Packing it all!

The never ending and ever evolving list of what to take...and how to pack it all.

There is lots of great info out there about what one needs and doesn't need to take on a long trip into less developed countries. Everything gets questioned, from toothpaste to tires, and ultimately the list is compiled based on a personal comfort level and ingenuity. Of course, the ultimate limiting factor on what to take is- what will fit! This is where Need outweighs Want and Function outweighs everything.

Lets start by providing the parameters within which I must work. The bikes (2) are each equipped with the Jesse Luggage Odyssey II bags, 45litre size. Ya, the big ones. I have also added a 96litre Ortleib waterproof duffel, a small tankbag, and a 4inch diameter by 16 inch long PVC tool tube. Sounds like lots of space, we shall see.


Some of the tools: (counter-clock wise CCW). Allen wrenches, Torx wrenches, wire brush, 3/8 ratchet, needle vice grips, round file, tire spoon combo, bead breaker for changing tires, zip ties, elec. tape, paper funnels, grease, stubby combo wrenches, chain lube.


CCW. Yellow Ortleib bag, Ziploc containers(2), water bladder, water filter, camelbak, cooking gear(center), pacsafe, mosquito net, thermarest, silk bag liner, sleeping bag,tie downs, boots/gloves, air pump for tires, spare chain/sprockets, oil filter, reflective stickers, Vio 1.5 helmet camera, three peanut butter jars w/nuts and bolt-sockets-voltmeter-elec tape-loctite-JB weld and a few other odds and ends, binoculars, RAM GPS mount, folding saw.

Other stuff not photo logged. Laptop, maps and guidebooks, clothing, odds and ends like sunglasses-hats-gloves-power cords for electronics-camera equipment (dslr, point and shoot, helmet cameras, tankbag electronics (bike2bike communications, autocom.

Here is what it looks like packed into the saddlebags. The tall black tube is for storing artwork that we buy along the way. We figured this is the best way to bring back souvenirs with limited packing space and the rough handling along the way.


More to follow...

The Big One

We used to say that our "big trip" would happen "someday". Then as we defined the goal with more accuracy and PUT A DATE to it, the saying changed from "someday" to "Oct. 2010". Then as time progressed the saying changed again to "Next Year" to "Later this year" to "Next Month" to "Next Week" to "Later this Week". Wow, it is really going to happen.

As of time of writing, the bikes are prepped. Gizmo's and gadget's bought, some have even been figured out :). Now...the final stages of packing and hitting the road. Did we remember everything? Do we have all the aspects of our life put on autopilot until we return?? Have I figured out how all this blogging/websites/photo uploading and storage works, etc.etc. Well, as always, one can only be so prepared and the rest will be handled on the fly.

So what is this Big Trip I speak of. It is just a little motorcycle ride we planned through Mexico/Central America all the way to the Panama Canal and back. Should be approx. 25,000km(15,000miles) and have a 4 month duration. Assuming I can pull all this technology together, you should be able to follow our route and share our experience(s)as we make the first of our epic journeys.

thanks to our friends and family for their support and encouragement. Many thanks to the members of Horizons Unlimited and ADV Rider for sharing their experience(s).

See you on the road.