I’ve been meaning to do a road trip for some time now. This summer has been pretty crappy and I’ve ridden most of the roads locally. My recent trip to Calgary was a bit of a washout with crappy weather and a Multistrada that wasn’t a whole lot of fun. And besides, at just one day’s riding, it hardly qualified as a road trip.

So, when my girlfriend and I checked out calendars last week and realized we had next week free, we decided to load up and go. The destination was fairly easy: After flirting with the idea of the East Coast (Maine /etc) I proposed the South – I’ve always wanted to ride Deal’s Gap and Marina wanted to see the Georgia Guidestones (they’re not that far in NE Georgia) so it was decision made.

Packing has proved somewhat more problematic. With only two panniers and a tank bag, luggage was going to be tight, so I tried to get a top box. Sadly, the Triumph OEM one is out of stock with no availability posted (Thanks, Triumph…). I then looked at the Givi, but their rails don’t work with the OEM triumph ones (thanks, Givi). My only option was the expensive Motech rails with an adapter and someone else’s top-box. Sadly, it couldn’t be delivered in time (thanks, Canada Post) so we’re heading out with just the stuff I have and maybe a backpack. I sense a mid-trip laundry stop might be in order.

Next up is the route: I could do the straight there – down the I-series highways missing as much as possible on the way, but the route from Toronto takes me (potentially) through some interesting roads so we’re riding down the long(ish) way: PA, NC, KY and TN all beckon before taking the very straight way back via OH and the I-75. I will post the route shortly when I’ve worked it all out though, chances are, that might be when we are on the road, though I am looking forward to Deals Gap and Cruso Road already.

If we’re passing by any of you, drop me a line and we’ll see if we can get some local knowledge on the way to go.

Tags:   luggage · planning · roadtripNo Comments