Inexpensive Long Distance Motorcycling Tips

continued from Feb 2016 MotoMark1 news. Want to sign up? click here 

The most inexpensive way to travel on a motorcycle is with a tent. I know, some of you gave up the tent along time ago. However, sleeping under the stars can really bring the zen back into your life and allows for other ways to spend your money while travelling. If you don't mind camping, some savings tips are:

1. Find an off the road place to set up your tent that is undeveloped, meaning it has no picnic tables or outhouses. 

2. If you choose a campsite, a good tip is to ride around the campsite first to see if there are other motorcyclists there. If so, 

ask if they are willing to share their site. Half the cost of having your own.

If you just can't take the tent idea, there are some folks that open their home 

up to motorcyclists for either no cost or really low cost. You can find these opportunities by joining MotoStays.com or Motorcycle Travel Network. Both 

have a membership fee but if you take advantage of a "free" room its well 

worth the fee.

If you have to stay at a hotel, use AAA to get a discount. Offer to pay cash for 

their lowest rate. Use some of the sites like priceline.com if you can't negotiate 

a lower rate yourself. Generally after 6PM you can get the best rate, if that 

works for you. 

If you do stay at a hotel, do your laundry, use their WIFI and choose one that 

offers breakfast in the morning. Grab an extra banana or muffin for your 

snack along the way.  

Breakfast and Lunch are your two cheapest eating out options. Travel with 

a mini cooler and stop at grocery stores to stock up. Peanut butter and 

jelly taste way better while on the road. Carry a lot of snacks so you don't make expensive food choices because you are hungry. 

Gas is an expense that you don't have much control over. You can choose a 

chain that offers discounts and carry their card. Also, if you utilize points on 

your credit card, charge your fuel to it and benefit when you get home.

Live your dream!

Packing for Motorcycle Travel

You know the fun of a motorcycle ride. Even better is a multi-day or longer ride. Some of you moto veterans have already done this. A question that often comes up from riders is “what do I bring and how do I pack it on my motorcycle”? In my years of experience I would like to offer my insight as someone whom has packed my motorcycle for a lengthy journey.

One way to start this process (as it will be a “process of elimination” in the end) is to lay out everything you would like to have on this trip. Lay out a bedsheet on the floor and place the items you wish to take on the sheet. If you absolutely need a blow dryer for your hair every day, than lay it out. I have traveled with a guy that this is a must as not every motel or hotel has one. Consider buying a travel one as it is half the size.

Making a check list is a good idea but I would start with writing out all your “ must haves” on paper first. Suggestions of must haves include:

*medications* clothing*toiletries*documents*finances/cash *repair/tools *first aid*navigation/maps*camping/cooking

*water/snacks* sunglasses*cleaners* ball cap and all of the little things or niceties that you need or want to accompany you for a more enjoyable trip.

Once you have your wish list on paper and you have everything spread out, it’s time for an honest assessment.

1.      Do I need everything in my pile?

2.      Can I pack it all on my motorcycle?

A rule of thumb is whatever you have laid out, cut it in half and work from there. You want to be thinking like a backpacker, if you could carry all your stuff on your back in a pack, you can get it on a motorcycle.

Some Suggestions include:

1.      Choose clothing that is synthetic or dry wicking. Under garments made of this material are key here for riding in comfort all day.  A wash in the sink or stream at the end of the day and they are dry by morning. Yes, you can ride on a week-long trip with 2 pairs of underwear. Look to active outdoor clothing for wear off the bike.  This type of clothing does not retain malodorous smells and can also be washed in the evening and ready for the next day of travel. (it would not be uncommon to see a piece of clothing drying on my bike as I drove down the road)

2.      If you are like me, you never miss an opportunity to take the shampoo and soap when you stay in a hotel. Motorcycle travel is a great place to utilize these small size toiletries; small is good or purchase travel size while you are shopping.  A travel size toothpaste will last all week.  

3.      Roll all of your clothing. You can fit more in your side cases when they are rolled. I take my socks rolled up and stuff them in my footwear that I will be wearing off the bike. Any space that can be used is filled.

This all takes practice and my first attempts were shall we say “ugly” as I looked like someone fleeing their homeland. You learn by doing and over time you will find the right combination. Once you have a final list it is time for a dry test. Take time to thoughtfully pack everything up. Anything related to moto repair, rain gear, extra gloves and the like goes in one area. All items that will come with me at the end of the day to my motel or tent are in one bag/case. This saves me from sorting every day and lugging more than I need to. Once everything is secured on the motorcycle, I go for a ride, stop for fuel and practice getting on and off the motorcycle several times. I am checking for balance and ensuring that all cargo is secure. This dry run is important as any adjustments are easier now than 10 miles down the road with a schedule to keep. You will be amazed with just how little you need to bring on a motorcycle trip and how and good it feels to not over pack. I have just lightly touched on this subject there are pages and pages to share however; my message is get out there and try it. Travel by motorcycle is one of the most stimulating, fun things you can do. Going for days or weeks is even better!

