Things I wish I knew about touring

[HipGnosis]

 We've had some great threads about beginning riding and riding with a passenger.

 How about touring??

 Advance Thanks;  Jim

[RBEmerson]

Three thoughts: 1) It's the journey, not the destination, 2) the road is longer than you think, and 3) beware of zoning out.  

1) Really, it's the journey that is the good part.  When you get "there", it's time to stop.  While you're going, literally anything can happen from looking up and seeing a bald eagle flying as your wingman (honest! I looked up and there he was!) to meeting someone you haven't seen in years who just happens to be on the same bit of road (that's happened a couple of times) to moments where all you can say is "two years from now, this will seem like a good 'bar story'".  You'll see stuff other folks will miss, whether it's scenery that leaves you picking your jaw off the floor, or some little vignette that's there for a moment and then gone.  And you may even change the destination and never get where you planned to go in the first place.  

On the Concours Owners Group site is the account of a guy who wanted to ride from Ottawa to Yellowknife in the Yukon Territory to get ripped in the local saloon.  When he got to Yellowknife (not an easy ride!) and the saloon, he just kept on riding.  The journey was the destination.  

2) When you're looking at the map, the road looks short and it's "how hard can it be?" time.  When you're three hours into a seven hour ride, the road gets a little longer.  A thousand miles in 24 hours?  It's a good way to get IBA membership but not very good for really seeing what there is to see.  

3) On local rides, it's easy to keep the edge and stay really focused.  Start droning down the road, though, and sooner or later... zoned out.  Being well rested helps hold that off but, after a while, it's hard to keep the edge and stay mentally fresh.  The urge to get down the road is difficult to ignore; that "short 400 mile dash" is now looking a little longer, so it becomes "gotta keep moving".  But it's time to think hard about what's going on when you realize "I have no freakin' idea what happened for the last 15 minutes, or the last fifteen miles!"  

Enjoy the ride!  

[county]

Buy a good rainsuit.

Accept that some discomfort is part of touring and that you can enjoy yourself while not being comfortable.

Carry a spare key and spare faceshield.

And, today in a lotta pursuits there are a lotta people and whole industries that seem to insist that you can't do anything without a whole shitload of expensive accoutrements.  Don't buy into this.  Simplicity is a good thing, expecially on a motorcycle.  Minimalization is a good thing, expecially on a motorcycle.  Remember, before this current boom in motorcycling there was people (and still are) riding around America on little bikes with duffel bags covered with garbage bags bungeed to their bikes.

[happybusa]

Right on, both of you.
 

I "toured" for years,tremendous planning and many
long distance trips. Honestly, I dont think I would get
lost anywhere in the U.S.

BUT, in the last 5 years I have enjoyed riding more
because I have learned to
slow down and stop along the way
mainly by taking the road less traveled.
Oh yeah, and making new friends........on ST.n

Sully

[forester]

Touring rocks.  I haven't found a better way to experience the roaded countryside than being atop a motorcycle.  The views, the smells, the sounds of the engine and the feel of the wind.  There isn't a more pure road experience.

My advice:

-Know your machine very well.
-Carry proper tools and spare parts that may break.
-Carry enough of the right kind of clothes for your trip
-Minimize your load in weight and size.
-Maintain the machine properly along the way.
-Maintain yourself properly along the way.
-Avoid roads with a heavy traffic load when possible.
-Take the time to meet the locals by starting conversation in the local establishments.
-Stay sharp; watch and be ready to avoid road hazards.
-Be respectful to other motorists.
-Keeping an open mind and a relaxed schedule may lead to more adventure and enjoyment.

Good luck and have fun!

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

These are the threads that we should read good reminders for the bike season coming up for the regions that don't get to ride year round.

[Orson]

Everyone travels differently...

myself, I don't like to book ahead. I feel it adds pressure by feeling I need to be somewhere that night. I just leave it up to the luck of the draw. Wherever I am at 5:00 P.M. is where I'm stayin'   This approach also allows me to change course at the drop of a hat.

