Trip ready #1: tips on how to ride in any weather using what you have

Last week I've got an email with AMA Touring tips, tricks & techniques (link 2). Given that earlier this month Jamie Robinson shared his video on what to pack I thought it's finally the time to share my experience with you.

When I made my first intercity trip on my first "motorcycle" (actually it was a scooter) and made 50 miles in just 2 hours I knew there should be best practices from experience riders that will provide valuable advice on how to pack, what to take on a motorcycle trip (regardless whether it's short or long one) and how to stay safe and comfortable even if you're low on funds. At that time the best 2-wheeler I could afford was 1991 Honda Dio AF27 50cc scooter for 270$. I didn't even had a helmet for the first 2-4 days.

Actally mine had a regular headlight and no mudguards

I started to get some apparel and gained more and more experience each and every day. I always used my bikes to commute to work as well as recreational riding (including scooter cross racing once or twice).

So after the first 6 months of chill and cold weather riding (rain, snow or just heavy winds) I had learned how essential trash bags can be: you want neither your electronics (be it a laptop or mobile phone) nor spare cloth to get soaking wet. Plus labeling it with permanent markers helps to stay organized during long tours.

Rule 1. Pack and label your stuff into several trash bags and carry few extra bags with you

The reason to get at least 2 extra bags is this: trash bags not only are waterproof, but also can work as windstoppers or just let you carry any extra stuff (like my rain suit that I had no space for in my bags on my Daytona trip when it got warmer down south) that you can not fit into your luggage. So rain or shine you may need them. I know there is really good waterproof apparel out on the market. But sometimes riding wet for hours can be stronger than those cool synthetic fabrics. And after all it weights nothing.

I heard a tip that compactor bags are the thickest thus are the most durable (at least on paper). Haven't checked them yet but it's on my list for upcoming Coast-to-Coast ride (which is taking place this year).

Please let me know how many times such a small thing as plastic bag actually saved your valuable stuff.