CONFESSIONS OF A VETERAN ROOKIE
Fred Rau is one of my favorite motorcycle writers and I enjoy reading whatever he has to say every month. Over the decades, his words have been all over the moto mags so you have likely read him, as well.
In the March 2009 issue of Motorcycle Consumer News, Fred wrote an insightful article on “Rookie Mistakes,” that outlines some fundamental points about long-distance riding.
I found this article compelling because I not only have a lot of miles under my belt as a result of multiple coast-to-coast tours, up and down, and all over North America, but also because I find that as I’ve gotten a bit older, I’ve become more interested in the fundamentals of riding and touring, since they form the bedrock upon which this whole passion of my motorbike enjoyment rests.
So, while I intended to enjoy Mr. Rau’s words with the self-satisfaction of knowing that I’ve got all the bases covered, I found that his article pointed out some of my own rookie errors! And worse than that, I agree with everything he brought up.
Anyway, I’m sure you have so mastered these fundamentals that they cease to register in your consciousness as a matter worthy of attention. Hence, I present them as a confession of my sins and to remind you of the simplicities that continue to benefit you.
I’ll highlight his rookie mistakes here:
1: TOURING WITH BRAND-NEW GEAR
ROOKIE MISTAKE #1: Heading out on a tour with brand new gear. The point is that any new gear should be tried out locally to ensure proper road fit, rather than spending all day in the saddle with a helmet or boots that are too tight after a hundred miles or so, resulting in an uncomfortable ride for most of the day, and every day afterwards, for the rest of the tour.
Although, over the decades I’ve managed to maintain this first point, this next one is a feat I’m still tuning:
2a: OVERPACKING
ROOKIE MISTAKE #2a: Overpacking. This may be a relative point for different riders, but for me, I find I’m still in pursuit of some personal ideal of elegant simplicity that poses a balance between bringing as little as possible, vs. ensuring I have the majority of what I actually need. Even on multi-week, cross-country adventures, I have found that I could have enjoyed the experience a little bit more, had I brought a little less.
You will need to establish your own happy medium between what you need and what you don’t, but, just like Fred, I have never encountered a rider who didn’t want to bring more than what would actually be necessary.
This item is the hardest on this list to remedy without gaining real-world touring experience and learning that you don’t actually have to bring 24 pair of socks. Whether you stay in motels, hotels, the homes of friends and family, or camp along the road, the truth is that washing machines exist in more places than your own home.
2b: POOR PACKING
ROOKIE MISTAKE #2b: Poor Packing. In addition to ensuring you have underwear and socks in sealed bags (and as much else as possible), where you pack them, or the order in which they are packed, become more important the longer you ride. How quickly can you get your rain gear? How accessible is that warmer pair of gloves? Do you need to rummage around for a snack?
The good news here is that how you pack your gear can be improved day by day while you are on the road.
3: RIDING WITHOUT ALTERNATIVE FUNDING
ROOKIE MISTAKE #3: Riding without alternative funding. Dang! The idea of sealing and hiding extra cash and another credit card somewhere on the bike as a precaution against a lost or stolen wallet is not new. In fact, I’ve done that in the past past (long past). But since I’ve never had occasion to take advantage of such a precaution, I’ve let that slide out of my basic actions, a few bikes back in history. That will now be re-implemented as part of my touring “basics.”
4: RIDING WITHOUT A SPARE KEY
ROOKIE MISTAKE #4: Riding without a spare key. Eghad! I’m not only guilty as charged! It’s worse than that. I’ve considered the same point over the years, and never rectified it. That’s double guilty! Losing a key to your bike could turn a glorious day of a vacation into an ignoble day of infamy. Conversely, for a prepared rider, it could be no more than a moment of inconvenience to pull out a replacement for a key that got dropped on a trail, or fell over a lookout, or as Fred notes, a key that “disappeared into the swirling water” of a flushing toilet.
WHAT ROOKIE MISTAKES HAVE YOU OBSERVED?
Just as Fred notes that he could fill a book with such practical considerations, you, too, have observed or learned some rookie mistakes, whether by the school of hard knocks, or otherwise. Add your thoughts about “rookie mistakes” in the comments section below.
