Jun 02, 2009

As we were firing up the bikes to head off on our trip Glenn (our Operations Manager) came to farewell us and stood there shaking his head saying 'I can't believe it, 6 weeks'. I was thinking he was referring to the time we would be away then he continued 'that that's all the luggage you have for 6 weeks!'. I have to confess I was a bit naughty and enjoyed telling him that the actual luggage was held in the 2 pannier bags each side of the bikes but the large bags sitting on the pillion seat were other bits. This has been a familiar theme, a lot of people have been intrigued by the amount of luggage we do / don't carry so I thought while we are covering some of the same territory I'd let you know what we actually carry.

Norm's

Essentials bag (the big one in the middle) the 2 x pannier bags each side are the luggage bags. The two together have a 42 litre / kg capacity.

Norm's Essential bits bag contents:
2 x bike covers (we call them our bike ports) which keeps the rain, condensation, dust, mine outfall, birds and their waste material off them.
Also acts as a deterrent to would be thieves / vandals even as far as a random keying.
1 x tow rope.
2 x occie straps.
1 x toilet paper (and have we been glad to have that with some of the loos we've visited!).
Assorted snacks, dried fruit and snack bars.
1 x 5litre jerry can (only filled for the Camooweal to Barkly Homestead leg and there is another section south of Alice Springs where we may need it).
1 x anti fog compound (for inside of face shield - more of an issue on the coast than the interior).
1 x biro (interesting this since he lost my biro!).
1 x syphon hose if we need to transfer fuel from one tank to another or from someone else's.
2 x sets of waterproof jackets for extra waterproofing / warmth. Also Norm's waterproof pants, mine are in the little glove box on my bike.
1 x waterproofed back rug we stretch out on for an occasional nap.
1 x can of tyre pressure puncture repair.
Assorted maps.
Spare bike key.
Camera and charge leads.
1 x large water bottle.
Tropical additions:
1 x Aerogard.
1 x fly spray.
He also carries our two small bottles of water in the side pockets for easy access and puts his padded and waterproof jacket liners in the top as he sheds them.
In his little bike glove compartment on his bike he carries:
1 x can Plexus (polish).
1 x roll electrical tape.
Assorted zip ties.
1 x pair side cutters.
1 x swiss army pocket knife.
The original Yamaha tool kit.
Assorted extra allen keys.
Assorted polishing rags.
And there you have it!