[RBEmerson]

A big +1 on that.  Although there have been occasions where it's getting late and the weather isn't looking so good and the bike sounds funny and maybe those burritos at lunch are speaking in loud and strident tones about departing by going up and/or down now and it's generally "my head aches, my feet stink, and I don't love Jesus" time and that's when all the places to stay announce they're booked solid.  Oh my...  

[Orson]

and that's when all the places to stay announce they're booked solid.  Oh my...  

this is an unwritten law of touring  

around 1:00 P.M., you'll pass a hotel with a spectacular view of the mountains, free internet and heated pool...

come 5:00 when you really need some place, invariably the only place available is Ma & Pa's roach coach chalet  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

this is an unwritten law of touring  

around 1:00 P.M., you'll pass a hotel with a spectacular view of the mountains, free internet and heated pool...

come 5:00 when you really need some place, invariably the only place available is Ma & Pa's roach coach chalet  

Oh, but those are my favorite!!! And I'm serious!. Maybe not the "roach" part, but the little motel that's been there since the beginning of time and has been forgotten because the highway was built 10 miles away. Yeah, I'll take that over a Holiday Inn any day!  


As for what I wish I knew... I guess I'll chime in about the gear. I wish now that I had just jumped right in and gotten good gear the first time around instead of gradually increasing the quality with each purchase, thereby costing me at least 3x as much as I would have paid if I had done it right the first time.

[Headmanbrewing]

and it's generally "my head hurts, my feet stink, and I don't love Jesus" time

Fixed that for ya. 

And if I remember correctly, in the song he was talking about the feeling you have after a long night of drinking.  Nevertheless, the sentiment is the same.

Edit: And I should add, I have no advice to give on touring, as I haven't been out for more than 300 miles in a day.  But it's comin'!

[MisterEd]

... but trust me on the sunscreen.

(somebody had to add that)

One thing that I've found in talking to people, especially newer riders, about touring and longer trips is that a lot of folks find a 3000 mile trip very daunting to think about.  The longer trips are the ones that start people asking the questions like "what do I pack", "where do I sleep", "do I lock up my bike or bring it in the room", "will I get mugged, raped, killed, run over, beat up, threatened, etc. etc. etc."

What I tend to tell folks that start down this spiral is that a long trip is just a series of short ones.  No, really, that's all it is.  I was talking to a friend just last week about this - I asked him, "what's the longest day you've ridden so far?"  He replied that he had done a ten hour day, that included a lot of long stops, that was about 350 miles.  So, I just pointed out that if you string five of those days together, you'd have a 1,750 mile trip.

The issue of "security" gets talked about a lot, but I've found that people in general are nice, normal, non-threatening folks.  Don't let my colleagues in the fright-night-for-a-buck news business scare you in to thinking there's a meth lab in every motel, a killer behind every 7-11 and robbers and bad guys waiting in every parking lot.  Yeah, you take reasonable precautions like anyone would - not leaving a $1,000 camera lying out in plain sight and so on, but this business that some folks focus on about being super-paranoid about their bike disappearing from the Motel 6 parking lot in Dubuque just ain't something to worry about.

Finally, if you're new to LD trips, spend some time "spooling up" before you tackle the big one.  It's way, way better to get used to how it feels to ride a 10,000 miler by doing a lot of 200 milers before hand.  Spend a few weekends doing some overnighters relatively near home to get used to packing and unpacking the bike (remember, if you hit the road for three weeks, you'll be loading and unloading that bike a LOT), living with the bike as your only mode of transport at your destination, how you pack (and how much you overpack...) and so on.  I've known folks that have tried 3000 or 4000 mile trips with virtually no preparation who ended up miserable and never travelled more than 150 miles from home on a bike ever again.

And always remember that there's a 90% chance that you WILL be better off replacing the stock seat on your bike  
Posted on: March 21, 2007, 20:40:54

Oh, but those are my favorite!!! And I'm serious!. Maybe not the "roach" part, but the little motel that's been there since the beginning of time and has been forgotten because the highway was built 10 miles away. Yeah, I'll take that over a Holiday Inn any day!  

