1st Long Tour Advice

[Zundapp]

It doesn't matter where you're off to, take a box of rehydration powders. When needed just tip one into a small bottle of water - gets rid of hangovers almost instantly! And of course you can dehydrate very rapidly on a bike, especially if it's hot, so they're good for that too.

If you take far fewer clothes than you think you'll need, you'll still have too much. Three pairs of pants, three pairs of socks and three t-shirts are enough for two weeks. If you want you can wash them!

Use a plastic bag as a liner for your tooltube if you have one, then you can get the contents out, but don't take an excess of tools. They're heavy.

Don't under-estimate real world distances. It may not be far on a map, but the reality can be very different. And knackering. Can take the fun out of things.

Mostly though, be relaxed about things. You can plan too much. onyack

 

[blueflame]

Comfy bum bog roll in a waterproof bag (nothing worse than finding the roll has finished), Small tube of sun tan cream/chap lips (you can even get coloured) and a camera that takes AA or AAA batts so there is no need for recharging. Finally tell someone the route your gonna take and when you'll be back.....stops all the panicking!!

Enjoy

 

[Taff]

Comfy bum bog roll in a waterproof bag (nothing worse than finding the roll has finished)

That's what baby wipes are for.

 

[blueflame]

That's what baby wipes are for.

Do you take Huggies pull ups too Taff?

 

[ibroker]

Just like to thank everyone for thier input here. Most appreciated.

Would not have occured to me to take the spare key to the bike, now pointed out thats a must.

E-Mail copies of the documents to yourself, fantastic tip. Likewise spare wallett and CC

Going to be travelling light. No need for to many tools as there will be 14 other bikes with us, plus dont take what you have no idea how to use!!!

Thanks all.

 

[GSTourer]

I thought baby wipes were for visor cleaning !!!!

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

I now like to travel light and not over-plan. However, as you say it's your first trip, I think more planning is really sensible.

 

[JimboGSA]

Mind yer Arse!

fit a decent seat! one you can do some serious miles and not be in pain with!! I tried the Airhawk option and even though its comfortable enough I think it looks terrible on the bike! So going to go down the Seargent seat route for this years travels me thinks!

NOTHING worse than being in total agony nd knowing you've still got hundreds of miles to do...

If you take an ipod - get some earphones or built in helmet speakers that are comfortable! And ensure the ipod sits in a waterproof pocket or pouch!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

fit a decent seat! one you can do some serious miles and not be in pain with!! I tried the Airhawk option and even though its comfortable enough I think it looks terrible on the bike! So going to go down the Seargent seat route for this years travels me thinks!

NOTHING worse than being in total agony nd knowing you've still got hundreds of miles to do...

If you take an ipod - get some earphones or built in helmet speakers that are comfortable! And ensure the ipod sits in a waterproof pocket or pouch!

Have you tried a sheepskin Jim? Looks a bit but really works and a cheap option at £9.99 from Lambland.

Got one for my last Trans US trip and couldn`t believe how comfy it is in the hot or cold. Bit soggy in the wet though but soon dries out

 

[JimboGSA]

Have you tried a sheepskin Jim? Looks a bit but really works and a cheap option at £9.99 from Lambland.

Got one for my last Trans US trip and couldn`t believe how comfy it is in the hot or cold. Bit soggy in the wet though but soon dries out

cheers Bilks! I'll give that a shot and if it gets damaged/nicked its not a real issue at that price! Comfy in the tent too!

The Airhawk was truly a pain, having to take it off the seat every night and the stupid fiddly bra like straps pinging away to unreachable places!

 

[Tim Cullis]

Anusol or hemmeroid cream ..... it helps arse ache on a long trip as it contains a mind anasthetic.

Hmmm. Optrex is on my list for dry/gritty eyes, goodness knows what Bub would use it for...

It sounds like you are well prepared. Personally I'd add a buff to prevent sunburnt face when riding south all day long. And when it's cold, wear it as a hoody under the helmet.

Tim

 

[Steptoe]

After 4 pages of advice your head must be spinning and you must be wondering what you've possibly let yourself in for.

Everyone who's posted has also done a trip for the first time, and they've all survived intact, hence they are now able to dispense life saving advice.

Apart from the obvious = passports, insurance, bike paperwork. Take it all with a pinch of salt.
Just use your common sense you'll be perfectly fine, the world is a very civilised place, anything you forget or decide you need buy it while your on the road.

Don't get yourself all stressed out with list after list of things you can't possibly do without, because you can quite safely.

Remember to enjoy yourself.

 

[Dainese Brave]

After 4 pages of advice your head must be spinning and you must be wondering what you've possibly let yourself in for.

Everyone who's posted has also done a trip for the first time, and they've all survived intact, hence they are now able to dispense life saving advice.

Apart from the obvious = passports, insurance, bike paperwork. Take it all with a pinch of salt.
Just use your common sense you'll be perfectly fine, the world is a very civilised place, anything you forget or decide you need buy it while your on the road.

Don't get yourself all stressed out with list after list of things you can't possibly do without, because you can quite safely.

Remember to enjoy yourself.

+1

 

[Wapping]

+1

But what 'Adventure' style textile suit to wear?

Now there's a problem.

 

[Dainese Brave]

But what 'Adventure' style textile suit to wear?

Now there's a problem.

I wasn't sure how to reply to that...was it sarcasm?...was it irony?....was it humourous?....

.....But decided the best response was.....bs!!

 

[Fudmucker]

I pack EVERYTHING I take into lots of zip-lock clear plastic bags of appropriate sizes. It keeps my stuff dry and dust-free and I can unpack a pannier completely and repack it in 2 minutes...
I can also see what's inside each bag without disturbing the contents.
In a push you also have emergency containers for water, etc.


(I could be really anal and say that I pack one T-shirt, underwear and socks in a bag as one day's clothing...but I won't!)

 

[Tim Cullis]

Same here, but I add a hankie into the 'day ziplock'.

And I use clear school pencil cases for tools and other odds and sods.

 

[ibroker]

After 4 pages of advice your head must be spinning and you must be wondering what you've possibly let yourself in for.

Everyone who's posted has also done a trip for the first time, and they've all survived intact, hence they are now able to dispense life saving advice.

Apart from the obvious = passports, insurance, bike paperwork. Take it all with a pinch of salt.
Just use your common sense you'll be perfectly fine, the world is a very civilised place, anything you forget or decide you need buy it while your on the road.

Don't get yourself all stressed out with list after list of things you can't possibly do without, because you can quite safely.

Remember to enjoy yourself.

Yes but after lots of advice from various parties you can pick out all the bits that you feel are relevant to you and you trip.

 

[richorich]

I liked the one about packing a topless partner.....but that's just me.

Have a cracking good trip and look forward to the write-up