A L O N E -tips for women traveling solo

 Just like everything else, there are pros and cons to traveling alone. However, as a woman traveling solo there are some things you need to know and to watch out for. 

The pros are numerous, which is why more and more women tend to be taking to the road on their own. You can stop when you want, take time to soak in the sites, eat where you want, and more: the freedom that comes along when traveling solo and the independence is something I got easily addicted to. 

The cons can seem overwhelming, but tackling those head on will help you get yourself going if you have yet to try solo travel. If you're serious about traveling alone as a woman, you'll want to make the most of it - have the most fun, the biggest adventure, while being safe so you can return home and share your experiences. 

In 2019 I rode my motorcycle from Northern New York to Milwaukee and back -round trip it was a little over 2500 miles all on my own! Even though I didn't leave the United States, I still found it fascinating to see how others like me lived their lives. And it gave me a chance to talk with others, learn about the area from more than just a website or travel book. 

So without further ado, here's my tips for you:

Before You Go-

• Have your motorcycle serviced at the dealership -they have factory trained technicians who know your bike. If you're in-between services (i.e. you're at 27K miles & your next service is at 30K), ask about getting a "Pre-trip Inspection." Prior to my Milwaukee trip, I was told I'd definitely need a new rear tire when I got back since my wear bars where showing. I had them replace the tire before I left because I like tire traction! 
• Make sure you have roadside assistance and I also recommend getting trip interruption insurance. I have both through the same company that does my motorcycle insurance, and it wasn't that much more either. Like the old saying goes: It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Still, you'll want to read exactly what is covered, how to make a claim, and when you can expect to get your money - often times you'll have to fork out money for expenses until you're back on the road or at home, and then you'll be reimbursed. In other words, you've got to have 'emergency money' readily at hand.
• Speaking of insurance, check on any limitations with your medical insurance. Of course in an emergency you'll most likely be taken care of, but what if you get sick (like stomach flu or food poisoning) and just want to see a doctor... will you be covered? These are the questions to ask before your trip rather than having to deal with the headache of wondering if the insurance company will foot the bill. 
• Do your research as you plan your route. I leave it up to you -if you want to plan your stops out and make reservations or just ride until you feel like stopping. Either way, know the route you'll be taking, the areas to avoid, and the places that are safe. Personally I plan out about 8 hours (on the map) between stops, so research the places to stay -since I have rewards points with Best Western I'll look to see if they've got one in the area. Then I research that hotel in particular, pouring over the guest reviews to get a sense of the area. 
• Pack light: take what you need to but don't go overboard. That dress or heels you plan on wearing one special night- leave 'em at home. Use pieces that go with several outfits -jeans, riding pants, moisture wicking tops, a cardigan, flats for when you're off the bike. Leave room in your bag for souvenirs you want to bring home!