I agree with what he was saying just not as direct
I didn’t see a can of flat tire fixer, nor did I see a couple of road flares…you can’t always use the flat fix but when you can, it’s well worth having it. One lesson though, don’t pack it on the bottom of a saddlebag because the heat from the exhaust can cause those cans to explode from the increased pressure. Also, be sure to bring the two most common size open end wrenchs for your bike, better yet put together a small repair kit which includes open end wrenches, glue if your new kuryakin handles decide to become unglued, a small strip of sanding tape to clean off the old glue, a leatherman or similar knife is really handy because of the different screwdrivers included, some zip ties and electrical and duct tape should handle 99% of your emergency needs. Its fine to have the spark plugs and all, but without those wrenches, how you gonna take them out? Guess a socket or two wouldn’t hurt, either. I have had problems with loose mirrors, but have found most bike shops will gladly loan a tool or two to a traveler–at least H-D shops will. Don’t forget to enjoy the ride.
re: the extra key problem.
My BMW came with 3 keys. I keep one at home, use one in the ignition, and have the 3rd key on a lanyard inside my shirt. Always, when I ride.
When I stop and go into a restaurant etc., the ignition key goes into the inside zippered pocket of my jacket(s), OR, onto the lanyard with the other key around my neck.
I always lock the side and top cases, the handlebars, and the comm centre when I leave the bike. I guess the newer Goldwings, with the keyless remote for cases, would facilitate keeping a spare key inside. But if for some reason it wouldn’t work, it would be better to have a spare key on you!
“I can think of one, make sure your shoelaces are not dangling. They might get caught in the gear shift, or brakes. Tuck ‘em in.” ?????
NEVER RIDE WITHOUT PROPER RIDING BOOTS!
Too Hot?
Too Cold?
Too Tired?
STOP!!!
I like to carry my girlfriend
I like to carry my girfriend
I would add a small flashlight, and I second the motion on carrying at least one bottle of drinking water.
Thanks to all of you. I am going from
Western Ma. to Seattle this summer. Your comments have really helped in my planning. The first time I did a trip like this was in 1961 on my old ‘59 FLH. (oil). This time I will be on my ‘98 Road Star 1300. I;ll keep you in the loop.
One of the biggest rookie mistakes I have made refers back to one of the posts in this thread; trying new gear locally first before longer trips. I purchased a new helmet, tried it on at the store, getting just the right size and all. I even wore the helmet home and it felt just fine. That next week-end I went on a 250 mile ride wearing my new helmet and discovered that it was actually too tight. I did not notice it on the short 20 minute ride back to my house from the store, but definitely realize that on my weekend ride. The moral of the story that I learned was to really try out new gear as extensively as possible before longer rides.
I wrote awhile back on this thread and just read the latest entries, all very important and while I agree about the “pack less – carry money instead” statements. There are times that not having what you need is going to disrupt your ride. So common sense and what you value is more important. I don’t carry water, I carry Powerade – why because it has electrolytes and sodium that work best for me in the California/Nevada/Arizona desert heat. But that doesn’t mean H2O isn’t useful. You might need H20 for cleaning, topping off a radiator, or who knows what. So its, really up to you to make your own determination.
One last thing to add….the packing list….I harped about in my post (sorry) and by no means does it have to be elaborate and it can be a short list. However, in reading your posts, I see, ziplock bags, glasses, lip balms, moisturizers, rain gear, earplugs, shirts, medicines & eye-drops…holy cow…you’ll soon realize your packing quite a few items! To offset the “growing list” just look for the most compact and/or multi-task oriented products to minimize the list. Now that TSA governs what you bring on a plane, I’ve adopted those TSA rules to my motorcycle packing – nothing over 3 oz.!
Recently did a 12 day 5k mile r/t east coast to Colorado. Halfway thru we UPS’s about 40 lbs of excess back home. Yeah, travel light but smart! Add to the emergency stuff a small roll of good duct tape, zip ties, and light gauge annealed wire (used to call it baling wire but i think that’s not right). All three helped me re-install a fairing mirror on my Gold Wing after a fall (which was more stable than the other one and lasted the entire trip). As for “never ride in the rain”, depends on the rain and the terrain. Be smart, be prepared. Best way to overcome a “survival” situation is to not get into one to begin with. One more good use for duct tape. I left my chaps in a motel out west, got caught in heavy rain a couple hours from home. Under an overpass, I spread out clean dry jeans on a ground cloth, duct-taped the legs lengthwise, pulled them over my wet ones and made for the nearest motel. (It rained all night, smart thing to do). Although I was already wet, they kept me from getting colder. Major pain getting the tape OFF, though.
