Hi,
I'm preparing for my first (mostly solo) long distance road trip. I'm stopping to see friends and family in many different states so I will be navigating into unfamiliar territory on a daily basis for approximately four weeks. I wonder if any one can give me advice on essential gear that you've road tested and found worth having.
At the moment I'm looking for a quality but reasonably priced GPS with blue tooth capability and a mounting system for a sport bike (2003 Suzuki SV 650) Do any of you have any "insider" tips to impart that will help me narrow down my search?
Thanks so much!
~buffy
This is an excellent GPS for a motorcycle at a reasonable price. Things is they discontinued it (not sure why, probably to sell a more expensive model). Has Blue Tooth for phone and if you have a blue tooth helmet you get voice nav in you helmet.
Here are the specs: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=382
Here is a link to where you can still get it at Overstock.com for $299.00: Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Like I said it is discountinued, but I know Overstock really well and if you buy it from them you will get full warrantee and you can return it to them if you don't like it.
The essentials should be...
Warm Clothing (even in the summer)
Rain Gear - get the thinest one you can find. Any rain gear will keep out water and since its water proof it is also air tight which means you are going to get hot in there.
Water & Snacks - Don't plan on just enough to make it between stops. Plan on enough to keep you going if you need to sit on the side of an empty road hours waiting for help if you have mechanical problems.
Basic Tool Kit - Whether or not you think can fix your own bike or not. You would be amazed at the things you can do when you have to. Plus if someone stops to help they won't be able to if you don't have any tools. There are some cool compact tool kits available for every type bike (if you bike didn't come equiped with one).
Flashlight
Maps - At least down to state level for all the states you will be traveling in. Just in case the GPS fails.
With that you can get anywhere, anything else is for comfort. Remember to keep it light. You can always stop at the local laundry mat and wash your clothes.
Hope that help you out some.
Have a great trip and don't forget to tell us about it when you get back.
If I could make a recommendation since you are traveling alone....
Call someone prior to each leg of the trip and let them know what your route is for that leg. Also let them know what your approximate time of completing that route is and that you will call them around that time. If you don't call they should make several attempts to contact you (in case you forgot to call) and if they cannot reach you they should contact the athorities in the area you were to be in.
There are a lot of places out there you could run off the road out of the sight of passing traffinc. And if you are injured or pinned under you bike with no cel service, you are gonna be the next meal for the local wildlife.
Check this out, you might be able to use some of this stuff. Make sure to look at the Trip Checklist link, there might be some things you could use.
http://www.cycleridge.com/store/planatrip.asp
Yeah, don't forget the duct tape & wire ties...they can be very helpful if you meet a guy who doesn't want to stay around quite as long as you would like him too.
Who knows, you could meet a guy who's into that kinda stuff.
Or, You could be into that kinda stuff.
OMG!! You two are hysterical... and you do know I'm making a mental note of all this. *winks*