During the Trip-

• Eating lunch or dinner, I like to sit at the bar (if there's one) so I can engage in conversation, usually asking more questions than I'm answering. But even so, typically I don't speak to anyone unless I'm spoken to. I don't reveal I'm traveling alone, or where I'm staying. And I don't drink excessively, preferring to keep my senses intact. 
• You'll definitely want to keep your head up!! Now is not the time to bury your face in your smartphone- look up and look around, and know what's going on around you. Off the bike, walk with your shoulder's square and a confident stride. Your body language sends lots of information out to the world, so you'll want to project confident strength. 
• Have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C, so that way you can keep moving. Plan A is what will most likely happen most of the time, but - if something goes wrong with that plan - you don't want to waste precious time trying to figure out what to do next. You'll want a Plan B, salvaging what you can to keep going (or to get back home). On my way to Milwaukee, I stopped to refuel in Ohio, only to find the power out so gas stations didn't have a way to pump fuel. I got back on the interstate to the next exit, only to find the same thing... I wasn't desperate for gas (my 'gas light' wasn't on), but it would be soon. Nothing left to do but get back on the interstate to the next exit, but if the power wasn't on there, I had my 'plan b': calling for roadside assistance for them to bring me enough fuel to get to a working gas station. Luckily at the next stop they had power and I was able to fill up.
• Jewelry is something to consider -if you wear any at all you might want to wear a wedding ring (even if you're not married). For some reason, even when you're traveling alone, giving others the appearance you're attached and there's a 'significant other' waiting for you at home helps. 
• Consider keeping a travel journal, taking a few moments each evening to write down what happened that day. Not only does it help preserve the trip for you but also for your future generations.
• Get up early, start out early, and then you can get to your destination early -that'll give you time to get your bearings, see what you want to see, and plan out your next day. You'll also want to be your own best company -all too often our negative thoughts can squash the good time waiting for us. Be nice to yourself, relax and have a good time.
• And of course the obvious: safeguard your credit cards, cash and travel documents (driver's license, passport, I.D.), whenever you're traveling. Never ever flash wads of cash around, and you'll want a way to shut off your cards should they come up missing (through an app on your smartphone or have your bank's phone number handy). 
• Last but certainly not least: trust your instincts and act on them!! If something seems out of place or you're feeling threatened please seek help immediately. Many times women have went along when their gut told them not to just because they didn't want to seem rude (and that's what the perpetrator is counting on!). The kindness of strangers is also a real thing, so I'm not saying that you should shun everyone you meet. Just be aware of your surroundings, your own personal limits, and know when and how to get help should you need it.

The best travel advice I have for you is to be the type of traveler you'd like to meet in your own home town. Kindness, respect and a smile go a long way. 

5 Things You Do Not Need to Take on a Motorcycle Trip

Taking a long trip by motorcycle is a wonderous thing! No matter if you're going it alone or with a group of friends, you're going to have the time of your life.

Although you might be a seasoned traveler, successfully navigating through airports, TSA, flight delays and lost luggage, trekking by bike is something else all together. 

Photo by Harley-Davidson on Unsplash

I remember when I first started traveling by motorcycle, packing everything I could fit into my bag, straining it to the seams. Now, nearly 10 years later, I know exactly what I don't need to take with me. And they are:

1. Hair Dryer
Why? Because your hotel room will have one and space is a precious commodity on a motorcycle.

2. Towels
Again, your hotel room will have them and the more space you save the better. There's only one towel you need to bring, a small one - or better yet a travel chamois cloth - to wipe the morning dew off your bike. 

3. Books
You might be thinking you'll have time to read once you check into your hotel. And then you realize you just got to your destination -where are you going to eat dinner. Oh -and there's that live music you just found out about. Planning to read in the morning before check out? Remember that you'll be packing your stuff onto the bike... Unless it's your H.O.G. Touring Handbook, you're not going to have time to read it.

Photo by JJ Jordan on Unsplash

4. Clothing that doesn't do double duty
You'll want to bring a sweatshirt you can wear on cold days while riding and cooler temps at your location. Not that special cashmere sweater or silk blouse that cost over $100 and you plan on wearing only once. 

5. Too many shoes
This is a hard one for me! But I have to remember I really only need 3 pairs: my riding boots, a pair of sneakers, and a pair of flats. The temptation will be there, so just remember you're going to want to save as much space as possible. And also remember to put your socks and/or underwear inside your shoes -again, to save space.

I think it must have been a biker who came up with the phrase, "Less is More," because it is absolutely true on a motorcycle!

My 2018 Heritage all ready for our next adventure!

What I learned on my Ride Home

ICYMI: Harley-Davidson had their 115th Anniversary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over the Labor Day Weekend. And I rode there on my 115th Anniversary Heritage Softail, aaalllll the way from Northern New York with members of our Northern New York Harley Owners Group..... and then I rode a bit more before coming home.

I went from FX Caprara Harley-Davidson to Elyria, OH, to Milwaukee, WI to Munising, crossing over the Mackinac Bridge to Alpena and Port Huron, MI, and cutting through Canada to Niagara Falls before coming home.