Before your first great trip: Take the MSF Basic training course. It may save your butt as it did mine on my first downhill decreasing radius turn. What’s that you say? Take the course. There’s a lot of stuff that even an experienced rider can learn.
I can think of one, make sure your shoelaces are not dangling. They might get caught in the gear shift, or brakes. Tuck ‘em in.
Be sure to keep a slip of paper in your wallet with important information like your scripts, but don’t forget to include emergency contact information for your family, your doctor, your dentist. Quite often an injured single biker is unconscious and without contact information, your family will never know you’ve been hurt. The contact info should include name, address, telephone, email (if available). If that contact person is going on a trip the same time you are, include an alternate emergency contact. If your cell phone has GPS tracking service on it, be certain to tell the contact person you have this technology with you.
Hummmmm….your cell phone. Do you have under “E” emergency #1 name phone #, emergency # 2 name and phone number, and emergency #3 name and phone number. Anyone scrolling your cell phone will know who to call.
There is available through catalogs, a small pouch that adherses to the helmet where you buckle, stating not to remove helmet in the event of an accident and important emergency info is inside.
Include in the first aid kit; gloves and several small capsules of liquid antihistamine. Perfect for direct application to insect bites/stings. Fill bandaid and stick to bite/sting.
By the way about NOT planning to ride in the rain? That’s bullshit, I’m from the Seattle area, and that’s the ONLY way you ride here is in the rain. I’ve ridden just as many miles in the rain as I have in the sun… ALWAYS plan for rain! Certain situations don’t allow you to “Just wait it out”.
I’ve been riding for a while now, since 1981 and I had my share of rookie mistakes but now adays it comes down to common sense:
don’t forget your meds
1) where are you going?
2) how long do you ‘plan’ to be gone?
3) are your bills paid up?
4) stash at least $500 or more in a secret place the spouse doesn’t have access to til you actually need it.
5) make sure to bring a map
6) make sure you didn’t just get a new engine and you’re going to break it in on the trip, not a good idea, never know what problem you could come up with on a trip, plus with all the added weight among other factors.
7) bring at least a can of Motorcycle oil, zip ties, bungie chords, plastic trash bags
9) if you have contacts on your way keep in touch with them now and then on your route
10) Now you’re ready to hit the road and get to that first ice cold one:-)
Leave raingear at home. If you buy it and pack it you’ll think you have to use it. If you don’t have it, you won’t be tempted to be out there hydroplaning with the rest of the cars and trucks. Never, ever plan to ride in the rain. Pull over and wait it out or get a hotel. Maybe a cheap poncho to keep you dry while stopped, but just don’t ride on the wet roads. Riding in the rain is just stupid. You up your chances of getting killed by a factor of a million. You cannot stop fast in the rain, you cannot see well in the rain and cars can’t see you and don’t expect you to be out there (they can’t stop very well in the rain either). Even a small water filled pothole can kill you. A large puddle on the edge of the lane that will make your car go crazy will kill a motorcyclist. When it starts raining, pull over, If you are in a hurry, drive your car, not your motorcycle. All the fancy and expensive stay dry clothing, reflective vests, boots, etc. are not going to help you when that car or truck sideswipes you or rear-ends you. Give it a try, make a 60 MPH panic stop when the roads are wet and its raining. After you get up and buy a new motorcycle, you’ll understand that had you been on a highway and fall and the cars run over you. Don’t even think about riding in the rain. Stop as soon as the roads get wet.
List of always take with on trips:
-extra plugs
-zip ties (these will save your bacon more often than you realize)
-extra key
-for those with clutch cable, extra cable (have had to use this twice, even after brand new replacement just before leaving on trip)
-sunscreen, lip balm
-water
-rain gear (always have it with)
-leather (always pack it)
-warm gloves, as well as, summer gloves
-extra eyewear
-roll of electrical tape (another life saver at times)
-ball point pen (whether for writing or the spring acts as a spare, depending on the age of your bike..i’ve used this for a roadside repair as well)
-newest member of the never forgets is a GPS…if you haven’t got one or tried one, they’re a lifesaver on a long trip and a timesaver as well
Happy riding!