Me too.  Yeah, I've stayed at my share of "Motel Chain O'The Day" but when you find the old rambling "Moonlight Inn" off in the far corner of some county, sometimes they can be the most fun of any place.

[ninjadad66]

Enjoy the trip, and be on the look out for new roads. I plan out my Alps ride every year, and the end product is never what it starts out to be. However, be advised that I have a strange condition called "Wheredoesthatroadgo".  There's no cure and every year it get's worse  

[PlayWithGravity]

Three thoughts: 1) It's the journey, not the destination, 2) the road is longer than you think, and 3) beware of zoning out.  

+1 on #2

That's the best advice I can give for LD touring.  Oh, and never forget to stop and take pictures of your bike many times along the way in the midst of cool landscapes, etc. to remind yourself of just how cool you really are  

[Corbeau]

But it's time to think hard about what's going on when you realize "I have no freakin' idea what happened for the last 15 minutes, or the last fifteen miles!"

In Kansas, it's 300 minutes and 300 miles!

In no particular order:

• sing in your helmet
• don't burp in your helmet after a hard night of drinking with new friends met at a campground
• if you see something and think "cool! maybe I should take a picture of that", stop, turn around and go take that picture. Otherwise, 3,000 miles later, your description of said cool thing will get fuzzy.
• never be a stranger when you meet people in old general stores. Take the time to talk to them.

[PlayWithGravity]

[li]if you see something and think "cool! maybe I should take a picture of that", stop, turn around and go take that picture. Otherwise, 3,000 miles later, your description of said cool thing will get fuzzy.[/li]

+1

I have one of those shots framed and hanging in my foyer.  Nice!  How do I paste a picture in here, I'll share.  

[PlayWithGravity]

Taken in north-central Pennsylvania on my way to Vermont.

[RBEmerson]

Suh-weet!

[Leanintree]

If you know what direction your going (approximately),

#1-TAKE A LIST OF LOCAL BIKE SHOPS.

#2-Call a few ahead to see if they have your size tire.

#3- Maybe even purchase one with plans to change it at that juncture.

For those long trips, I keep hearing about people that get a flat, or the tire gets too worn (or squared off), and they have to bend over and take it at the first available shop. Or the first shop doesn't have what they need. I've known a few folks who (when planning multi-thousand mile jaunts) will buy a spare, and have it shipped to halfway through their journey, with the intent that it will need changing by that point. Unfortunately, long days in the saddle can eat tires in a heartbeat (particulaly if you like riding on gumballs). Something to think about when you set out... how long 'til this set is is so square that your riding on legos?

Leanintree

[PlayWithGravity]

What does "riding on a gumball" mean?

[ninjadad66]

What does "riding on a gumball" mean?

+1

[Corbeau]

Here's the answer: tires that have a very soft compound (i.e. rubber, soft as gumballs). While those tires are great for the track and (very) spirited riding, their longevity is limited -- due to the soft rubber.

Stickiness or tire life. Pick one.

[ninjadad66]

Here's the answer: tires that have a very soft compound (i.e. rubber, soft as gumballs). While those tires are great for the track and (very) spirited riding, their longevity is limited -- due to the soft rubber.

Stickiness or tire life. Pick one.

Roger that.

[PlayWithGravity]

What a fun thread!

Another thing I've come to realize, which has sorta been mentioned, is that I never use 1/2 the stuff I pack.  Note to self:  Pack 1/2 as much stuff.

[Thor]

Always carry an LED flashlight and a leatherman.  My bike only breaks down in the dead of night, of all the tools I carry the leatherman always seems to get involved, and my non-LED flashlights either burn their bulb out or become dim about the time I need them most.

Definitely +1 on taking some mini-trips first to figure out what you really need/want, as well as getting your body used to riding for long distances.

[miles]

As to the zoning out while on the road, I find it only happens to me when I am following another vehicle (either bike or car).  When I can see the open road, I can stay alert forever, but if I am stuck behind somebody, I do start to vegetate.  Maybe the tail lights hypnotize me?  I don't know.


miles

[PlayWithGravity]

Miles, your avatar is what hypnotizes ME!

[Leanintree]

What a fun thread!