After 2,217 miles on the road, here's what I learned: 

Skirting rain clouds on the coast of Lake Michigan (photo credit Google Maps)

• When you stop, check the weather radar -then put on ALL your rain gear if needed!

Somewhere in Ohio on our way out our group stopped to gas up and grab a quick bite. One member checked his weather app and proceeded to suit up while I thought all I needed was just my rain jacket.... WRONG! I got drenched.

Not making the same mistake on the same trip!! As I left Milwaukee there were numerous pop-up thunder showers, so I put on my full rain gear and this time it did its job -kept the rain away.

Remember to leave room for all the goodies you want to bring home!

• If you collect souvenirs, you'll need space to carry them home!

Start with a list of what you're going to pack, and stick to it. And once you've packed it all, make sure you've got space to bring home the souvenirs. I had extra space, but not enough and so I missed out on getting duty free items in Niagara before coming home. (Of course that just means I have to go back!!)

Harley-Davidson Serial Number 1 -a must see!!

• Have an idea of what you want to do, but not a plan...

Being in Fort Drum's backyard, we have more than a few "military" types who can have the tendency of over planning... but what I found works best is to have an idea of what you'd like to do/see, but don't be a slave to a rigid schedule. When you allow for flexibility, you'll be able to relax, enjoy the moment and see what the day brings.

These lovely ladies put on a great show at Veterans Park

• Getting to meet interesting people

We met more than a few people along the way who were also riding out to Milwaukee, then even more when we got to where we were going. Guys that rode all the way from Brazil. People from Japan. Others speaking German. And to top it off, one of our Uber drivers who wants to ride his motorcycle in NNY next year.

Gertie the Duck on the Milwaukee River

• U-Turns are what make a trip interesting

These days GPS and route planners make getting from A to B a lot easier... but if your bike is like mine, you might not have that info right in front of you. Trying to remember route numbers and directions isn't always easy... and when you miss a turn, even though it's a 'mistake' it sometimes is for the best because then you find interesting stuff.  There's a saying, "You're not lost as long as you've got gas," and this is very true when it comes to traveling by motorcycle.

A quiet spot close to Niagara Falls

• There really is still kindness in the world

Despite all the news headlines would have us believe, there are nice people out there. While putting on all my rain gear (after Milwaukee) I had a couple of riders stop in to check if I was ok. And while riding in Canada, all I had to do was put on my turn signal (to change lanes) and other cars would let me right in! It seemed where ever I went there were nice people welcoming me, asking how the ride was.

My Bike looking over at the Mackinac Bridge before crossing

• It wasn't fear I was feeling, it was the excitement of getting out of my comfort zone

During the torrential down-pour we experienced on our way out to Milwaukee, the 'fear' briefly flashed through my head, "There's lots of water on the road, I'm on a new bike, visibility is bad... I could so easily loose control and go down..." but then I stopped myself. They weren't really fears, just self doubt (which I definitely don't need while riding a motorcycle down the interstate in the pouring rain!). 

Instead I focused on my riding ability and the fact that my 2018 Heritage Softail has ABS. With my Basic Rider's Course Instructor's Voice in my head (even though I took the course nearly 10 years ago), putting the fact that I was soaked through from the waist down to the back of my mind (at least it was a warm rain), and laughing because the water was giving me a nice "fresh water facial" (what some people pay $120 for!!) allowed me to relax and ride through it. The upside to the down-pour for me was increased confidence in my ability and knowing what I can accomplish.

Tribute to the fun I had after the party in Milwaukee

• Take the time and really enjoy your life, no matter your age!

Growing up in the '70s & '80s the pressure was on to know what I wanted my career to be, graduating high school and college, and getting a good paying job with great benefits... That wasn't necessarily bad advice, but I realize now that was what their priorities were- not mine. 

When traveling by motorcycle I am forced to slow down and listen to my own voice. I turned 50 this year and I've realized that if I want to stop to enjoy a view or try a restaurant I should do just that. That it's ok to not have a priority or plan and to just enjoy myself, living in the moment. 

