1) To get in and out of restaurants in short order, eat at off-peak hours - most people eat around 8 a.m., 12 noon and 6 p.m. If you’re traveling East or West, schedule your meals near sunrise or sunset so you don’t have to stare into the sun when it’s low on the horizon.
2) Pack a short metal cable with loops on both ends (like a bicycle cable), it is perfect for securing a jacket and helmet to your bike’s helmet lock.
3) Carry a spare key (NOT FOB). Zip-tie or duct tape it somewhere hidden on your bike, or give it to a traveling companion.
4) Consider having a weather APP on your smart phone (i.e. Weatherbug), they can save you from riding into a massive storm.
5) On high mileage days, you’ll feel better if you carry and use eye drops every time you stop for gas.
6) If you’re ending your riding day and want to set yourself up for a quick getaway in the morning, ride to and find a place to stay on the far side of town. This will eliminate cross-town traffic the next day.
7) Keep and carry plenty of water bottles so you can drink while you ride - a must for arid weather.
8) On long and complex trips, keep yourself organized by packing each days clothes in a large ziplock for quick and easy access.
9) For those of you w/o built in GPS, a simple phone/GPS case attached to your bike’s tank can keep you on course without the bulk of a tank bag.
10) Keep your stuff dry in saddlebags by using trash compactor bags as waterproof barriers. They are thicker and more durable than standard garbage bags.
11) Use ear plugs to help reduce wind noise. You can get them from most mail-order shops, motorcycle dealers, or in bulk from safety-equipment supply houses.
12) Pack a small towel or rag or Bugslide kit for wiping dew off seats, windshields and mirrors, or even for doing a quick whole bike cleanup. Synthetic chamois cloths also work well.
13) Pack extra bungee and zip-ties.
14) Remember! Your smart phone GPS will not work without Internet signal.
15) Look over your bike carefully every morning, check the simple stuff - air pressure, oil level, loose or missing fasteners, etc.
16) Consider purchasing a Motorcycle road side / tow service. It provides some peace of mind knowing that if you do break down, a motorcycle-savvy towing crew is only a phone call away. HOG member service has been know to be hit or miss.
17) Stash a little emergency cash somewhere hidden on the bike or on you.
18) Before departing in the mornings, double check every strap on tank bags, soft saddlebags and every latch on hard luggage.
19) Never park your bike facing downhill unless your on a trike with reverse gear.
20) Wear a dog-tag or keep a document with your name, blood type and emergency phone number on it, especially if you’re riding alone. You can get them from many places including a pet store.
21) A cell phone can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Keep track of you whereabouts, e.g., route number, interstate exit, town, the last mile marker you past, etc. - anything that can save time in reaching you.
22) Good motorcycle gear is a must have. Waterproof, breathable linings in boots, jackets and pants will change the way you think about bad weather. Test your gear on a rainy day at home before facing a storm on the road.
23) Do routine maintenance at home with your bike’s toolkit, so you’re sure you have what you need along the side of the road.
24) Plenty of stretch your leg stops can do wonders on a long day. R&R time can make the difference between a vacation and an endurance run.
25) Be realistic about your daily mileage. 150 miles in really scenic areas may make for a very full day. Don’t assume you can achieve freeway mileage on good back roads.
26) Guidebooks can be invaluable. An internet search can also add spice to a trip by revealing interesting locations some books fail to mention, try [COLOR=rgb(50.196000%, 0.000000%, 50.196000%)]www.roadsideamerica.com[/COLOR].
27) It is possible to make emergency tire repairs (on the road) using a kit. But practice using the kit, at home, on an old tire so that you know how it works.
28) A pack-able motorcycle seat cover will help keep your seat clean and dry overnight.
29) check tire air pressure often on trips. A low front tire can cause the "death wobble" while riding.
30) Calling a hotel / motel, even if you’re one block away, can often yield a better rate than if you just walk in. If you have internet access, there may be some great online deals available. Either way, have a reservation by 4 p.m.
