that too!
You’ll have my undying gratitude, and numerous shout outs on the various media I will be posting to (facebook, IG, this blog, twitter, maybe youtube, etc.)
I did not see a tire pump and Gauge on your list. also I would pack a rube just incase you hit something to big to plug with both tires. Also a role of Gorilla tape its water proof and very strong.
Good call on the Gauge – I have one magneted inside my glovebox, so I didn’t think to include it. Since I have the tubeless wheels, I don’t think I’ll need the tube.
Oh, I also have a bunch of reusable zip ties! Gorilla tape is something I didn’t consider, but will add to my next shopping list. Thanks!
Dear Bryan,
I have Three one piece full rainsuits you can have the extra one to take with you and keep if you like. They all fit a little baggy over your clothes but have velcro wrist and ankle straps. It is red and grey.
Ted, you are the very soul of generosity!
For the rear tire jackstand problem: Bring along a milk crate to carry some of your items. If you need to change the rear tire, you can simply empty the milk crate, flip it upside-down, and support the fender on it.
Not sure about the milk crate, as I pack and re-pack and reconfigure, I don’t think I’ll have room for that as storage (opting instead to mount items directly to the rear rack). Definitely a good idea though!
As for the “2 flat tires at the same time” problem, I honestly wouldn’t worry about it. Odds of that happening are miniscule and if it did most likely you’ve got bigger problems. Just carry the spare, use it in the event of a flat, and get the bad one fixed or replaced at the next stop.