Another thing I've come to realize, which has sorta been mentioned, is that I never use 1/2 the stuff I pack.  Note to self:  Pack 1/2 as much stuff.

Ah yes, but which half?  

"Hmm... this trip, I think I'll leave the tire kit, drinking water, my glasses and my patented ST.N thong behind... Odds are I won't need them!"

But THIS time, you get a flat, in the desert, lose a contact and destroy your tighty-whiteys avoiding Bambi... NOW WHAT'CHA GONNA DO???!!!

 

Leanintree

[RBEmerson]

+1 on the LED light.  If you have room for a "shake it" no-batteries LED light (they really do work!), that's good too.  Anyway, I learned that one the hard way.  

I was on the road, in the boonies, late at night and the bike started sounding and feeling funny.  I had the feeling the oil level might have gotten too low.  I had to find a truck stop to find enough light to check the oil level (no dip stick on the Concours, only a sight glass) and wasn't happy with riding around, thinking "sure hope I'm not cooking the engine, doing this on low oil".  In the end it was probably a just case of "automatic rough" (the way an airplane feels at night when you're over a big forest with no place for an emergency let-down, have doubts about the weather, and the engine makes that funny little noise that... that's "automatic rough")

Leatherman... eh, why not - they're not that big.  OTOH, a good bike tool kit should do the job; a multi-purpose tool isn't likely to have a 22mm open end wrench in it, for example, and I've yet to see one with a 12 mm hex wrench, for that matter.    

[Head]

+20,000 on talking to people in old small general stores.  I should know thats my current job for this summer.  So please, all going through the UP and hitting Copper Harbor, stop in at the Gaslite General store, say hi and stay for a chat.

I've only done one trip of about 200 miles from here down to Marshfiled WI for some keloid removal, thank god WI has no helmet laws, my ears were hurting after the surgery.  I packed light, I can't remember what happend to my saddle bags after that trip. I think I lost them at college, need to get a new set.

I'd say pack light, carry a tool kit, and a plug kit, and a cell phone.  Know your bike and have fun.

[GypsyCat]

What a fun thread!

Another thing I've come to realize, which has sorta been mentioned, is that I never use 1/2 the stuff I pack.  Note to self:  Pack 1/2 as much stuff.

Hope you remember to pack the 1/2 that you will be using.  

GypsyCat

[Dr Gil]

As the resident "old guy" here on a predominantly "young guy" forum I find that there is more of an emphasis on speed and number of miles traveled in a day than I personally like to see.

"Years of experience has taught me" (going into "old geezer" mode ) that it's not the number of miles traveled, it's the quality of those miles (and you can quote me).  

Don't push yourself overly hard to keep pace, it can have dire consequences.  Ride your own ride and have fun.  

It's all about you.  

[LENSMAN]

There's another active thread that talks about towing insurance.  The AMA has a service- worth signing up for just in case. For security, Cheaper Than Dirt  sells a door wedge that contains an alarm- $7- 10.  Even in warm weather, take a down vest or an electric one. Weather in the mountains and the desert is unpredictable.  Fred Rau (MCN News) wrote about how he took a group into the desert and hit cold and rainy weather- 40 degree temps, everyone wearing mesh gear.

[GilaMonster]

Keep hydrated....get a camelbak.....that's my number 1 reason for zoning out.
Water works better for me than Gatorade, etc.

+1 on led flashlight and leatherman.  Add 10 feet of duct tape and one folded
up coat hangar.  Add CO2 cans to your tire patch kit.  A patched tire is not
real useful without air.

Don't leave on a long trip with worn tires.  The last wear is the fastest, and
finding correct tires can be a challenge on the road.  Get a helmet that is
comfortable after two hours.  It really sucks if your helmet gives you a
headache.

Start reasonably early in the morning.  Cool riding is far less fatiguing than
warm.  Ok, that's because I live in the desert.

Put an emergency contact name and phone clearly in your tank bag.

Carry 1/2 of the 1/2 you think you need, and a credit card.  You'll be
amazed how little you can travel with.  Buy little stuff like toiletries
on the road and pitch them after use.

