Searching for Zen (Without Motorcycle Maintenance)

Before geriatric progression incapacitates me, I want to reduce my list of `to-do' things so I'm riding a motorcycle cross-country. I've always liked BMW motorcycles so I'll be riding a 2016 R1200RS from Central Illinois to California and back this summer. I'm making lists of things in order to organize myself. Things to take...


Bike: The bike came with OEM hard luggage and I have a soft tailbag that can hold a Shoei RF1200 but little else after that. I added a small tank bag today to hold my cell phone and SLR camera.

• registration, drivers license, proof of insurance 
• tire pressure gauge, Slime tire pump (need BMW adapter), Dynaseal repair kit, 
• BMW Motorrad Roadside Service subscription
• battery powered flashing light and glo sticks
• bike manual, backup key, Allen/Torx set
• small tank bag, bungee cords and duct tape, Swiss Army knife

Clothes: Breathable wicking clothing for under the riding suit (think Under Armour and the like), sneakers, and flip-flops.

Bike Apparel: Airflow suit, rain suit (RevIt one piece), gloves (Held), helmet (Schuberth), BMW boots, HiViz reflective Sam Browne.

Toiletries:

• chapstick, moisturizer, sunscreen
• razor, occlusal bite guard, toothbrush, floss, toothpaste
• wet wipes, deodorant, nail clipper.

First Aid & Meds: triple antibiotic, nasal steroid spray, band aids, aspirin, antacids, hydrocortisone ointment, prescription meds.

Other:

• sunglasses and reading glasses
• phone, satnav, laptop, cameras, assorted chargers, USB cables
• earplugs, microfiber cloths, notebook and pens,
• roll of quarters, Ziploc bags of different sizes.

Reading Material (hopelessly nerdy):

• Advanced R by Hadley Wickham
• Python for Data Analysis by Wes McKinney

I should also mention that I'm making half-hearted efforts to strengthen core muscles and generally improve fitness but it's really a lost cause. BMW annual service with brake flush today.

Well, I did it. Il-IA-MO-NE-CO-NV-CA and back using secondary roads.