B-e-a-utiful Sunset in Michigan

• Be grateful for the little things

Riding along the coast of Lake Michigan and seeing those views, the beauty of the setting sun, flowers blooming and bees buzzing in a summer garden... After saying "WOW!" at the show Mother Nature was giving me, I'd follow up with a, "Thank you!" I am so blessed to be able to take this all in.

Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior, Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Niagara Falls in the Evening

Beat Biker Weariness with these 7 Tips

You Deserve a Break

And taking a nice, long road trip by bike is one of the best ways to treat yourself.

However, if you find that you'll be spending quite a few hours racking up miles behind bars (say to Milwaukee for the 115th Anniversary Celebration like me!!), you'll want a plan to stay fresh and alert while on your journey.

At FX Caprara Harley-Davidson we've got these 7 tips to help you avoid the dangers of becoming road weary.

Photo by Floris Jan-roelof on Unsplash

1. Get some good shut-eye

In other words, be well rested. Plan to pack your bike a day or two before you leave so you won't be up till 2am doing last minute stuff. Or go to sleep early and pack in the morning. Either way get a full night's sleep before starting off.

Also, you can always stop and take a 'power nap' if you feel drowsiness setting in. It's much better to recharge your system for the rest of the day's ride than to push yourself too hard/far so that you're putting your life and others at risk.

2. You are what you eat (and drink)

No doubt that you spend more energy while riding than you do when driving. So much so that you might feel famished when you stop for your lunch and/or dinner... a word of caution:

When you eat a large, heavy meal (like spaghetti dinner or double cheese burger with fries) your body will then need to digest all that food -which also takes energy.... See where I'm going with this?

Instead we find it better to eat smaller meals more often -like every other time you stop for gas. Foods high in protein are best. And keep yourself well hydrated -with both water and something with electrolytes if it's hot out.

Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov on Unsplash

3. You gotta stop sometime

You've got promises to keep and 400 miles to go before you can sleep... But here's a tip: this is not a race, endurance or otherwise. Take your time, pace yourself and stop when you need to. 

My personal preference is to stop every 100 miles or so. If you're riding in a group you'll want to plan with the others when to stop, because different riders will have varying distances for their preferences.

4. Remember to Move It, Move It

When you do stop take a moment to make some movement. Walk, stretch, sit in the shade of a tree, start a conversation, grab that light snack and hydrate. This will help to keep both your body and mind fresh.

Photo by Cristobal Baeza on Unsplash

5. Ride like the Wind (just don't fight it)

The main reason Bikers burn more calories riding than other people do driving is because they're out in the wind. That wind is number one in creating fatigue, both in noise and aerodynamically (it pushes against our middle). 

To cut wind noise use earplugs and/or a helmet that covers your ears (3/4 or full face). And for looooong trips you might want to put a windshield or fairing on your bike to help split the wind around you.

6. Take the Scenic Route

When possible take the back roads versus taking the interstate. That's because you'll be going through different speed zones, shifting through the bike's gears, and leaning through the curves equals more engagement with your mind and body.

Of course there are times when you need to buzz out there as fast as you can, you'll have to be on the highways and the interstate. Here, to avoid getting lulled into a zoned out trance, pass for position and don't use your cruise control. Reasonably moving around traffic and varying your speed by 5 mph will help you keep you alert. 

7. Talk it Out

Try using a communication system so you can talk to the other riders with you, listen to your favorite talk show/podcast, or sing along to your music. 

Even doing the "Biker Wave" will help you feel more alert and engaged. Added bonus: you'll be an ambassador for motorcyclists with everyone on the road.

THE List of What and How to Pack Your Motorcycle

Head 'Em Up - Move 'Em Out

Hands down, there is no better way to experience this b-e-a-utiful country of ours than from the seat of a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

Taking the REAL Scenic Route

Or any motorcycle -I'm just a little biased!

Sure there's riding to and from work, but now you've decided to take things a step further and have planned to take the show on the road. Most Excellent!