[keithwinlouisiana]

+1 on riding "within your abilities" and that "more miles per day" can actually decrease the quality of the miles traveled.

[dr dralion]

Here's my 2 cents:

- put all the gear on you think you're taking on your bed, now divide it in 1/2 (need / want), then divide it in half again (gotta have / need) = take the gotta have.
- put all the money you're taking on the table, now double it, then double it again = bring that with you.
- don't have time frames and let the road lead you insofar that what interests you denotes your path.
- if I'm on the interstate, I stop at ever rest stop to take a small break.  I don't like to get into a daze, especially on the slab, and again, time is of no consequence - take a look at the brocuhures and find the largest ball of yarn in the lower 48.
- be safe, have fun

Kevin

[919Maniac]

I have learned:

**people look at you funny when you decide to pull into a service station b/c you're dying in your full leathers in the 100 degree heat, detach the nearby sprinkler from the hose and jam the hose into your leathers.  You then look like a giant, moving sprinkler as water sprays from your vented leather jacket.

**you can lube your chain by tilting your bike onto its sidestand (if your bike is light like mine) and spinning the wheel with your foot while spraying lube.

**you realize how much punishment we can actually take if we have time to get used to it.  Massive heat can be borne, even in full gear (until the above happens) if you do it long enough.

**the BRP can teach you alot about faith in God when you decide to continue riding at 40mph even though you can see about 1/2 foot in front of you.

**motorcyclists are great people.

**textile better than leather for long trips - more versatile and waterproof.

**riding in the rain ain't that big a deal, just slow down and be smoooootttthhhhhhh!

**chicks dig guys on bikes

**motorcyclists will tell more tall tales after a day of riding than just about anyone involved in any sport.  "So I simply applied throttle and steered into the skid - pulled out of it no problem!"

[1TallTXn]

I'm always up for more tips and tricks! thanks y'all!

If you're looking for a small and portable light, you might check out Pak-Lite runs for 25+hrs on a single 9volt battery.
To top it off I know the guy that makes them and he's pretty darn cool.

In my experience, I've found a AA Maglight is a very handy tool. While it employs an incandescent bulb, I've never had one fail on me. They do ship with at least one extra bulb in the light too. battery life is great, and it can double as a in-tent candle.

[PlayWithGravity]

Pack the necessities:   One bottle of Aleve.  Administer 1/2 dose at each stop.

[Motocentaur]

In my experience, I've found a AA Maglight is a very handy tool. While it employs an incandescent bulb, I've never had one fail on me. They do ship with at least one extra bulb in the light too. battery life is great, and it can double as a in-tent candle.

You can get an LED upgrade kit for the AA Maglite. It works great and extends battery life even more. I also have a headband strap that can hold it for hands free work.

[Corbeau]

Ever woke up next to a dead Maglight because you started to read a book in your tent but fell asleep because the long hours on the saddle exhausted you?   Yeah, me too.

Solution? A wind-up flashlight.

You won't get any style points, but at least you won't have to buy batteries in the middle of nowhere.

[PlayWithGravity]

Ever woke up next to a dead Maglight because you started to read a book in your tent but fell asleep because the long hours on the saddle exhausted you?

No.

[Chriscb750]

Amen y'all!  When I see that dark and nasty cloud ahead, I find it better to pull off now and put the rain gear on instead of seeing which the way the wind blows it.  It's a bummer taking out and putting on rain gear in a storm.  And if you do get caught in a storm, make sure you find a place a bit aways from the roadside to suit up....it's dangerous on the side of the road....not to mention you're going to get really wet and dirty from the cars passing by.  

Also, don't always feel like you need to tour in a group, when you're ready, take a solo trip.  Some of my most memorable trips are touring by myself.  

[Canuck]

If you travel a lot between Canada and the US, then the AAA or CAA membership may be better for towing than AMA. Just be sure to ask for the motorcycle towing package, which costs a bit more.

If you camp, get a head lamp.

Heated gear has only been touched on, but a heated vest and grips is just about the most important comfort element you can add.

