Road trip question?

[dpcdoc]

I am planning on riding the Ridgeback from Virginia to Florida very soon, my mother has breast cancer and is getting operated on, so I'd like to be there for her. My question is, does anyone have any ideas about how to pack for a few days on a bigdog without a sissy bar or any bags? Any thoughts on what seems to work would be appreciated, the thought of a backpack for 900 miles isn't what I'd like. Thanks all and best wishes, Neil

 

[WB Cycles]

Unless you have a 2up seat you're running the risk of screwing with your paint behind the solo ( pillion pads have been known to mysteriously disappear on the highway ). If you have a 2up I've seen backpacks with military use that sit low so that you can use a second pack higher. Something like that would sit on the 2up portion and take the pressure off your shoulders.

That being said ... the SAFE way to do it is a bar/rack combo.

 

[jimizee028]

toothbrush in the back left pocket,filled wallet in the right back pocket,stop at wal mart after a few days for an underwear change.........:lol:
seriously though nelson is right if you put directly on the paint it will be wasted ......

 

[titus722]

i know you dont want to use a back pack,i use a book bag, i can get 2 days worth of clothes in it,picked up a nice one from cycle gear,,

 

[PROFLYER]

That's a long way to have an extra 50lbs pullin on ya. Sissy bar, luggage rack, pad and t-bag is the only way to go really. If you pack the t-bag right it doubles as a back rest as well which makes the miles go by much easier as you have something to kinda lean back against. I pack what I need then always seem to add stuff just to fill out the t-bag.

 

[JerryC]

I had the same problem for even short trips: no where to put anything. I have a tool bag on the handle bars, but it only holds sunglasses, cigars, a lighter and a couple of tools. I didn't want to ride with a backpack, so I just ordered the sissy bar package with luggage rack. I felt it was safer than a back pack and held more. It was also more expensive for an older Dog because I needed new fender struts. I didn't explore bags because I thought the bike wouldn't look right with them.

Sounds like a great trip to take but sorry to hear about your Mom and hope she comes through her operation. My mother lives in my house and is getting the final word from her doctor next week - I give her six months. So, I have a sense of what you are going through. Please tell your Mom we are all rooting for her!

 

[RenoMoe]

ship your stuff UPS to your destination

 

[Raywood]

I am planning on riding the Ridgeback from Virginia to Florida very soon, my mother has breast cancer and is getting operated on, so I'd like to be there for her. My question is, does anyone have any ideas about how to pack for a few days on a bigdog without a sissy bar or any bags? Any thoughts on what seems to work would be appreciated, the thought of a backpack for 900 miles isn't what I'd like. Thanks all and best wishes, Neil

Without a sissybar you may want to ship as Reno stated. Otherwise you need the sissybar or you will mess up your paint and other stuff.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/riding-gear/331-camping-trips.html

:flag:

 

[KnotSo]

As Reno said, and that will allow you the comfort to reach your destination in one day.

 

[woodbutcher]

good thinkin', reno.:2thumbs:

 

[PROFLYER]

ship your stuff UPS to your destination

Duh, I guess if you could make the trip in 2 days and it's a straight shot you could do that, hell, 900 miles can be done in one day really.

 

[ajo771]

Reno is on it.

Whenever I head out with the wife she ships our cloths to the hotels. When we leave we give them to the hotel and tell them to ship them back to us. We only travel with credit cards, cash, and cell phone.

Until I met the wife I didn't know how to travel, she certainly knows how to take advantage of the hotel services. (she use to be an account manager for Mariott Hotels).

 

[Thumper]

Hope all works out for your Mom. Docs got some good shit going these days.

As far as the ride goes. Buy a HONDA

 

[Fibersnake]

Doc,

I also hope your mom is able to come through these hard times and like Thumper indicated, there are some a very good things be used now to help out so much better than even 5 years ago.

Oon packing for a few days, I use a roll bag that straps to the front handlebars over the headlight. T-Bag has a nice larger one that I use and have used it for trips of up to a week.

Here is the one I use:

T-BAGS® SWITCHBACK :: Detail

 

[BBChopper]

What part of Florida???

 

[dpcdoc]

Clearwater/St. Pete area is where I grew up. Folks now live in Dunedin. Thanks for the input, UPS is a great idea and the roll bag looks like a great investment. Thanks Fiber for the link.

 

[woodbutcher]

by the way, dpcdoc, my thoughts and prayers go out to your momma in this time of uncertainty. hope all goes well and she is around for you for many years to come. if she has to go through chemo, should definately look toward the platinum based drugs with a side of nulasta for the white blood count.

 

[BBChopper]

Hope all works out!!!

 

[gearsmithy]

hope your mom is okay. I rode my ridgeback from knoxville to daytona in one day, about as far as you have to go. without a sissy bar you really should ship your stuff. If you do pick one up do yourself a favor and get the luggage rack, put painters tape on your rear fender just in case. Also, pack what you think you need, then take half of it out. It also doesn't hurt to carry and extra quart of oil on those long trips.

Be sure to wear a tight jacket too, that will help with back support. and by tight, i mean soo tight you can't zip it up with a sweatshirt on.

 

[BigSpenda864]

That's a long way to have an extra 50lbs pullin on ya. Sissy bar, luggage rack, pad and t-bag is the only way to go really. If you pack the t-bag right it doubles as a back rest as well which makes the miles go by much easier as you have something to kinda lean back against. I pack what I need then always seem to add stuff just to fill out the t-bag.

I have the exact same set up and pack the same way. It makes the miles much more comfortable if you can lean back on the T Bag. Well worth the investment.