Be Prepared

On a trip like this, there is a lot of planning. As a healthcare professional, one of my first searches for a motorcycle trip to another country is adequate health insurance. After significant searches, we decided on Medjet Assist. They have several different options for short term insurance, depending on your trip. With higher costs for out of network treatment, this insurance covers you even in the USA when you are more than 150 miles from home. For both of us, we chose a 15 day plan, which cost $270 with motorcycle evacuation insurance (they will transport your bike back home if you are evacuated). Hopefully, we won’t use it, but peace of mind is worth it!
We trial packed last week to see how to pack the bike. Our left saddlebag holds our camping gear. We have a high quality, waterproof, two person tent, two ALPS blow up air mats, two fleece sleeping bags that zip together for extra warmth 🙂 and blow up camp pillows.

Our right saddlebag contains our motorcycle repair needs, tools, rain gear, bungees, 20L seal bag, fix-a-flat, flashlights, toiletries, first aid kit and emergency blanket. In pre-packing, we originally thought we would bring extra shoes, but have since just gone with good motorcycle boots and saved space for other things. Since buying this bike, a 1993 Kawasaki Voyager XII with 14000 miles, we have added 1000 miles, tightened bolts, checked tires and battery, and it runs like a dream.

In our trunk, we hold our clothes (one duffle bag for both of us ladies!!) which includes about 3 days worth of clothes for each of us. We will bring a small clothesline with us to hand wash items, or stop at laundry as need be.

We drove the bike with all our gear and adjusted air suspension for optimum comfort. The last preparation was to upgrade our bike 20 years from 1993 to 2013. Our bike is equipped to listen to all the latest cassettes, and had a single 12V outlet which was loose and not connected to the bike. We will be bringing cell phones, iPads, camera and GPS and need charging options while we are driving. Jef added two 12V power outlets and mounted on the dash, to easily reach GPS and cells as we drive. ($13 each) We also bought a tank bag on eBay ($30) to hold all electronics and atlas for quick viewing.

With modifications finished, bags packed, we need only to button up a couple more work days before the adventure begins! HooHa!! Jef & Margi