What is Touring?
First let’s try to define what touring is. Now, this is really the hard part because touring means different things to different people. My idea of an extended ride might include a thousand miles over a long weekend. Ask an “Iron-Butt” rider, and you are talking a thousand miles a day for over a week! A new rider might think that 200 miles is a long stretch. OK…let’s say that distance is very subjective!
Since we can’t easily describe distance, perhaps we can agree on time. So, the question is, does time involved in riding have anything to do with touring? Again, there isn’t just one answer here. For many of you, if I mention a 2-hour ride, you would probably imagine a long jaunt into the country or even another state. For me…well…2 hours is what it takes me to commute 40 miles into work every day. In each direction that is. Sadly, no, I’m not kidding. OK, time is not a good defining factor either I guess.
Fine, we can’t define it by distance or time, but can we define touring by stating that you will have a specific destination? Well…um…no, you can’t. Couldn’t you be touring on a series of long, scenic roads with no particular place to go? OK, I’m getting a little frustrated here! Geez, thanks a lot, Robin!
Actually, I’m really not frustrated at all. Believe it or not, I really did define touring. The fact is touring is what you want it to be. It can be best described as a ride designed for pleasure that may or may not have a specific destination and has no specific timeframe. Using this definition, I can put together a list of tips and some bits of information that will apply to any touring you may want to do.
Ride your own ride
Since we already determined that touring is what you want it to be, then the most important thing to remember is the very same thing I teach all students: Ride your own ride. Regardless of if you are carving corners on a country road, commuting into a large city, doing a multi-state ride or going to the store, you need to ride at your own level and within your own limitations. Don’t push yourself to go further or faster just to keep up with friends or a schedule. Riding is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Unfortunately, that fun can turn into discomfort, pain and even tragedy if you consistently push yourself beyond your limits. Try slowly extending out your ride over time to see what you are comfortable doing. Remember that you should never push right to the limit because your own body and mind could have different thresholds from day to day.
Plan your destination(s)
Yes, I know what you are going to say…”But Joe, you already said that a tour doesn’t have to have a destination!” In the big picture, this is true. However, in reality we still have to plan for things like fuel, bathroom breaks and even the occasional food stop (Ride to Eat, Eat to Ride?). The point is, you should take a look at your proposed route and plan for occasional stops. It is always easier to skip a planned stop if you want to, instead of realizing in the saddle that you really need to stop soon. Of course, in a populated area on a main route, finding a place to stop is pretty easy. This isn’t necessarily the case on some quiet backroad on a Sunday. Start by planning your routes by including stops when you know your tank will be about half full. You can always choose to skip a stop or plan extended stop times on the next ride.
Your stops are also important so you can stay hydrated and stretch your muscles. Especially in the warmer weather, you will lose much more fluids as the result of increased evaporation from the windblast than you would just from walking around. The problem is that you may not be aware of the fluid loss until it is too late. Keep drinking until you need to go to the bathroom.
To GPS or Not GPS?…that is the question
As a self-admitted techno-junkie (Yes, I invented that word!), I love gadgets and technology as much as the next guy. OK, I probably like it a whole lot more than the next 10 guys! That being said, I’ve been using GPS devices for a long time. As a pilot, I was even using GPS in aircraft when the only approved instrument device was the Loran. I love the device and can’t imagine not having one.
So it may come as a surprise to you when I say that you should not rely on the GPS. Aside from the fact that a device malfunction or failure can ruin your trip, a GPS can also distract you. I’m not saying you shouldn’t use one. What I am saying is that you should only use it in conjunction with other means. You should always have maps of the area you intend on riding. I personally prefer plastic coated commercial maps since they are almost indestructible. If you would rather use Mapquest (or some other mapping program), then make sure you put the printouts into a Ziploc bag to protect the paper and ink from any unforeseen soaking. Make sure you review the route over and over so you know ahead of time where you need to go and where you need to turn. Don’t just follow the digital arrow on your GPS.
Here is another tip…always bring a grease pencil with you. There is no ink to dry out, it is easily sharpened and it will make a waterproof route line on a plastic map. Additionally, it can be used to jot down quick notes on one of your rearview mirrors or the corner of your windscreen.
Sometimes extra baggage is a good thing
Knowing what to bring on a tour or a trip is just as important as what not to bring. First, let’s cover the things you absolutely must have with you.
