Motorcycle
touring is a blast, plain and simple! There is something at the core of
human emotion that relates directly with the correlation between sight
and smell. On a motorcycle, these things come together in a way as with
no other mode of transportation.
A motorcycle gives the rider a feeling of direct contact with the
surrounding environment. No convertible can allow the kind of fresh
smells and wide open visuals of the scenery you're passing through that
you get while biking.
It's also an extremely fun way to travel!
You'll only need the following items, and any that strike you as
necessary, to be ready to ride. As mentioned on the "Details, details"
page, we supply the helmet. We also take care of the bridges fares, if
any. you'll only need to pay for whatever food you buy at food stops,
or trinkets you can't do without at those funky little shops you want
to stop at.
Check the following notes and list and make your own list so you'll be
prepared.
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When planning
a tour with us, you will need to remember the weather in California. We
have a four-season riding window, but that doesn't mean all of the four
seasons are full-time riding friendly. Our seasons break down roughly
in this fashion:
- Spring- Crisp, cool
mornings with mild temps during the day and cold, clear nights. Spring
riding is very rewarding due to the nature of nature; 'everything's
coming up roses'! (Or daffodils, snapdragons, grapevines, whatever.)
When spring has sprung in California, the world comes to life in a big
way.
- Summer- Starts warm
and usually stays that way through May/June, then progressively heats
up until July-ish when temps car run into the low 100's. Warm summer
riding can be counted on until at least September.
- Fall- A wonderful
time to be out on a bike. The early California fall is ripe with
foliage changing from the bright greens of summer to the incredible
auburns, reds, oranges, yellows and magentas of fall. We don't claim to
be Vermont, but there are places in California in the fall that will
make you think you're on the East Coast. As fall starts to mellow from
summer, we go through a spell of cool weather in mid to late
Sept. through early to mid October, then we usually get our Indian
Summer, an unseasonably warm, sunny few weeks that, if you're fortunate
enough to catch, will leave you breathless on a bike.
- Winter- Winter
riding is possible here, but pre-scheduling a tour in winter is not
recommended. As with an Indian Summer tour, it is suggested that if you
are already in California and the weather is nice, then set up a tour.
Winter weather can be the usual wet, nasty old stuff just like anywhere
else.
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- Clothing- As in
comfort. You'll want to have more than you need for your personal
comfort. Riding can get really warm and really cold, and go back and
forth on any given day or ride. Plan ahead and bring a warm (leather if
possible) jacket, maybe a sweatshirt and warm, thick pants such as
Levis or Carharts. Gloves are recommended (again, leather if possible)
as are good, solid shoes (NOT sandals) or, best yet, boots. Ever see
Easy Rider? If you have a lot of stuff that you want to bring, and
didn't opt up for the Ultra option (with lots of storage space), no
fear; we can wrap it in a blanket and strap it on the handlebars, just
like Wyatt and Billy.
- Camera- You'll kick
yourself in the butt for years if you don't bring a camera with you on
the ride. You'll have many opportunities to get great photos on the
bike and can take pics while riding without any trouble. We suggest a
good digital, which can be rented from many camera shops if you don't
have one.
- Allergies- If you
have hay fever or any related ailments, you'll want to have your meds
along. Being on a bike is like force-feeding the environment around you
into your system. It is hyper-awareness of everything you see, hear,
smell and feel. It's a great thing, but it also means you have
allergens colliding with you at freeway speed (or back road speed)
instead of just wafting in as they happen by. It's a good idea to keep
your medications handy if you're riding.
- Cash- Most places
we stop for food, (or if you wish to, stop and do a little shopping) will
take plastic. But be ready with at least spending cash just in case. You
never know.
- Other options might include a backpack, in case you plan to
tourist-shop, etc. A brush for your hair, 'cause the wind doesn't like
your 'do! (A ponytail and a hair wrap are suggested.) We're pretty
flexible about how you enjoy your ride, but we'll need to know your
plans so we can plan as well. We'll go over this when you book.
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