Packing for the trip, well this is going to be interesting as neither of us have ever done a trip like this before.
I used to ride all over England on various Vespas in my youth, and all I would take is some beer money and a small toolkit that I had assembled myself—did I get into some predicaments on those trips! Redcar, Morcambe, Isle of Wight, Margate etc. Well I guess things have moved on a little from then—bigger bikes, more distance and less time to do it in.
So far we have the three hard bags on my V-strom—will this be enough space? As we will be maintaining the blog while in transit, the laptop and camera will be coming with, obviously taking up quite a bit of space. Then we will have essentials—clothing, toiletries, tool kit, waterproofs etc.
The Strom has ample room under the seat, and the factory toolkit is actually quite good. I’ll add some of my own tools to it and get a stop and go puncture repair kit. We hopefully should be good to go.
However, it remains to be seen if we will in fact need to get some bags for Shannon’s Beemer. Maybe a practice trip this coming weekend will expose any shortcomings in the luggage department.
10 responses so far ↓
dave marsh // June 8, 2007 at 9:41 am
ARF! isle of wight! – i remember an exhaust falling off someones vesp and hitting a transit full of pished skins at about midnight somewhere near oxford i think! £50 to the angry mob and thanks very much we’ll be on our way
Paul // June 8, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Laurence, here’s how I pack for distance trips:
Start with a “core kit”. This is basically all your on-bike essential riding gear and the toolkit. Dedicate as much space as you need for this, then never sacrifice the room for other stuff. As you’ll spend the bulk of your time riding this stuff should be handy to access at all times.
Pack some additional spares with the toolkit, too, like fuses (at least one spare for every type of fuse on each bike) a spare spark plug or two, a length of fuel hose, zip ties, some duct tape (roll it around a tool handle) and a small emergency medical kit. Visit the Aerostitch website to get some small, simple stuff that can prove invaluable on the road when the unexpected strikes.
And pack light. You’re on a bike trip, no one expects you to bust out a suit and tie at dinner… I’ve done 6 – 8 days with just a tank bag and a tailpack. You’ll learn to love the minimalism of it all …
2Moto // June 11, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Thanks Paul, I might be asking a few more question before we leave.
2Moto // June 11, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Isle of Wight. Funny you remember that Dave. Which year was it can you remember? Hopefully no fights or other misshaps on this trip!
dave marsh // June 12, 2007 at 12:48 pm
i don’t think i’ll ever forget it to be honest, a defining moment in my adolescence. it must have been 85 or 86 i reckon. seems like another lifetime now like.
Robin // June 20, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I don’t know if this will help, but when we travel my motto is “a pair and a spare” for things like sunglasses, jeans, shoes, etc. In our tools we carry (along with other things) a roll of electrical wire, connectors, a piece of wire, a quart of oil, etc. Almost all of our clothing goes in a duffle bag on the rear of our seat. That saves room in the hard bags for the important stuff. Oh – don’t forget chapstick with sunblock, sunblock and a corkscrew.
Boxers, y-fronts or knickers « Taking the Long Way Around // June 24, 2007 at 8:41 pm
[...] Packing [...]
big sis // June 29, 2007 at 4:55 pm
If i was you Lol
take both your Knickers and boxers, the boxers for when you get a bit hot and sweaty and the knickers for when you get sore give you a bit of support.
both of you go careful will be thinking of you and can´t wait to see you here inPortugal to celebrate you 40th littl bro.
love ya both
big sis
2Moto // June 29, 2007 at 7:35 pm
We just landed in Marinette, Wisconsin toinght. 375 miles thus far. Lol is in the B&B bar getting us a bottle of wine to share. We can’t wait to see you all in Lagos, one day we hope to be neighbors Sara. One day!
Love, Shan xoxoxoxo
Laurence // June 29, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Trust me big sis to leave a comment on me undies! I went for the knickers if you must know, they keep everything under control!
Long day of riding today, but it didn’t feel like it, it was a wonderfull ride once we were away from the city! Love and miss you all. Lol.