From Bill Howard whoward@raaf.defence.gov.au
Touring on the ST
My wife Teresa and I belong to the largest bike oriented club in Australia. Membership numbers are approaching 20,000
although its estimated only 12,000 are active. The club has an annual general meeting (AGM) in a different town or city
every year and we try and attend every one.
Last year the AGM was in Cairns, North Queensland, a popular tourist destination and only about 1800 kilometers north of home in
South Queensland. This year, the AGM is in the Barossa Valley, near Adelaide in South Australia - about 2000 kilometers
south west.
We're usually away for about two to three weeks, traveling directly to the venue, visiting local attractions while there and also
touring on the way home. Many people ask us what we pack for the duration - most can't believe that we carry everything we
need, except food, and fit it all in two panniers and a Givi top box. The following should give you an idea...
Riding
Jacket Choose for climate.
Gloves As above.
Boots I hate it when laces get caught on footpegs.... crunch!!!... don't you?
Wet weather trousers Our w/w pants roll up and fit in a pocket, saves undoing top box or panniers in the rain.
If you have to pack them, make sure they're accessible.
Sunglasses Well, you've got to look 'cool' don't you? Also help keep the bugs out of the eyes.
Notebook and pen You never know when that funny story might leap out at you or exchange names and addresses with new
friends you meet.
Small flashlight If you put it in your luggage you can never find it!
Sleeping
Tent. We have a big dome and a small dome besides my chrome dome (bald head!) Big dome for trips where you spend
more than one night, small dome for camping weekends. Tent poles are strapped under the top box rack.
Sleeping bags. Get smallest size, suitable for expected climate Mattresses.
We've got rubberised cotton inflatable which are fairly heavy.
Take bicycle patches in case of a leak.
Elec air pump. Runs off the bike battery. Saves a lot of huffing and puffing.
Pillow. Use your jacket or get a zip-up 'pillow protector' and stuff it with clothes.
Spare Clothing
Socks & underwear. Two of each.
Shirts. Two.
Jumper/sweater. One.
Jeans/trousers. One spare pair.
Shorts. Depending on the climate.
Shoes. Joggers or sandals, depending on climate/venue.
Hat or cap. Mandatory (for me anyway) to keep the sun off the head.
Other
Hygiene. Small toilet bag, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste. Towels (small).
Cooking/eating. Small pot (known is Australia as a 'billy', small stove, stainless steel mug each, knife-fork-spoon
set each, plastic plates, instant coffee/tea.
Drinking. Collapsible cooler (6-pack size for when you stop for the night).
Map book. Well, you want to know where you're going and how far it is between fuel stops! The HEMA 'Australia
Motorbike Atlas' costs about $A19. (I also need a small magnifying glass)
Chain Lube. For those with chain drive bikes.
Piece of rag. For those with shaft drive bikes who feel sorry for those with chains.
Traveling.
It doesn't matter whether you're riding alone, with your partner or in a group, plan your trip thoroughly.
If you intend to have 'big days' book a cabin in a caravan park or a motel. This saves putting up a tent when you're feeling
stuffed, and also saves pulling it down in the morning. If its raining, also try and book cabins. It's no fun folding
up a soggy tent knowing that it's going to be soggy when you put it up again. Caravan parks with 'camp kitchens' are
preferred. That way you can get your dinner and breakfast from a local supermarket, which is much cheaper and healthier than
greasy take-away food. After several nights on a blow-up mattress, Teresa tells me its nice to sleep in a bed, so if you're
planning to camp out, make every third or fourth night a 'cabin' or motel.
Please - if you have some nice tips - send it in a email to me and I will include it into this page !!