Preparing for a Long Journey
Bravo and I are about to embark on quite a long journey. I expect we'll be traveling back to Los Angeles and into Mexico by the second week of August 2019. But first I need to figure out exactly what we'll need for life on the road. This process can be difficult and frustrating because space is limited and weight quickly becomes a factor for fuel economy.
The bike weighs 505 lbs. (229 kgs.) dry. By the time you factor in fuel, oil, gear, and the weight Bravo and I add, we're probably in the range of about 800-1000 lbs. (362-453 kgs.) which makes a big difference in fuel cost.
Tools/Parts - I have most of the tools that were included with the bike when it was new. I also have a few more specialty tools so I can perform more serious work if necessary. I'm still trying to decide whether it's a good idea to carry my torque wrench; I may buy a smaller lighter one instead. I'm also starting out with some spare parts that came with the bike when I bought it. Some of the parts I'm carrying are spare brake pads, right control cluster, tire repair kit, and spare bulbs.
Gear - Most of what I'd call gear consists of my GoPro cameras and my laptop. I've got a GoPro Fusion, Session, and a Hero 7 Black. My laptop is a MacBook Air. I consider all of these vital since I make videos of our travels and the more camera angles I can film the more entertaining I can make the videos. I also have various mounts and selfie sticks to help with filming, including a mount for Bravo. Other gear includes external hard drives, 2 man tent, sleeping bag, and travel pillow.
Extras - I have an e-collar for Bravo that I'm hoping I can phase out at some point, but Bravo is going to need to get on board with the rules before I can sell it or gift it to someone else. I'm starting with my Evolve Carbon GT which is completely unnecessary, but I plan to sell it in a major city to help fund the trip.
Bravo - One of the most difficult things to pack is Bravo's food. If I buy small amounts it gets expensive, if I buy large quantities it's very hard to make room. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to keep a big bag stored in the milk crate James gave me. That of course causes problems when we're traveling through areas with wildlife. Other than his food Bravo travels pretty light. I carry a few tennis balls, his goggles, and plenty of drinking water for the both of us.
I keep going back and forth about where everything goes. So far I'm keeping all the tools and parts in one side case, and sleeping gear and toiletries in the other. But I'm concerned a little about distribution of weight. Another concern of mine is being able to access things quickly and easily while keeping everything secure as well as safe from the elements. I have a Nelson Rigg waterproof tail bag where I store my clothes and other things I need to keep dry. (UPDATE - I took the dry bag on a kayak trip and every compartment leaked. My MacBook Air was completely soaked.) At some point I intend to mount some aftermarket cases with access from the top because the stock cases are flimsy and difficult to load or unload while mounted on the bike because of the way they open.
I suppose I should put the computer away for now and get busy packing.
You can help Bravo and me stay on the road with a small pledge on Patreon and you can subscribe to our YouTube channel here. You can also support our trip by purchasing products from Amazon through the links in this blog.
#Bravelocity #R1150GS #PackingForTheRoad
The bike weighs 505 lbs. (229 kgs.) dry. By the time you factor in fuel, oil, gear, and the weight Bravo and I add, we're probably in the range of about 800-1000 lbs. (362-453 kgs.) which makes a big difference in fuel cost.
What are we packing?
Clothes - I've decided to start out with two pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, and several shirts. I have three pair of underwear and three pair of socks; I'll need more of both. I have my boots and at some point I'm going to want a new pair of sandals/flip flops. Currently I have a light weight coat but I need to get another riding jacket soon; both for comfort and protection in case of an accident.
Tools/Parts - I have most of the tools that were included with the bike when it was new. I also have a few more specialty tools so I can perform more serious work if necessary. I'm still trying to decide whether it's a good idea to carry my torque wrench; I may buy a smaller lighter one instead. I'm also starting out with some spare parts that came with the bike when I bought it. Some of the parts I'm carrying are spare brake pads, right control cluster, tire repair kit, and spare bulbs.
Gear - Most of what I'd call gear consists of my GoPro cameras and my laptop. I've got a GoPro Fusion, Session, and a Hero 7 Black. My laptop is a MacBook Air. I consider all of these vital since I make videos of our travels and the more camera angles I can film the more entertaining I can make the videos. I also have various mounts and selfie sticks to help with filming, including a mount for Bravo. Other gear includes external hard drives, 2 man tent, sleeping bag, and travel pillow.
Extras - I have an e-collar for Bravo that I'm hoping I can phase out at some point, but Bravo is going to need to get on board with the rules before I can sell it or gift it to someone else. I'm starting with my Evolve Carbon GT which is completely unnecessary, but I plan to sell it in a major city to help fund the trip.
Bravo - One of the most difficult things to pack is Bravo's food. If I buy small amounts it gets expensive, if I buy large quantities it's very hard to make room. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to keep a big bag stored in the milk crate James gave me. That of course causes problems when we're traveling through areas with wildlife. Other than his food Bravo travels pretty light. I carry a few tennis balls, his goggles, and plenty of drinking water for the both of us.
How to Pack it All?
I keep going back and forth about where everything goes. So far I'm keeping all the tools and parts in one side case, and sleeping gear and toiletries in the other. But I'm concerned a little about distribution of weight. Another concern of mine is being able to access things quickly and easily while keeping everything secure as well as safe from the elements. I have a Nelson Rigg waterproof tail bag where I store my clothes and other things I need to keep dry. (UPDATE - I took the dry bag on a kayak trip and every compartment leaked. My MacBook Air was completely soaked.) At some point I intend to mount some aftermarket cases with access from the top because the stock cases are flimsy and difficult to load or unload while mounted on the bike because of the way they open.
I suppose I should put the computer away for now and get busy packing.
You can help Bravo and me stay on the road with a small pledge on Patreon and you can subscribe to our YouTube channel here. You can also support our trip by purchasing products from Amazon through the links in this blog.
#Bravelocity #R1150GS #PackingForTheRoad
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