To help you prepare, I've put together this list plus a few tips I've learned the hard way.

Before you go:

• Any new gear or equipment (i.e. helmet, tank bag or seat) you'll want to try out at least one month before you go!! A few years back I bought a pair of new pig-skin gauntlet gloves just for my trip, and then about threw them away. Because I hadn't broken them in, with my hand on the throttle, it felt like someone was stabbing needles in-between my fingers. Wear or use your new stuff now -it won't be new when your trip comes, but it won't be a waste either since you'll have figured out if it'll work for you or not.
• Take a small, one or two overnight trip on your bike before your big trip if you can. Pack what you think you'll need and see how it all fits on your bike. Then when you get back, re-evaluate: did you use all that you packed? Why or why not? Was there anything you needed but didn't have? These are the questions to ask now!
• Whether or not you've had the chance to take that 'Pre-trip Trip', you should start packing two to three days out. Blocking time out to pack will make your trip sssooo much easier!! Plan what you'll wear before packing and use clothes that will work for several outfits. You never need to bring clothes for more than four days, even if you're riding for weeks -hotels often have laundry service or you can stop in at a coin-op laundry.
• Shoes take up space!! You'll definitely want something for off the bike though, so pack a comfy pair of tennis shoes and/or flats. You can also use them to pack your underwear or socks in, utilizing the space they take the best you can.

Next up, What to Pack:

1) While Riding:

• Helmet and glasses/goggles
• Rain Gear
• Chaps -temperature changes can happen quickly, especially if you're riding in the mountains!!
• Gloves for Summer & Rain, plus a Neck Gaiter or Bandana
• Jeans and a Long Sleeve Tee
• A Three-Season Riding Jacket -preferably with layers you can add or remove as necessary
• Over-the-Ankle Riding Boots
• Water & light snacks (protein bar, nut mix, etc.)
• Chap stick/lip balm, sunscreen and one of those 'quick cool' towels
• Maps of the areas you'll be riding in (cell towers are few & far between, especially if you're heading West, so you might not have a signal)
• A cell phone battery recharger

Not that you'll be wearing all of that while riding, but you'll want it close in case you need to grab and use it.

Riding Gear that has multiple uses are best for a long road trip.

2) Packed on the Bike for At the Hotel/Campsite

• Not more than 3 pairs of jeans, tops/shirts, and socks -roll the jeans & shirts to save space, then secure with rubber bands before putting in zip lock bags or travel shrink bags
• 5 pairs of underwear (3 bras for the ladies)
• A Sweatshirt
• Synthetic long underwear/sweat pants
• Swimsuit
• 1 pair of Shorts
• Sneakers and/or flip-flops
• Toiletries - don't forget the nail trimmers, sunscreen and bug spray! Travel size shampoo, conditioner (or use the little bottles hotels put out for their guests, saving room), mouse, hair spray, body lotion, toothbrush and paste.
• Medications - for headache, muscle ache, allergy and any prescription meds

This is where planning ahead is key!! And if you're 'saving' outfits that you'll want to try out while on your trip, at the very least try them on before you go. I've pulled out an old outfit that I saw in the closet while packing, thinking it'd be nice to wear to dinner only to realize once we were at the hotel it didn't fit anymore!!

3) Bike Maintenance

• 8-in-1 Screwdriver & a Multi-Purpose Tool
• Cargo Net(s) and Bungee Cord(s)
• Tire Pressure Gauge (and Valve Stem Extension if needed). A compact air compressor comes in handy, but not absolutely necessary. 
• 1 Quart of Syn3 Motorcycle Lubricant or Genuine Motor Oil (depending on what you're running in your bike) and a Paper Funnel
• Touring Suspension Air Shock Pump (if equipped)
• Kick Stand Puck
• Travel size windshield cleaner, cleaning wax, a shop towel and two micro-fiber cleaning cloths

Unless you're a Motorcycle Mechanic, you probably won't need a set of tools with you. Even if you do wrench on bikes for a living, having Roadside Assistance  coverage through your Insurance Company or through H.O.G. is always a good idea -review your policy before you go and make sure you take any necessary documents with you.