The only thing I missed on was carrying a spare key.. but that’s because last summer my wife and I rode together a lot and *she* carried it. This summer, I am taking more solo rides, and I forgot to retrieve it. Thanks for the reminder.
I have my gear and packing honed down to a very light load. I use a commodious tank bag, and when riding solo, I have room to spare in my hard bags (I ride an ‘07 Honda ST1300). Summertime allows me to carry a somewhat lighter load, as my riding / rain pants are rather bulky, and I admit to wearing jeans much of the time.
I like the idea of keeping the spare key in a boot pocket; I’ll have to work on that.
Something I always keep in mind is to “leather up” and “wet down” when the temp gets above 99 degrees F. and I always have some kind of high visibility geat (vest or full jacket) on.
Ride on!
Last year I made a 1500 mile week long trip from Seattle area to Glacier National Park on a KLR, very little room in tank, tail, and saddle (soft) bags so was forced to pack light. Still had a ball and didn’t miss anything I didn’t take. Packed too many tools I think. This year (Aug) I am making a 2500 mile trip from Seattle area to Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Glacier, and back but this trip will be on a Goldwing. Figure 8 days. I’m amazed at the room I have. I can’t even begin to fill up all the holes with stuff. My problem now is taking ONLY necessary stuff even though I have lots of room.
I always carry spare spark plugs, I sew little pockets in my boots and keep spare key there,always whether local or long distance. Emergency fire starter and tire repair w/CO2 cartridge. Never more than three days clothes. And I use my handle bars for things like rolled jacket, tent, etc, it keeps it out of the way and leaves room for other items
Before I take a trip, I learned to create a packing list in Excel. One column is an A to Z list. This I use to check-off when assembling everything from the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom & garage all on the livingroom floor. The second column is for the left saddlebag, third column for right saddle bag, 4th for tankbag, 5th for a topcase. 6th is for the rider and what I’ll be wearing & carrying. Having this laid out, makes packing a breeze, finding things even faster. Keep the packing list to refer if you can’t recall where you put it….and if you did forget something, right it down so next time you won’t forget!
i must wear glasses to drive or ride, so i carry a second pair always.
Sunscreen I am never with out it. there are all kinds of containers it comes in as far sizes even for the bikes with very little carry space.
May I also include that here in the tropics, some moisturizer for the face and skin and lip-balm would be necessary for the hot and humid weather, specially for long rides. And certainly a bottle of water should be carried along although there are stops or rest points every 50km – 70km along the highways.
Totally agree with the pack less thing.
I rode to Dubai from Doha a couple of months ago. Took some extra gas containers. (not sure how far between gas station) turned out not needed at all.
The alternate funds thing is also a winner but then when I am on tour I sleep, wash, drink,everything with my money and keys.
I keep a key on a lanyard next to the body.
I have always had the philosophy that the only thing you really need to take on a trip is money. Everything else you can find on the way. This is very true with clothes. It is very easy to find another pair of socks, shirt etc.. unless you are in the wilderness in which case what you are wearing will suffice (if it is warm enough)
I would like to say that less is more and all of you have heard to check out your bike daily so I came up with this touring plan 1 bring my meds atleast a weeks supply in one bottle but take the prescription reciepts so just in case johny law pulls you over. 2 is to bring a set of cloths and maybe a dress shirt and when you get your close dirty stop at a laundry matt and while washing the cloths order dinner from a place that delivers and then go over the bike making sure everything is in good working order, next is to get the local yellow pages and call for places to stay near by and you can also plan your next days riding all while washing you cloths, I ride a sport bike with little luggage so riding with less gear is a must and I also recomend spot it is like a emergency device were your family can see were you are on google earth and if you get in trouble you can get help were a cell phone will not work
The ziplock bags that your snacks, clean socks, and underwear are packed in will serve double duty as dirty laundry bags as the contents are used.
Don’t forget to pack your rain gear on top of other basic items.
Take some eye drops for moisture relief… Nothing quite like a 6 hour ride with a bit of sand in your eye.
Make sure that the meds you carry include an EXTRA Day or two dosage in case your trip time is lengthened.
Always carry In Case of Emergency card or printout in your wallet listing meds, implants, allergies, contacts in your wallet.
Always let someone know your route plans and check points.
Always phone home and let loved ones know when you’ve reached checkpoints safely. Always carry a day or two’s worth of your meds in case of emergency. Always carry a first aid kit.
Always carry water to drink.