When you get home from your adventure, make a list of the things you wished you had and a list of what you didn’t use. Add or subtract them from your checklist.

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Thank you to all who participated in our exclusive sale.  We look forward to working with you in 2015.

Thank You Sam For Your Question About What Gear To Choose.

Sam has a concern over what gear to choose.  As a new rider I am sure we can all empathize with him and his concerns.  There are so many options for gear.  Sam, let me tell you that you could ask 10 people this question and probably get at least 5 different answers.  Everyone's riding style and goals are different.  I will tell you what I look for in the proper gear.  Proper gear to me is gear that will keep me safe in the event of a collision or fall and protection from the weather. 

A helmet to me must be full face.  I like to be able to flip up the front of the helmet so I can get air if I need it and to be able to speak with my riding companions at stop signs.  Always keep the lid closed while riding.  Safety glasses or sunglasses are also important.

My gloves are full fingered and must be made of material that will protect my hands if I should fall.  Remember, the hands will meet the surface first.

Boots should be waterproof and have good ankle support.  Comfort is important.

Pants and jacket must also be waterproof and armored.  Armor should be found on elbows, back, shoulders, knees and hips. I prefer synthetic materials.  Pockets and pocket placement are important. Lined pockets are great when you stop and your hands are cold.  Look for ventilation on both pants and jacket.  This may enable you to wear the same gear year round.

Get a buff for around your neck.   There always seem to be an air pocket where helmet and jacket meet.

Sam, thanks for your question and I hope Santa brings you what you want.  See you in the Spring.

 

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http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/business/20351/motomark1.

As we approach Veteran's Day take a moment to give thank to our current

military for protecting us each and every day and to those that have served.

I am proud to be among such greatness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ask The Instructor Question of the Month

Having problem keeping a line in curves that go to the left, I do fine on curves to the right. I either get to high or have to make adjustments to keep off the yellow line, it's like I have to make two turns in the left hand curve. just not at ease on bike. I'm usually running about 10-20 mile per hour over the posted curve speed to keep up with the group.

Thanks Tommy 

Tommy,

First, be very careful about trying to keep up with someone that drives faster than you.  My experience has shown those motorcyclists that try to keep up with others may drive beyond their ability or skill level and they tend to crash.  Ride your own ride.  The MM1 philosophy is give a 100% effort in training but never exceed 80% of your ability on the road.  Always leave a little in reserve in case you come around the curve and some type of hazard forces you to change your line or take evasive action.  If you are at or above 100% of your ability or the bikes capabilities then you have no room for error or to make a directional change to avoid the hazard. Please be careful.  

 

Here is how we teach at MM1.When dealing with curves please keep in mind that you have 3 different lane positions to use. #1 is closest to the centerline / yellow, #2 in mid lane, #3 is closest to the fog line / white.  Each position helps with a certain curve.  

 

 

There are 3 parts to a curve, the entrance, the apex, and the exit.  When driving through a curve you can negotiate it by driving outside, inside and back to the outside.  We prefer a hazard perception line.  Delayed entry with delayed apex for increased visibility.  To get through a left hand curve you would slow down by downshifting and using engine brake then move your bike to the #3 position, this called setting up for the curve, lean forward and to the left slightly (bodyweight shift) look up and through the curve as far ahead of the motorcycle as possible, hold the #3 position until you can see your way is clear and you can see the exit.  To get the bike pointed in the direction of the curve you want to gently press on the left handlebar which happens to be the same direction of the curve, (press left go left) the bike will transition to the #2, patiently roll on the throttle once you can see the exit and back to the #1.  The key factor is your eyes.  Sometimes when folks are making adjustments in the middle or through the curve it's due to improper set up and eye control. The further ahead of the bike you look the slower you will feel but it will allow you to plan better because it will seem things are moving in slow motion.  If you are making adjustments in the middle of the curve I would bet you are not looking far enough ahead to plan or negotiate your curve far enough in advance therefore causing you to make the 2 separate turns.  Looking down hinders your sight and does not allow you enough time to plan for the curve therefore you readjust.  Looking up and through the curve allows you time to plan, set up, negotiate and drive on purpose.

 

Hope this helps.  Please stay in touch and we hope to see you in one of our upcoming classes where we can practice this technique and demonstrate in person.  

Mark Brown, Founder

MotoMark1

 

 

 

 

 

Seven Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Started Riding

 

Click on the photo for a great read!