Give me a tank bag and I can pack to be on the road for weeks. Add a tail
pack for Theresa and we may never return. And so our motorcycle packing has
been for years. Of course the Tiger with hard bags has made it easier, but
still we don’t need much to get by. As I watch others dragging a load of bags
to put on their bikes, I can be packed in a few minutes, and off riding while
they search for items they packed by accident or cannot find. Simplicity is how
we tour, and have learned many things over the 48 states and Canada to make our
ride easier and more fun. I have ben using tank bags for over 40 years, if you
need more you are over packed. When I moved west by myself all I had fit in the
tank bag on my R90S, just because you own it doesn’t mean you have to bring it
along. We dress in layers and pack accordingly, and over the years have gone
with fabric jackets leaving the leathers home. Not only are they warmer and can
be rainproof, they roll up easier and are lighter to pack. Also pants are good
for 2-3 days, and get more comfortable as you ride. A t-shirt a day, a
sweatshirt and swim suit, and socks. A friend even wears old underwear,
throwing them away after use, which also makes room for new t-shirts bought
along the way. I once learned make a list, then cut it in half, then only take
half of that, and you will only use half of that. And we have learned two
important tricks to traveling, one is the Post Office, rather than continue to
add weight and taking up space you don’t have, mail it home. Dirty clothes and
all, wear your new shirts, and if you need socks, Walmarts are everywhere. But
the one that works no matter the length or distance, whether 10,000 miles or
only a week, is simple. On the fourth day we do laundry. We pack in 4 day
increments, and every fourth day we do laundry. Also a good day to mail home
extra clothes or souveneirs bought along the way. It is amazing how much stuff
you can stuff into a one price shipping USPS box. Packing skills will aid you
here also. Many times we arrive home lighter than when we left despite buying
shirts, etc. using the Post Office. And be creative, write “contagious” on the
box, and watch how carefully it arrives intact.
But it all comes down to baggage, and the baggage we carry with us. So
many emergency items can be purchased along the way, simple first aid kits can
be put together, and even low end motels offer blow dryers. If camping
remember, you’re gonna put your helmet on anyway. Flip flops pack easy on top,
and can be worn when not riding. But another key is how to pack. Put the
things used most on top, the least on the bottom. No need unpacking, then
repacking every night. There is some law that it never fits as good as the
first time, so do your best to go with it. Adhering to the rule, if you cannot
fit it in your bags or a tank bag, you probably don’t need it. Make sure your
bike is safe and ready and head off. The road calls, go and have the ride of
your life.
Packing light works also in real life. We all carry a lot of extra baggage
we don’t have to. For some reason we feel we must hang onto things, even when
we know they are not good for us. Some refer to them as addictions, and use
them as a crutch, never letting go. And never finding they can get by just fine
without them. Some get stuck in a rut, which is really a grave, but with both
ends open, still a way of escape. Some don’t know, and use the excuse we’ve
always done it this way. some are brand loyal, “I could never ride anything but
a BMW.” Feel free to write your brand in. Some go the same trips, some never
take one, some only wear leathers, some are posers and don’t know it, and some
just don’t care. Or at least care what others think. But we all carry extra
baggage we don’t need to....
Many live in sin even after they are saved. They believe in the power of
Jesus and his forgiveness, yet hang onto things they don’t have too. They carry
heavy loads when Jesus promises to bear their burdens. To lighten their load,
to direct their paths. Others tell me “I could never be forgiven for that,”
underestimating the fact all sin is forgivable, and never reaping the benefits.
Some are caught up in themselves, and it must be all about them, and they carry
about the wright of selfishness. Pride that must be worn and adorned to show
off. If how you pack tells us about how you tour and ride, then how you live
tells us more about Jesus in your life than your words. Some things need to
left home, some thrown away because they are not useful any longer. Some left
behind, they only cause trouble. Some things are better off forgotten, and some
things needed can be picked up along the way. If Jesus is always with you, why
carry anything else? Why worry? Why be burdened with excess, when you can have
it all in him?
So leave room for Jesus in your life, home or on the road. Spend time with
him daily, and I have found Sunday’s only are not enough. I need to be
refreshed more often. I need the fellowship, the teaching, the praise and
worship found in the body at church. I need to be refreshed every fourth day,
to do my spiritual laundry. And not wait until next week, sometimes not wait
until Wednesday. I need Jesus every day, so I take him with me. I pack him
right on top where I can get to him easily. I try not to let anything get in
our way, and when things do, I ask how really important they are. Do I really
need them? Are they doing me harm? Some may ask “what would Jesus do?” I
answer, “you have to ask?” Isn’t he close enough so you know?
We are packing for an eternal trip, and you will leave everything behind
except your relationship with God in Jesus Christ. Make sure that is on your
daily list. No ride, no trip is complete without him along. Cast your cares on
him for he careth for you. Along the roads of life we will accumulate many
things. Some should be tossed, some sent home, and some kept. Jesus is a
keeper, so take his advice. Take nothing you don’t need, and everything you
do. Having spent all of his ministry on the road, he knows how to pack, and
instructed his disciples how to. Take only what you have on you, so make sure
you pack correctly. Seek help as needed, God will guide. And if rejected, take
your blessing and move on. The only thing to pack is love, found in Jesus
Christ. Don’t worry, and again enjoy the ride.
So remember that every fourth day may be OK on the road, but we need Jesus
everyday. Wednesday to be revived, Sunday the same. You fill your bike’s tank
when it is empty, don’t wait for the low fuel or oil light to come on before
taking action. So why live any other way. And while others are fussing with
their load, or repacking, you will be out riding. Now would you rather hear my
traveling stories, or see my packing list? Be a doer, rather than just a
hearer. Write testimonies rather than read other’s. On the third day he rose,
on the fourth we do laundry.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com