50% of what I bring is electronic equipment, so I
am used to packing VERY light.
Basic rule. Put everything you WANT to take
with you and put it on the couch/bed 1 week before leaving. Each day weed out about 1/2.
or you can do what I do:
In 1 Large suitcase pack your motorcycle riding
gear:
Jacket & liner
Pants
Boots
Gloves
Helmet
THEN,
use 2 Small duffle bags – 1 for non-riding days
(cities & travel) and 1 for
motorcycle riding days.
City & travel duffel:
1 pair nice shoes
3 pairs pants
4 underwear & bra & socks
4 shirts
swimsuit
Jacket for possible cold
Travel / Riding duffel
5 pair underwear
1-2 active bras
2 pair leggings for under the motorcycle gear
5 shirts – Light & airy & 1 long
sleeved for warmth
5 pair socks
1 pair bendable sneakers
1 windbreaker jacket that packs down, but gives
warmth.
A small toiletries bag for toothbrush, paste,
hairbrush, deodorant, minimal make-up and other small necessities. Always have a small bottle of medications for
anything you might need – Tylenol, Midol, Ibuprofen, Migraine medication,
anti-diarhea, nausea or sleep aid medication.
It’s never fun to have to search for a pharmacy
if you are hurting. This bag will get
transferred to your travel duffel.
Another hint to make space, is to bring clothes
on the motorcycle you don’t mind throwing away.
I always bring some shirts that have had their
last, and I toss them after wearing them all day. Makes your bag lighter
and gives you more room to pick up some stuff for you and relatives or friends.
You can go home with a Bondi Beach shirt, a bag from Rome, a Barca Jersey
from Barcelona, etc…
I expect the weather to be warm, but always plan
on layers. The mountains can get cold especially at night, and California coastal fog can be bitter cold in the mornings.
Bring your cell phone charger and get an
international plan before you leave. Usually you can get one for 21 or 30
days, and then it will automatically cancel. Be sure it does. If
you bring a camera, bring an extra memory card, and spare battery &
charger.