And now, how to pack your bike:

Let's go back to school for a moment... We'll be talking about Physics and Geometry:

The Load Triangle & Center of Gravity -things to keep in mind while packing your bike

• You and your bike's Center of Gravity: an imaginary point in a body of matter where, for convenience in certain calculations, the total weight of the body may be thought to be concentrated. In a uniform gravitational field the center of gravity is identical to the center of mass, a term preferred by physicists. The two do not always coincide, however, which is why it's important to load up your motorcycle correctly.
• That's where the Load Triangle comes in handy: defined as the triangle created by the bike's two axles and your head. Bike manufacturers know about this too -that's why you see the rider and engine (the heaviest things on the bike) are squarely within the triangle.

While packing your motorcycle, you'll definitely want to keep those two in mind. Put all your heaviest gear as close to the bottom of the triangle as you can. That way the additional weight will have the least effect on your bike's handling.

Got Bags?

If your bike came equipped with saddle bags, then I highly suggest getting liners for them -it makes it way easier to carry your stuff into the hotel or campsite.

If you don't have bags, you can get after-market hard or throw-over bags for your bike.

Either way, because they're close to the bottom of the load triangle, you'll want to put your heaviest items there. Keep in mind the side-to-side balance as well (think scales of justice type of thing). That'll keep it from affecting handling and also helps throw-over bags travel evenly on the bike.

Higher = Lighter

For those with a tour pack/trunk, a luggage rack or a large bag strapped to the sissy bar backrest, remember to keep on the light side when packing. Look back at that triangle -the location of that is way away from the center of gravity.

You can use it for those layers of your three-season jacket, rain jacket, map, gloves, goggles -in other words, things that you'll probably use often while you're actually riding.

My bike all packed up and ready for a new adventure!

Tanks a lot, bag
A popular place to keep an open map or written directions (large print of course). Even in the days with GPS & smart phones, Tank Bags are still pretty useful -an extra place to store gloves, goggles, water and snacks. And if your bike has auxiliary power, you can run wires to your tank bag to keep your phone and other stuff charged.

You might think that because it's within the Load Triangle you can load up a tank bag with heavy stuff... Yes and No. Too much weight in a tank bag will make your bike top heavy, so be reasonable. 

Also, make sure you go for a ride with your tank bag before going on your long trip -see how you like riding with it and that you can still see your instruments.

Practice Makes Perfect
At least a week before your trip, do a test pack.

If you have the saddlebag liners, I highly recommend putting those in your bags first, then stuff your stuff in them. That's because you'll most likely over pack your liners and then try to cram those into your saddlebags... Good Luck! 

You can also try placing different things in different places to see if this helps you include more gear. If you took that pre-trip trip, refer to your notes on what you did and didn't need.

Last but not least: take the time to do a T-CLOCS Inspection on your bike!!

All set? Ride Safe and Have Fun.

7 Ways Why Traveling by Motorcycle is Better

Photo by Gary Lopater on Unsplash

It's ALL About The Journey

For your vacation you can get on a plane and be at your destination in a matter of hours. But when you travel via Motorcycle you really get to the heart of where you're going. Turns out a Motorcycle is an even better way to see the world.

We have several large continents with lots and lots of roads. Those roadways provide access to popular tourist spots, charming towns, beautiful back-roads and hidden gems you won't see from the air.

Here's why we at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson think a Motorcycle Road Trip is the best way to travel and really get to know the country.

1. Save the Air Faire

Average ticket prices are roughly $380 -not including baggage fees, over-priced airport food, and feeling like cattle as you are herded onto and off of a stuffed bus with wings. 

Added bonus of traveling by Bike: you can skip being felt-up by TSA.

2. Travel in Comfort

No kids kicking the back of your seat, no cramped seating without any leg-room, no seatbelt cutting off circulation and no canned air recirculating other people's germs. 

