Chicago To Portland: What To Bring (And How To Pack)

There's a lot of psychological gravity involved with long-distance motorcycling. That first, "off we go" twist of the throttle carries with it an erratic blend of excitement, nervousness and a deeper awareness of the risks involved. For this first-timer, an overpacked Suzuki represents anticipation of problems unforeseen. Avoiding highways and passing through Denver, there are twenty-five hundred miles to cover between Chicago and Portland. That means twenty-five hundred more are waiting on the western horizon for the return from Seattle.

With that kind of mileage, anything can happen.

M. Dean

M. Dean

M. Dean

Keeping the motorbike nimble means cutting as much from the packing list as possible. When you're completely new to such a lengthy adventure, doing that is far easier to say than to execute. One thing deserves constant emphasis: two weeks of spirited motorcycle travel will fine-tune your understanding of priorities, preparation and itemization. You learn a lot about yourself through your own methods, which in turn reflect your basic mental securities. You must leave some things behind.

M. Dean

M. Dean

M. Dean

Still, one can't "just know" what their personal basics are without having done this before and that's what this trip, an incredible first, is all about. Having just completed the journey, I'm ready to document it and intend to do so in a day-by-day fashion. We should probably start this initial introduction with everything we considered beforehand, including our packing list.

Intending to camp (more often than we actually did), I pack this entire list, dedicating my Givi top case to all things campground. My saddlebags carry easy-access, mid-travel items on the left, with attire and toiletries to the right. Foresight suggests clothing to be my weakness. Once you start running out of space, even the smallest article becomes a hassle. Wearing full riding gear, I have everything listed below at the ready for overnight stays:

• swim trunks
• two pairs of denim jeans (should be one)
• two pairs of long underwear tops/bottoms (should be one of each)
• five pairs of regular undies (should be two)
• five pairs of socks (should be two)
• three t-shirts (should be two)
• one fleece
• oversized, open-toe flip-flops (thong sandals are much smaller!)
• laceless, casual shoes
• belt

Without sacrificing comfort or function, it's always better to bring the smallest option on your packing list. Had I done so, my "get-up-and-go" would've been significantly more efficient. My shower bag exemplifies this, something I take pride in having gotten right. Body wash trumps individual soap, shampoo, face cleaner and shaving cream. A travel toothbrush with loosely placed Q-tips makes for easier, more malleable packing.

In rereading my thoughts up to this point, I see that some very important elements are missing that might turn anyone's organizational scheme into a manic crisis: tools, repair solutions and safety. The only space remaining on my Bandit 1200 is the pillion seat and I was so hoping to keep that free and clear. Better safe than sorry; she's still agile and the extra storage even provides a bit of lower back support.

M. Dean

M. Dean

M. Dean

So, here we are. Travis's single-cylinder BMW GS650 (dubbed "Ginny the Jackhammer") and my 2003 Suzuki Bandit 1200 are waiting to travel across the Pacific Northwest. The only remaining step is to hop on and ride but one emotional obstacle makes that very difficult: saying goodbye to loved ones. No matter how safety-conscious you are, motorcycling can be hazardous. Hold your family close and let them know the dangers.

Then, get out there and live!

M. Dean

M. Dean

M. Dean

Ready for more? Check out our dedicated packing list, then join us for ... Day One: Chicago to Des Moines

How Do You Prepare For A Long-distance Motorcycle Trip?

Strategies for motorbike travel are custom to the individual. What preparatory steps do you take? How might others benefit from these steps and why? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!