Paris Run II

Really looking forward to kicking the season off next Friday. I spent yesterday uploading the trip itinerary into the Tom Tom Rider and was surprised to see our round trip distance will be about 800 miles. The weather in the UK has been very pleasant for the last three weeks so H and I are slightly worried that a deluge will be visited on us for the trip to make up for it...

The Road King was serviced by BlackBear towards the end of last year and has been hooked up to an Optimate over the break so started happily at the first push of the button last weekend. A few lessons from last years touring:

1. Use the best possible ear plugs for cruising with the full face helmet. Soft foam are best, plastic useless.

2. Wax (or oil) all zips lightly. When the rain starts or when fuelling and Peage'ing (?), stuck zips are a pain.

3. Use a zipped bum-bag or neck-pouch for tickets, wallet etc. DON'T use pockets, which you can forget to zip. My Barclaycard probably still lies forlornly at the side of a Riojan road just past the Peaje...

4. Wipe your visor and screen with sunflower oil when possible and rub off with a paper towel. Enough residue will remain to turn water into droplets rather than smears.

4. Change the batteries (or keep spares) for the proximity key fob.

5. If possible, bring a lightweight bike cover.

6. There is no such thing as too many bungees.

7. Stop folding clothes when packing - roll 'em. You get more in and they don't crease. I now do this for non-bike packing as well.

All being well, we head off on Friday 6 May and I'll provide updates via iPhone.