My first long-distance motorcycle tour and what I'm packing

Hello! This is Daisaku.
I just completed my first-ever long-distance tour, focusing mainly on the Chugoku and Shikoku regions! It was my first time riding such a long distance over such a long period, and without really knowing how to plan or what to pack, I just decided on my destination and lodging, then went on a two-week trip purely on instinct and momentum!

In this day and age, it’s difficult to go out for fun, but riding solo through unfamiliar lands and taking a deep breath in wide-open, empty spaces—it was a ride full of such a sense of liberation that I hope you all give it a try as well! I hope this article serves as a helpful reference.

It’s actually doable!

After two weeks on the road, the first thing I felt was, "Wait, that wasn't a big deal at all!"
Of course, I don't mean the trip itself was boring; it’s that the barrier to entry for touring was lower than I thought.
Especially with first-time experiences, you're filled with anxiety and it's hard to get started.
I was constantly worried when planning, thinking, "Can I really ride such long distances? What if I run into trouble on the road?" and so on.

However, once I started riding, the unfamiliar landscapes, the beauty of the scenery, and the delicious local food were so amazing that I forgot all the anxiety I had packed into my saddlebag along with my gear. Food, in particular, tastes so much better after a long ride that it became a daily joy that made me forget all my worries, haha.

Also, I think this is a distinct feature of Japan, but there's a "convenience store everywhere."
Because of this, no matter how rural the road I was riding, a convenience store or shop would appear after just a little more pedaling, so being able to use them for water, energy refills, or breaks provided peace of mind (though it is a bit lacking in charm, it must be said...). If I ran out of anything, I could replenish it immediately, and since I could instantly grasp my location and routes on my smartphone, I was able to focus entirely on the trip.

How it all started

The thought "I should go on a tour" came to me in early September, when I decided to leave my previous job and join Circles. Since I was going to have about a month off during the transition, I decided to make the most of it by planning a long-distance tour that included overnight stays.

The plan was:

• It's been 8 years since I started cycling, and I've never ridden west of Shiga.
• As a cyclist, I had always wanted to ride the Shimanami Kaido at least once.
• I wanted to visit friends in Hiroshima and Kyushu.

It started by choosing the Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions for those reasons. I looked for places that piqued my interest within those areas and connected the dots to determine my route. In my case, since I was traveling by bike, I wanted to ride through beautiful scenery, so I based my route primarily around national parks.

That said, I didn't have a rigid plan. The only things I really decided on were the destination and arrival time limits; I chose my exact routes and lodging while on the move. Since I had the time, I didn't want to overpack my schedule, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to stop at all the interesting places I found along the way!

Ready to head out? Wait, take these with you!

Destination set, FDA ticket booked! All that's left is to get the bike ready and head out on the day!

I wish it were that simple, but unfortunately, it’s not... You can get away with a rough travel plan, but if you neglect your bike and personal preparation, you might find yourself stranded or unable to reach your destination, so I highly recommend being well-prepared.

Here are a few things I felt were essential to bring on this tour.

The top three are probably obvious to anyone who rides a bike, but I definitely recommend bringing all six!

Regarding the power bank, I brought two. Since I was using my smartphone for navigation and had lights on both the front and back, even with charging at my lodging every night, I often found myself running out, which made me really appreciate having the power bank. The rear reflector is especially effective if your light happens to die; it's quite common for rear lights to run out of battery without you noticing while riding!

By the way, this reflector is so bright and impactful that the owner of the inn where I stayed the night before actually recognized me on the road and called out to me! It's definitely worth having one—there's no point in risking an accident.

The rinko bag is a lifesaver if, for some reason, you can't reach your destination on time or if a mechanical issue prevents you from riding. It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but I had to use mine a few times on this trip when I wouldn't have made it on time... The power of modern transport is amazing, right? Haha.

For mechanical issues, a multitool, pump, and tubes are mandatory. Punctures are basically the "rite of passage" for touring! It's a cliché, but it's nerve-wracking when it actually happens and it wastes your time. Actually, I was riding tubeless, but I found that carrying a spare tube is more time-efficient than a repair kit because you don't have to rely on sealant. Thankfully, I didn't have any major bike trouble, so I barely used them (I just used the pump to top off my tires after deflating them for the FDA flight).

If you bring these six items at a minimum, you'll be fine, so don't forget them! I'll be sharing more advice, but honestly, with these six items, your bike, a destination, and a desire to go, long-distance touring is surprisingly simple and fun. Please, get out there and have an amazing experience!

What to bring, and what you don't really need

Regardless of whether it's for touring, a camera is something that makes a ride more fun. I still look back at the photos from that trip, and the memories come flooding back to me! For those wondering how to carry one, I highly recommend the OUTER SHELL Camera Strap! It uses a 3-point attachment system just like a messenger bag, so it won't slide around.

On the other hand, things I thought I didn't need were paper maps and extra clothes. You might have guessed, but my smartphone was enough. I brought extra underwear and t-shirts, but I went to the laundromat almost every day, so I didn't really need the backups. The PATAGONIA M’s Capilene Midweight Crew and R1 were warm and quick-drying, so I wore them every day. I was riding in early November, and this outfit should be comfortable for early spring rides as well!

Next time: Destination highlights!

Next time, I'll introduce the places I visited along with my trusty steed! I'll be working hard to get that written up, so please look forward to it! Until then.