On a Motorcycle you are free in the fresh air, so stretch out and enjoy the ride.

3. Stop Where You Like

On a plane you can't ask the pilot to change where they're going to land... Just another perk of traveling by Bike.

Want to stop and see that vintage roadside attraction? Saw a cool diner you'd like to try? Just want to stop and enjoy the view? You can!!

4. Easily get to Hard-to-Reach Places

Any type of travel involves time spent in transit. Of course a bike is no different.

Except your family reunion is in a little town that's going to take two planes and then another two hours by car just to get there. But on a Motorcycle you can 'fly' directly to your destination!

5. Taste the Town

If you're like us, you've gone out of your way just to try the local famous cuisine. Beans in Boston, Cheesesteak on the Chesapeake Bay, Tacos in Tijuana and Lobster in Louisiana...  

Added bonus of traveling by Bike: ask the local Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) to point you in the right direction so you can eat where the locals do. 

6. Go Greener

Jet wash: something not even Maverick in Top Gun can fly through. A Motorcycle emits the smallest fraction of that = no brainer.

7. Instant Friends

No matter if you're riding solo, with your SO, or with a small group of friends, you'll meet people along the road -some of them will even become life-long friends.

L to R: Queen Mother, Nance, Irish (me), Black Widow, Halo & LoLo

5 Packing Mistakes to Avoid when traveling by Motorcycle

Baseball's Opening Day is tomorrow, there's the promise of Spring in the air, I'm all set to get on my new bike and start the Riding Season.... But all I can think of is my trip to Milwaukee, happening in six months!

2018 is is Harley-Davidson's 115th Anniversary year. That's over a century of continuous motorcycle manufacturing (unlike what some other brands that try to claim). And to celebrate the MoCo is throwing one heck of a party!

So for my vacation this year, some NNY H.O.G. friends and I are riding out to Milwaukee to join in the festivities. And while we're planning the route & stops, one thing you definitely don't want to overlook is how and what to pack on your bike.

Here's five mistakes to avoid:

• You just throw it all in... You're gonna want a way to get your stuff from your bike to your hotel room (or campsite). You might think those plastic shopping bags are just for that purpose, but you'd be wrong! They rip, they never hold enough, their cheap, and you're not going to look anywhere near as glamorous as this woman -not that Bikers care... What I advise instead is to get yourself a set of Saddle Bag Liners to pack your stuff in... sssooo much easier!

• You bring everything & the kitchen sink... There's a finite amount of room on your bike, so think carefully what clothes you're going to bring. Just two pairs of shoes (in addition to your riding boots), clothes that can do double-duty -like windproof jackets or vented and moisture-wicking shirts. Pack your underwear & socks into your shoes -you'll want to use every bit of space! You will need two pairs of gloves, a small first aid kit, and don't forget your meds. Take with you travel size toiletries. Plan to do laundry. Less is way more in this case.
• You don't save space... When you travel, do you buy souvenirs? Shot glasses, fridge magnets, dealer tees, etc. are going to be taking up space in your bags on the way home. Consider buying that dealer tee to wear on your trip (one less shirt to pack), or mailing your goodies home. 

• You didn't check the weather... Say you're riding to a rally and all you pack is tank tops- chic yes, but not so good when they're getting a good sized rain storm!! It's always a great idea to pack a rain suit, because waterproof equals windproof and it'll help keep you warm. Still, check the weather on the way out & back as well- you might want your full leathers rather than your light-weight nylon jacket.
• You make your bike lopsided... Remember that you'll be balancing on two wheels, so you don't want a bunch of weight on one side, or heavy stuff up high. Put shoes and toiletries at the bottom of your saddle bag, towards the front (closest to your bike's center of gravity). You'll want to save the lighter stuff- maps, charging cords, gloves- for windshield bags and your tour-pack/trunk. Never hurts to have extra bungee cords or cargo nets to help keep stuff in place.

Do you have questions or other packing tips to share? You can contact me at FXCHD!