Motorcycle Trip 101..From Your Riding Gear To Everything In Your Travel Bag
And special thanks to Simon and Ruby for always accessorizing me and giving me wanderlust daydreams even when I cannot get out there to adventure.
Traveling gypset moto babes...we have already discussed some in's and out's of your must have essentials for your long distance rides when it comes to packing. Incase you missed it grab it here. There are some amazing tips and tricks there to help you maximize every single space you have. And you are going to need it loves! Now I am here to help you with your riding gear and everything you may want to carry along in detail. Lucky you! (The two posts share some of the same info but don't want you to miss a thing )
First things first ladies! You must be safe so you must have the appropriate gear. Should you come down, you want to be as protected as possible. And you really want to be comfortable and not have anything flapping in the wind. You also want to be prepared for any climates that you encounter. On a trip to Colorado once we experienced all 4 seasons up the mountain. It was the coolest craziest thing. My riding gear made a huge difference for me in how much I loved my ride. Invest in the good stuff ! It makes a huge difference. TRUST ME on this. I hated some previous rides because I failed to have the appropriate gear. I also wasted a ton of money on stuff I thought I wanted and needed and tried to cut corners. Fashion is a huge part of my life and I feel like I finally found a way to be protected and fashionable at the same time!
RIDING GEAR MUST HAVES:
I have tried so many jackets trying to save money and am so happy I finally invested in the BMW GS Dry Jacket. It’s waterproof and has so many pockets for storage. It also has vents should you get hot where the air can get in and I love the stylish fit cinching at the waist so you feel and look feminine and sexy. And feeling feminine and sexy makes all the difference in the world for me on a long ride. This jacket is worth EVERY penny. It will be the only one you will have to buy too.
Pants were tough for me because I have a smaller waist and LOTS of junk in the trunk. The Kevlar protective leggings have been amazing. They look great and are comfortable. They have a higher waist and you can easily take the kneepads out of them and you have a great legging just to wear around town. (They run small so you will want to go up 2 sizes. Do your measurements and use their size chart) Only downfall is they are balling up in all honesty and I am hoping there will be a future solution for that. But I love these leggings!!!
You must have a helmet and the Shoei RF 1200 is my favorite. It provides good ventilation and is the quietest helmet out there. It’s also incredibly comfortable and stylish as it comes in many colors. I love the silver.
Rev’ It Winter Socks are incredible because they keep your feet and legs warm and dry. And I love the color variety. You do not want cold wet feet on a long ride.
Bilt Tour Master Solution Road Boots:
You must have a good comfortable boot when riding. I have tried a dozen and The Bilt Tour Master Solution Road Boots are everything I look for. I love their sleek shape and reliable grip. They also have an adjustable Velcro brand closure and leather stretch panels for better comfort and durability. The molded nylon shin and ankle guard is also the coziest I have found and doesn’t rub my skin raw. My first trip I nearly thought I was juts going to have to wear my normal boots because the pain was so intense. These are also pretty comfortable off the bike when you are exploring the towns you stop in..not too heavy and I can get some bend in my ankles.
Layers are your best friend for under your jacket so I love the Lululemon power Y top. It provides support for the girls and dries quickly should it get damp. I love the adjustable straps too. And this is a great piece to have off the bike for hiking and other various adventures.
Splendid's Thermal Cuff Tunic:
I also adore Splendid’s thermal cuff tunic if I need another layer. I love the scoop neckline and shirttail hem. It's a great city shirt too off the bike with leggings or denim!
Love the short cuff on these, full leather palm, and the strategically placed air flow sections.
And don’t forget your Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. This is a fantastic insulating layer and is so perfect to run around in off the bike. You will get a lot of use out of this purchase. Their jackets fold up into a nice little pouch too that I can even throw in my BMW back pocket not taking any more room in my travel bag. Major plus!
Now you are ready to pack your tiny little bag for your trip!
The obvious – ID, cash, credit card, insurance & roadside assistance info, phone/camera/charger, maps, sunglasses, lip moisturizer, (the wind will kill your lips) several pony tail holders, a wide headband and ear plugs. (Pack some Band-Aids too...if your riding boots are new, you might get a few blisters from breaking them in. The headband and ponytails are to keep your hair from slapping you in the face and getting all tangled.
Clothing – take 1 extra pair of pants or leggings, 2 or 3 changes of shirts or jersey tunic dresses which are my favorite because they compress nicely and do not wrinkle. (Consider layering them & switching up the layers on different days), socks can be worn 2 days each, change underwear daily, (and invest in some leakproof underwear if it's your time of the month!) something to sleep in, and a jacket for around town. I love bringing fashionable leather that folds up small. Remember 3 thin shirts are warmer, lighter, and more flexible than 1 thick hooded sweatshirt. Bring gloves and a scarf too and booties.
Toiletries (hotels have shampoo & soap) – toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, comb/brush, nail clippers and file, lotion for dry skin, facial wipes, rosewater mist to hydrate the skin, perfume, and I carry along my curling iron. It's just my one item I refuse to live without. And of course add any cosmetic items you will need. You might have those in your cross-body purse too, which will also save space in your pack. I also pack a mini candle. In smaller towns, the hotel selection is not grand and the room can sometimes have a musty smell.
So now that you have the gear and your ultimate travel guide..what are you waiting for?! Get out on that two lane road and adventure loves!!!
And P.S..any of this would make the best gift for the motorcyclist enthusiast! I hope a lot of this is under my tree!
What is your one can't live without item when traveling??!
Xo
Sam