Touring tips from KBers?

**jamiey** · 9th October 2008, 09:29

Next week i'm off for 4 days round the East Cape. The first time in probably 10 years i've been touring

Other than my gear, preparing the bike etc, What pearls of wisdom can you guys share with tips on what to take for a 4 day trip. Maybe little things that are often overlooked but invaluable when your out on the open road??

**Usarka** · 9th October 2008, 09:32

Some lube

**FJRider** · 9th October 2008, 09:32

A damp rag (in a plastic bag) to clean your visor...and a soft DRY one...

**Cary** · 9th October 2008, 09:37

Watch for stock, gravel on the corners, locals!!

It's almost guaranteed you will come across a sheep,goat,horse or some wildlife around the cape. Good road tho.

Plan your fuel stops to.

**sinfull** · 9th October 2008, 09:38

Your wallet !~

**gijoe1313** · 9th October 2008, 09:38

don't drop your soap in a shower, use soap on a rope ... actually remember duct/gaffer tape, pocket knife, cable ties, small first aid kit, cash (the best one of all!)

And your sense of adventure, daring and flexibility in your riding plans!

I carry in a fanny pack ...

First Aid Kit
Emergency survival blanket
Pairs of gloves (latex)
Multi-tool (like the bicyclers use)
Cable Ties
Duct Tape
Squeegee bottle for cleaning visor (small one with wiper)
Spare levers
can o'lube (for those moments I often end up riding 500km+ randomly)

In the limited space in the bike ...

Puncture repair kit
Standard bike tool kit
Spare fuses
Spare bulb

Also at the servos when you fill up, ask them about the local road conditions ahead, often they give some good tips (rozzer locations, black spots, nubile young women ...)

I've just done the east cape recently, fill up in Opotiki and if you don't have full range carry a 5 litre gas tank with you ... long way round to Tologa bay! Nice roads, locals are good and generally well behaved on the roads, some nice kodak moments out there, so remember the ol'camera (I forgot to pack mine!)

**Usarka** · 9th October 2008, 09:40

Originally Posted by gijoe1313

I carry in a fanny pack ...

Pairs of gloves (latex)
can o'lube
Duct Tape
Cable Ties
Duct Tape

How about the gimp mask?

Oh - visors. Either take two (clear and tinted) or take some glasses of the opposite tint to the one visor you are taking. Eg if you ride with a dark visor take some clear safety glasses in case it gets dark so you dont get bugs in your eyes at 101kph.

**Murray** · 9th October 2008, 09:43

Don't forget your toothbrush!!!!

**nodrog:Me** · 9th October 2008, 09:44

pack all your clothes in your bag, then go back through and throw half of them out, i guarantee you wont use half of them.

**Maha** · 9th October 2008, 09:58

Originally Posted by jamiey

Next week i'm off for 4 days round the East Cape. The first time in probably 10 years i've been touring

Other than my gear, preparing the bike etc, What pearls of wisdom can you guys share with tips on what to take for a 4 day trip. Maybe little things that are often overlooked but invaluable when your out on the open road??

We done it two weeks ago, all we really needed was sunblock.
Tolaga Bay Inn!!....great place to stop.
Theres also distances and fuel prices in the link below.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=82836

Originally Posted by Cary

Watch for stock, gravel on the corners, locals!!

It's almost guaranteed you will come across a sheep,goat,horse or some wildlife around the cape. Good road tho.

Plan your fuel stops to.

Heaps of fuel places around the east cape, in saying that, I made it from Gisborne to Waihau on a tank.

Originally Posted by gijoe1313

Also at the servos when you fill up, ask them about the local road conditions ahead, often they give some good tips (rozzer locations, black spots, nubile young women ...)

I've just done the east cape recently, fill up in Opotiki and if you don't have full range carry a 5 litre gas tank with you ... long way round to Tologa bay! Nice roads, locals are good and generally well behaved on the roads, some nice kodak moments out there, so remember the ol'camera (I forgot to pack mine!)

The road was in great condition, apart form the bit between Ruatoria and Te Araroa, bumpy as hell, but the signs were there so was no real drama.

Fuel at Waihau Bay/Ruatoria/Te Puia Springs/Tolaga bay...no need to carry extra unless you ride outside bussiness hours. During the day? all good.

**BOGAR** · 9th October 2008, 10:12

Cash as a few places DON'T have eftpos. Not good when you need food / fuel.
I hope you enjoy the trip. I am hoping to do a small two day version this year.

**vifferman** · 9th October 2008, 10:12

Sounds like everyone's pretty covered everything (especially gijoe - excellent list). The last bike tour I did was 5 days Oop Norf and back, and there was a bit of gravel road riding. I regretted not thinking to put a small aerosol WD40 in, and the chain got very gritty. The local servo had only CRC, which is useless as a chain cleaner/luber.
One thing you might want is a map book: if you haven't got the NZ Motorcycling Atlas, buy a copy.

**Hitcher** · 9th October 2008, 10:14

Take a Japanese bike. That way you can confidently leave the tool kit and owner's manual at home.

Learn the art of travelling light. Plan to find a laundry every three days, and only take enough clothes for three days.

Buy good wet weather gear, based on the season you plan to be travelling in.

Plan to be spontaneous, and enjoy the experience!

**Maha** · 9th October 2008, 10:23

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Take a Japanese bike. That way you can confidently leave the tool kit and owner's manual at home.

Learn the art of travelling light. Plan to find a laundry every three days, and only take enough clothes for three days.

Buy good wet weather gear, based on the season you plan to be travelling in.

Plan to be spontaneous, and enjoy the experience!

Yeah thats what I ment to say....