Other Stuff

Other items which I suggest you to carry with you.  Some are obvious other came in handy.

Tank bag items (need to be easely accessible):

• Snacks,  Powerbars, Chocolate, Gum, Candy,… whatever you like;
• Anti-bacterial lotion or wet-naps;
• Toilet paper;
• Guide book & maps;
• Small notebook and pen;
• Camera;
• Sunglasses;
• Pocket knife;
• Tire pressure gauge;
• Change / coins (for tolls);
• Plasticized color photocopy of driving license and bike license (need to look “real”):
  • The original never leave your pouch (read my stories);
• Black & white photocopy on a single page with:
  • License, passport and bike ownership/license (some borders ask for it);
• Lip balm & small moisturizing lotion cream;
• Toque, wool glove,… for cold weather;
• Hat/Cap… the sun hit strong in the Andes;
• MP3 player!

 

Misalleneous:

• First aid kit + medicine (Ibuprofen;  anti- diarrheal pills;…);
• Water (1L);
• Tuna can… just in case;
• My netbook came in very handy.
  • Next time I’ll also bring a Wifi phone mainly for Skype, maps & info while on the go or visiting (there are multitudes of WiFi spots).  Though be careful, twice my cell got robbed

 

Travel gear: each has his/her preference, but just a few suggestions:

• Wear synthetic cloth for riding (Nike Fit Dry, Addidas ClimaCool,…), not cotton;
• Layering system works best for me (similar to when hiking, climbing and skiing): all synthetic and fleece.  Plus it’s light;
• Get a warm pair of riding glove (winter).  I didn’t bring one and my fingers froze in and around Ushuaia.  It hurts!
• Double protect your cloth: Put them in plastic bags then inside your saddle bags;