This might fly a bit in the face of the "its the journey not the destination" philosophy, but try to plan so you hit the really great roads (Kootenays, Beartooth, Lolo etc.) on weekdays, ideally not July or August. When you live in the prairies like me, arriving at these roads is like getting to Disneyland when you were 8, so you don't want to waste it behind RVs, just like you don't want to waste Disneyland in two hour line-ups when you are 8, or 80 for that matter.

Avoid riding once dusk hits so you can avoid hitting furry creatures. Besides, it's no fun setting up in the dark if camping.

If you're as old as me (52), stretch everytime you stop and maintain some level of fitness and flexibility. Longish days in the saddle are a lot easier as age creeps up on you if you are in shape.

[Global Rider]

Around 1:00 P.M., you'll pass a hotel with a spectacular view of the mountains, free internet and heated pool...

come 5:00 when you really need some place, invariably the only place available is Ma & Pa's roach coach chalet.

Thats why I somtimes call it quits by mid afternoon.

Since my style of touring isn't about "how many miles" in a day, rather "what I've experienced", I find a place earlier, drop off my luggage, take a short break, cool off and then head out for another long afternoon/early evening ride. You can then enjoy the rest of the day riding knowing that you have a place to stay without any worries (not that I've ever not found accomodations).

Besides, dinner isn't served till 19:00 or later in Europe anyways. Why waste good riding time.

[Global Rider]

Hope you remember to pack the 1/2 that you will be using.  

Ain't that the truth. I'm amazed as to what people pack on trips.

[PlayWithGravity]

Ain't that the truth. I'm amazed as to what people pack on trips.

Maybe I should leave my BBQ grill at home.

[Global Rider]

Maybe I should leave my BBQ grill at home.

But not the cooler with beer.  

[Stargzrgrl]

But not the cooler with beer.  

That's what the topcase is for.  

[PlayWithGravity]

That's what the topcase is for.  

Outstanding!!  

[llew_x]

Outstanding indeed, I love Sam Adams Summer Ale!!  

-Paul

[forester]

Listen to the Star gazer.  Photo Proof positive of a touring expert.  

[basco]

don't burp in your helmet after a hard night of drinking with new friends met at a campground

Jeese, where did you learn that at?  

[chiltech500]

... lots of good advice on all posts.

I have done lots of 2k plus mile trips. Gotta say that my past experience as a backpacker has helped tremendously.

If you're a go-getter personality, you will learn to follow the advice of it's the ride not the destination. Too much uncontrolled type A personality will affect your enjoyment.

The number one sin: Excessive Advance Planning:
(ask me how I know )

... you'll be looking at your watch and map and may avoid some of those interesting side roads and great photo opp's trying to make your hotel reservation (or whatever current distance goal you've set)

... you'll try to pack to avoid every potential problem

... you'll micromanage clothing and comfort choices

Best Advice: Be Flexible

... plan no more than 250 miles a day (you can always do more if you want)

... stop a lot, look around, goof off, take pic's a lot

... you'll always find a place to sleep

... any discomfort (cold, wet, etc.) is temporary and will add to the adventure (good memories are the fun stuff done!!!)

[Bug R]

An airhawk can double your daily milage.



http://www.shapefitting.com/category.aspx?categoryID=54

[RBEmerson]

Er, see chiltech500's comments above.  However there is real value in having a comfortable seat for more than 25, 50, or 100 miles...  

[Grinnin]

LED flashlight??

I take an LED headlamp PLUS an LED keyring light.

Nothing like trying to work two wrenches and a flashlight while keeping a hand free to catch falling parts.  The headlamp makes it easier to actually make the repair.

One morning while packing up camp (in the dark) somewhere in NY state, I put the headlamp on the seat, moved the bike, and the light was gone.  I had to use the LED keyring light to retrace my route to find the first light.  (The headlamp was hanging from the kick-start lever.)

I pack light.  Honest.  But two sources of light is NOT overpacking for a big tourer like the CB360 .

[VAbikeguy]

+1 on everything here...

my contribution...

earplugs...

Its amazing how the wind noise can fatigue a person.  I was amazed at how much better I felt after using earplugs for the first time.

