July 2018 Motorcycle Adventure: 3,650 Miles

The Summary (short version, and in no particular order)

• Maybe reconsider doing this in the summer months in the southern part of the United States. If not, make sure you're staying hydrated, cool, and safe at all times.
• Bring rain gear, tide pods, sunscreen spray, sunscreen cream, a toothbrush, toothpaste, personal medications/vitamins, athlete’s foot powder, and $20 in quarters to do laundry. Don’t try to avoid it – for a very long trip, plan on doing laundry. A good list is 4 pairs of underwear, 4 pairs of socks, 3-4 headbands, 4 casual shirts, 2-3 pairs of gloves. 2 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of sneakers, and 1-2 gym shorts. This list includes clothing that you will pack and wear.
• Wear very lightweight, long sleeve shirts to ride in to keep the sun off you if you aren’t going to bring or wear an armor jacket during any extended ride. If you must go short sleeved with no armor jacket for an extended period of time, use your sunscreen; specifically, the cream for your face/lips/ears and rub the excess onto the tops of your hands after application.
• If you are mixing work and pleasure, +2 shirts, +2 slacks, and +1 pair of shoes for work. If all of this is too much, start removing some casual shirts from the 4 you brought from the list. Remember, the clothing list includes what you will wear as well, but don't wear any work clothes for super long rides.
• If you are going to wear an armor jacket, make sure you have space for it if you choose to not wear it from time to time. Otherwise, bring it and wear it religiously.
• It's OK to add 1 or 2 pairs of older socks, headbands, and underwear. Rummage through your old stuff to bring items you might consider discarding before going home.
• Limit caffeine intake in the morning, and drink water often, especially at every stop. Powerade Zero's, were my go-to electrolyte replacement of choice. 
• A pair of good sneakers is good to have around. If you wear orthotics, make a point to actually walk in them during extended rests and at the end of the day for a little while to align the bottom of your feet. Perfect activity when doing a bit of laundry on the road.
• You may not have athlete's foot, but use and apply the athlete's foot powder as if you do have athlete’s foot. Zicam is my powder of choice. Apply generously overnight, and when you start your riding day.
• Ride as early as you can when it's not too hot in the summer months. You can ride longer in cooler weather.
• Don't over-run your body, the minute there's any fatigue or lag in your ability to make good and positive judgement - STOP and REST! A good pattern is 100’ of riding and 20’ of rest.
• When you decide to work on laundry after a long day of riding, take a colder-than-normal shower during the washing cycle of your laundry. Let cold water run on your head, then arm pits, and private bits, to help regulate your body temperature as you prepare for sleep. After drying your clothes, if you’re hot and sweaty again, take another cold shower.
• Free hotel breakfast where they have the 1oz peanut butter pods are an awesome way to fight hunger pangs while on the road. Grab some! They won’t miss them.
• Sustainable protein and complex carbs are best for the bike if you can handle these foods (nuts, oatmeal, jerky, and those 1oz PB pods). Occasional dinners focusing on Mexican food is good to replenish what you body needs. My personal favorite are chicken or beef fajitas, no tortillas (diet preference), no sour cream (personal preference), no rice (diet preference), and fresh or refried beans.
• Don't do any gym workout while on the road on days where you are 8+ hours and/or 300+ miles on the motorcycle a day. Do try to walk and stretch as much as possible, especially in the sneakers you brought with you. The key here is not to overdo it.
• Limit your riding adventure to 15 total hours of operation each day, including breaks. If you start at 7am, be completely done and dismounted by 10pm.

Part 1 - Trip from home in Eastampton New Jersey to Austin Texas.

Part 2 - Trip from Austin Texas to Orlando Florida.

Passer-by took this photo of me in Downtown Austin!

Coronas Mexican restauraunt in Rockdale Texas.