Owner’s Manual – It goes without saying that this must be with your machine at all times.
Tool Kit – The tool kits that come with most machines today are pretty lousy quality. My suggestion is that you bring the tools with you to a Sears or other higher end store and buy replacements. I doubt that will end up spending more than $20 to $50 and you will have tools that you can actually use in a pinch.
Fuses – Know where your fuse box is? Know what types of fuses are in the box? If your answer to either of these questions is, “No”, then stop what you are doing, go to your bike and find out! Then, head to the auto parts store and buy extra fuses.
Rags – Don’t throw out those old t-shirts. Get a couple of them and wrap them around that new set of tools and fuses you just bought.
Bottle of Water – It’s not just for drinking anymore. Keep this bottle with you to use in an emergency. You will thank me the first time you need to flush out your eyes in the event an errant bug or bit of dirt finds its way past your visor or glasses.
Flashlight – Don’t skimp on this item. Buy a sturdy, high-end model that is tough and waterproof. Store the batteries separately.
Large Zip Ties – Next to duct tape, this is a rider’s best friend. It can help to secure a load, secure a broken piece of bodywork or even secure the aforementioned sturdy flashlight to the fairing when a stone breaks your headlight at night on a deserted road.
Cell Phone – Yes, you probably already take it everywhere with you. However in this case, taking it with you doesn’t mean keeping it on you. Don’t ride with your cell phone on your person. Secure it somewhere else on the bike. The reason is that if you need it in an emergency (and said emergency involved you falling), then there is a good chance you will destroy the phone in the fall if it is on your belt or in your pocket.
Tire Gauge – It never ceases to amaze me how many people don’t regularly check their tire pressures. Don’t fall into this trap. Get used to checking you pressure (when the tires are cold) and always do it before a big ride.
If it won’t get you home, leave it alone
If your tour involves a multi-day trip where you will be staying at hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, etc. then consider shipping all bulky and non-riding items to your destination rather than trying to pack it on your machine. In keeping with this line of thinking, ship all souvenirs, dirty laundry and non-essentials to your home before leaving on your return trip.
If your tour and trip involves camping instead of renting rooms, then consider taking old clothes and underwear that you can use and then throw away. It beats repacking dirty clothes and makes room for things you might pick up along the way.
What to Wear?
We all know the benefits and purpose of safety gear. Well, at least we all should know the benefits and purpose of safety gear (Hmm, another article…?). Anyway, that is not what I am talking about right now. I’m talking about your regular clothes.
What you need to be aware of is that the weather has the nasty tendency of changing quite rapidly and sometimes without warning. Every rider will eventually experience the temperature change just by riding from a sunny area into a shady area (and vice-versa). These temperature changes are even more drastic when you are riding in the spring and the fall as day turns to night. We all have probably heard the term “Wind Chill Factor” that describes the effect wind has in lowering the perceived temperature. Well, a 60 MPH head wind has some significant wind chill factor. In the heat of the summer, this is a welcome relief. When the temperature begins to drop…well…not so much so. Dressing in layers is your best bet when operating a motorcycle or scooter. Aside from it being a very efficient way of retaining body heat, it also allows you to add or remove layers as the temperature changes. Consider taking a few extra layers with you if you plan on riding into the night. If you are leaving at night (or very early in the morning), start out by wearing the layers instead of that one heavy jacket. This way, as the day wears on and gets warmer, you can remove the unnecessary layers and stay comfortable.
Of course, a really nice thing to consider is purchasing electric heated gear. Personally, I can’t say enough good things about the benefits of having a heated vest or jacket liner (Techno-Junkie, remember?). If you never tried one, then I strongly suggest that you do so right away. You will be absolutely amazed at the ease and the comfort of having heated gear and nothing is more effective at getting rid of a chill than simply hitting a button or turning a dial and having instant heat. While you might think that it is only needed in cold weather riding, nothing could be further from the truth. I actually find it more useful when you are subjected to that early morning or early evening chill on an otherwise warm day.
Finally, there is no checklist or planning that will take the place of common sense. Don’t be a slave to schedules and don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your route(s). Ride safe, ride sane and you will begin to see how easy it is to extend your rides out to new areas and new experiences.
Ride safe and ride often!
-Joe