[RBEmerson]

+1 on earplugs!  Now, if I could only find some that seal reliably...  The "roll 'em between your fingers" jobbers work sometimes, and sometimes... ARGHHH!!!  When they work, they filter out the worst of the noise but don't totally close off the outside world (as happens with my Ety ER-6i's).  When they don't work, though...   why do I bother.  Sources, anyone?

[Grinnin]

+1 on earplugs!  Now, if I could only find some that seal reliably...  The "roll 'em between your fingers" jobbers work sometimes, and sometimes... ARGHHH!!!  When they work, they filter out the worst of the noise but don't totally close off the outside world (as happens with my Ety ER-6i's).  When they don't work, though...   why do I bother.  Sources, anyone?

I had frequent trouble fitting the roll-ups, and found that the molded tapered-stack-of-umbrellas type were easy to use.

Aerostitch has two different sample packs of earplugs, disposable and reusable:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Earplugs-p-1-c-343.html

The sample pack of about 10 sets includes duplicate shapes in corded and uncorded versions so there's really only about 6 different shapes. Still worth the bucks (to me) to find earplugs that fit well.

I tried the reusable assortment and found that -- for my ears -- the Moldex Rockets fit well and are very easy to install.  (I cut off the neon-green handle to fit in my helmet better; there's still plenty of the purple part left for a handle.)  The "air" earplugs also fit easily but don't reduce the noise as much.  I wouldn't have tried so many types without the assortment.

[info]

I wish I knew where to find a touring tent. You know, one you don't mind setting up after a long ride.
I want one that sets up easily and fast.
You know the kind? Tell me.....

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I wish I knew where to find a touring tent. You know, one you don't mind setting up after a long ride.
I want one that sets up easily and fast.
You know the kind? Tell me.....

I know that one! I think it's called "Motel 6"  

[No Cam]

+1 on earplugs!  Now, if I could only find some that seal reliably...  When they don't work, though...   why do I bother.  Sources, anyone?

Try Howard Leight Max Lites.  They are green, soft foam.  Individual or tethered.  I use the tethered style and cut off all but about 2" of tether on each one for something to grab onto when removing.  Store them in a 35mm film canister.  I've worked in high noise industrial environments for 20 years and these are the best foam ear plugs I've tried.  Cancel out the wind noise yet I can hear music and voice just fine through my autocom in helmet speakers.  Of course ear plugs are subjective and YMMV, but these work for me

Ebay linky
http://tinyurl.com/2bpr56

No Cam

[RBEmerson]

+1!  I've used the "Raspberry and Lemon" colored Howard Leight plugs for a while.  When they work, they're fantastic, when they don't... they're just another plug.  I wish I could figure out what I do wrong when they don't seal, but at least they are comfortable when they're sealed up.  I like my Ety ER-6i ear buds, and they give consistent sound isolation, but sometimes they also make my ears itch after a while.  Anyway, give the Howard Leight stuff a try - they're definitely better than the stuff you find at Homer and Lowe "safety" racks!  

[olderigetfasteriam]

Take your chances and stop at the local mom and pop motels. Chances are you are going to get a crappy one every now and then but you will also find some nice folks who like motorcyclists. I would rather give my 40 bucks or whatever to Mom and Pop instead of a Holiday 6 Red Roof Quality Crap Inn anyday. Usually can find some good eating nearby in the small towns as well (as opposed to the frikin Waffle House).

[2Pokey]

I wish I knew where to find a touring tent. You know, one you don't mind setting up after a long ride.
I want one that sets up easily and fast.
You know the kind? Tell me.....

I use the Eureka Apex. I can set up pretty quick. As a backpackers tent it packs small, is lightweight and is durable. Tear down always takes twice as long because it has to fit back into a bag that seems to shrink overnight. The only time I mind setting up is in the rain. I will keep riding and set up late and in the dark to avoid a wet setup. Ive also set up in a pavilion during a hard rain and then carried it completely setup to my site and just plopped it down.  

[info]

I know that one! I think it's called "Motel 6"  

I know that one!  
More tents, more tents......