Topic: Advice to a wannabe tourer?

[strangedaze39]

I would suggest a cell phone if you have good enough will power to leave it off unless it's an priority call. You don't want to crash in the middle of no where or on the mountains and lie there with no one to hear you yell for help and say "damn I wish I had some kind of phone" Or maybe just to call a mechanic and ask a question, or to set up a meet up with a fellow forum member.

I would also suggest this combo for minimal supply riding.
Tent: 2.0 lbs and folds to 4" x 17.5"
http://www.eurekatent.com/p-22-solitaire.aspx

Sleeping Bag: Good to 15*F, weighs 2 lbs.
http://www.eurekatent.com/p-32-casper.aspx

People also like Hammock camping but I get a sore back after camping like that after a couple days, other people love it and don't get sore at all.

[andy750]

For sleeping bags you cant beat this one for size - 5` x 9 `

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detail_vertical.jsp?STYLE_GROUP%3C%3East_id=1408474396003143

Its really the best thing for taking on a bike. Takes up no space at all.

cheers
Andy

[Bob Wessner]

I would suggest a cell phone if you have good enough will power to leave it off

Off is best unless you will be in a position to recharge frequently. While up in the UP a week or so back, I noticed mine was discharging at quite a clip compared to home. I use little talk time (not much worth talking about ) but it is on and capable of receiving. My wife noticed the same with hers. We finally came to the conclusion they were going through batts more often because they were constantly searching for a connection as we moved in and out of coverage areas up there, as there are many "dead zones.'

[strangedaze39]

Thats a small sleeping bag andy, do you have one? Wondering how it performs.

[Shenanigans]

Bring a tarp. One size bigger than you think you will need. Either rap your sleeping bag in it or get a sleeping bag cover as the road grime and dirt will quickly cover it. Plus its no fun to sleep in a soaked sleeping bag.

[andy750]

Thats a small sleeping bag andy, do you have one? Wondering how it performs.

Yes I have one (on the second one actually) - performed well on the 2 month Boston - Mexico trip and more recently on the Boston -Adirondack trip (10 days camping June 2008) and Boston -  mid-Ohio trip (long weekend, July 2008). Good for down to 32F - depending on your own body thermistor of course - more than enough for summer camping thats for sure. And really cuts down on luggage space....here is my K4 loaded with luggage for 2, including 2 sleeping bags (the small one is in the backpack on the rear rack; more regular size one is also in the backpack - small backpack  ) -can hardly notice its there.



In Northern Vermont...



cheers
Andy

 

[alltherightpills]

If you want to know where you can find friendly sohc4er's on your travels, check out the member map:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=105375307252375959185.0004524c430a65b394f70&z=0

Find the placemarks on your itinerary and then come back to the forums and PM those members if you get into trouble and need some help.

[nickjtc]

If you want to know where you can find friendly sohc4er's on your travels, check out the member map:

I thought I was 'on the map'. Obviously not. How does a person get 'on the map'?

Vis a vis loading the bike: whatever you decide to take with you keep as close to the 'load triangle' as possible. Load triangle = an imaginary three sided box outlined by the wheel axles and the top of the riders head. Anything that will be carried outside that zone should be kept as light as possible.

Unfortunately it can be a bit of a problem if you are carrying a hot biker chick too.....................

[andy750]

Unfortunatley it can be a bit of a problem if you are carrying a hot biker chick too.....................

Is that the voice of experience Nick?

[nickjtc]

Is that the voice of experience Nick?

No, just me living me vicariously through someone who shall remain nameless.

Actually, I do have a little experience in long distance riding with a load and a pillion. In 1998 my missis and I flew to Montreal to pick up my BMW R1100RS, which we then rode back to BC over the following 5 days. It's a long story.

[alltherightpills]

I thought I was 'on the map'. Obviously not. How does a person get 'on the map'?

I thought I remember seeing you on it as well.  Anyway, here are instructions on how to do it:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=37828.msg392396#msg392396

And if you have problems, post them on this thread and burma will try to help you out:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=39593.msg408337#msg408337

[andy750]

Actually, I do have a little experience in long distance riding with a load and a pillion. In 1998 my missis and I flew to Montreal to pick up my BMW R1100RS, which we then rode back to BC over the following 5 days. It's a long story.

I look forward to hearing that story someday over a beer 

Have a good one,

cheers
Andy

[upperlake04]

Bring a tarp. One size bigger than you think you will need. Either rap your sleeping bag in it or get a sleeping bag cover as the road grime and dirt will quickly cover it. Plus its no fun to sleep in a soaked sleeping bag.

 Good advice - another way to keep your bag dry is to line the sleeping bags' stuff sack with a garbage bag, stuff the sleeping bag into it, squeeze the air out and while holding the top of the garbage bag,  give it all a spin and tuck the excess  in.  Doesn't keep the stuff sack clean as the tarp does but the sleeping bag will stay dry.

[Caaveman82]

     Your a military man so I know you already know this but clean socks, clean sock, clean socks. If your feet are happy you are happy. As far as the gun goes why don't you just get a taser? I don't think you need a permit for those and plus guns always end up in an ugly experience.

     If you're ever in Minnesota let me know, I got a place to stow highway men for a day or two.

[jhasewhite]

stop by and crash in San Francisco.

[IAmCitizenMe]

I know it's been a while, but any updates? How's life on the road?