I packed the following items to take along on the trip. I was right about most things but I would leave a few things behind next time (highlighted in yellow), and would add several items (highlighted in green). Next time I don’t believe I would take camping gear along. I had no real need for it this time, except for the rally.
Clothes & riding gear
- Walking shoes
- Waterproof gloves; cold weather; warm weather
- Underwear x 4
- Socks x 4
- Shorts
- Jeans and lightweight pants
- 2 short-sleeve and 1 long-sleeve T-shirts
- Long underwear
- Cap
- BMW heated vest
- BMW Streetguard jacket/pants (cold/wet weather)
- BMW Venting Machine jacket/pants (warm weather)
- Rain suit
- Riding boots
- Boot covers (rain)
- SHOEI Multitec helmet
- Ear plugs
- Balaclava
- Prescription sunglasses
- Towel & washcloth
- Anti-fog for helmet shield
- Leather Scotchguard
Maps & Technology
- Milepost magazine
- Garmin Quest GPS
- Laptop computer – Dell D420
- Garmin City Navigator North America v8
- Microsoft Streets and Maps 2006
- Microsoft Frontpage
- Adobe Photoshop Elements
- BMW K1200LT service manual
- PDA/cell phone – Treo 650
- Camera – Nikon D50
- Tripod
- Sirius satellite radio
- Shortwave radio – Eton E5
- Headphones
- Chargers for camera, cell phone, laptop
- Binoculars
- Log book
- Pens
- BMW Owners Anonymous
Necessities and personal items
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Suntan lotion
- Eye drops
- Mosquito repellant
- Passport
- CPAP machine
- Small umbrella (lots of rain in Alaska)
- One day’s food supply
- Water for cooking, washing, etc.
- Ziploc bags
- Sierra cup
- Pocket knife
Camping gear
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Bed sheet & pillow case
- Thermarest
- Hand cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Handy wipes
- Toilet tissue
- Matches/lighter
Bike equipment
- Tire gauge
- Flashlight
- Oil filter/crush washers
- Oil filter wrench
- Fuel filter
- Tool kit
- Torx T25 driver
- 12 volt Tire pump
- Tire repair kit
- Shift linkage spare parts
- Plexus plastic cleaner/wax
- Bike washing supplies
- Shop rags
- Bike cover
- Wire
- Zip ties
- Duct tape
- Black tape
Packing arrangement
I packed the heavy items low on the bike and kept the weight balanced side to side. This arrangement worked well.
| Tank bag | camera, wallet, sunglasses, eyedrops, lip balm, logbook, pen, microfiber cloth, PDA, headphones, binoculars, water, contact information, mosquito repellant, suntan lotion |
| Left saddlebag | tools, bike equipment, first aid kit; emergency food & water |
| Right saddlebag | clothes, Milepost, extra gear |
| Top case | laptop, riding gear, gloves |
| Waterproof bags tied on rear seat |
tent, sleeping bag, Thermarest pad |
Other preparations
- Arrange for emergency towing service (Progressive Ins.)
- Leave itinerary with family
- Call credit card company to inform about trip & charges
- Plan for tire change in Alaska (make sure tires are in stock)