Overseas Touring

We used compact and light weight day packs (back packs) to carry items such as a fleecy pull over, 600ml container of water and camera. This kept our hands free when walking. They were easy to pack and unpack from the pannier cases.

Micro Lantern

We did not use the micro lantern (butane/propane) because of the long daylight hours in July and August. As well, the self sealing type of fuel containers were not common in Canada at that time.

Torches / Flash Lights

We each used Maglite style 2 AA torches and spare batteries. They were useful for reading maps etc inside the tent after sunset.

Binoculars

We brought small binoculars but did not use them due to the space and weight constraints. We did less hiking than in my 1995 solo tour. The fairing pockets in the GoldWing were used for camera (in the lockable side) and sun block and insect repellent.

Items to Make Travelling Easier

We brought along a GearSack expandable tank bag (up to 27 litres) and used it to store food and cooking items. The bag has a harness which mounts to the motorcycle, the bag attaches to the harness with plastic buckles.

South from Aspen Colorado 13kb After a two-week tour through New South Wales in 1996 we decided that stuff sacks (about 180 mm diameter and 300 to 360 mm long) for personal clothing were essential. We used four bags each for clean / used sets of clothing.

We had two other larger stuff sacks. They were large enough to cover the helmets and kept them dry if it rained while we were on a hike. They were also handy on laundry days.

We had four sets of keys – to start with (2 sets per person). Other bikers had clips to attach the key rings to belt loops. Now where did I put my keys?

We used a set of four small (keyed alike) padlocks to lock the tank bag, tent zippers, etc. They offer a theft deterrent with minimal effort.

Baseball caps were common headwear for men and women. Helmet off, cap on – and they fit into a jacket pocket - messy hair was less visible.

We used cash advances from our credit cards to get cash. Before leaving Australia we deposited funds into the credit card accounts (to get a positive balance). In this way there were no interest charges on the ‘cash advances’. Our credit cards could also be used at some automated teller machines, to withdraw funds from the credit card accounts. The currency exchange rates associated with the credit card transactions seem reasonable.

Travel Guides / Guidebooks

I brought 2 travel guidebooks to Canada but did not take them touring because of their volume and weight. I should have torn / separated out the appropriate pages and carried only the relevant portions. The books are in good condition on the bookshelf at home – but could have served a more useful purpose.

Automobile Associations

Maps scaled for tour planning and more detailed maps for the actual tour, were obtained from the Automobile Association. We mailed the used maps home and were glad to have them for reference. Accommodation guides are also available for states or provinces - these were usually too bulky for us to store. State/provincial tourist information also provided good maps with camping locations marked.

Fuel Consumption Records

At times we needed to know whether we would have enough fuel to ride to a particular location, before refuelling. We kept a record of fuel purchased and distance travelled and determine the maximum distance between refuelling.

Email While on the Tour

Whenever we visited friends and relatives who had access to email we sent mail on to the people we planned to visit and thank you notes back to those we had previously visited. We sent carbon copy (cc) to our home email for future reference.

Introduction and Overview

Purchasing a Motorcycle Overseas

Clothing and Equipment

Routines and Procedures

Last modified 13/06/2009