In 3 weeks I'm heading out on my Bonneville for a 6-week, 8,500-mile triangle trip across the U.S. I've gotten a lot of good pointers from people here on the forum. Below are some things I've addressed, and some you may be able to help me more with. The list isn't all-inclusive (example, I didn't list Monkey Butt powder and things like that
), but based on what I've included, have I missed anything?
Installed:
- Thruxton gel seat
- Hepco & Becker side and top cases
- Modre Lowsets
- Triumph dresser bar with Kuryakyn right-angle pegs
- Throttle lock
- Western bars
- Triumph tank bag
- New Metzelers
- New Progressive suspension
- Vario adjustable wind screen (not real happy with it)
I am:
- Camping the whole way if possible
- Taking my 1-person light-weight tent
- Using an all-goose-down bag (risky if it gets wet, but light)
- Using light-weight cook gear/stove
- Average 300-350 miles/day
- Taking Gerbing electric jacket & gloves. Possible low temps/snow drifts in passes in upper U.S. even in late May.
Issues and Questions:
- Possible extreme variations in weather (northern route in May, southern route in June). Need pointers on how to take less but still be prepared (the electric gloves are not negotiable - my hands get cold even in June). Layering is an example. What works for you?
- Experienced camper, but never motorcycle-camped before. Any tips?
- Hydration tips? (bottle in tank bag, hydration back-pack, etc.)
- Pain and suffering. Anyone know any good massage therapists?
- Is a KOA membership worth looking into?
- National Park season pass?
- How far into trip do you think I'll have to replace my tires?
- 8,000 miles on the bike. Any preventative measures? (example: I replaced my clutch cable, tune-up, oil and filters.)
- I'm taking basic tools, chain lube, etc. Some say don't bother with tools because you can't account for every eventuality. I'm taking tools, but any opinions on this?
- Things to do while riding to while away the miles?
- Things to see (basic trip generally follows I-90 east, I-71 south, I-40/Route-66 west to L.A., I-15 north, I-84 west, I-5 north.) I'm not staying on the Interstates the whole way, but this is the general route.
- Other clever pointers?
High Tech:
- I'm taking my digital SLR, and my Sony Handycam, and possibly my Apple laptop (it's small and light) to blog or post. Leave it home? One option is to use libraries or internet cafe's to post trip reports, or just wait 'till I get home and write the whole trip up.
- I'm not taking a GPS.
- I'm due for a new cell phone. Thinking of an iPhone (why not? I've already bled enough money; what's a few hundred more?
) Any advice?
Holy smokes. That's enough.
