Just as we did with our riding gear, let's check off our other preparations for "Around the Block".......
PASSPORT: Have you checked the expiration date? I know you sent me a copy, but look at it again. Will it expire while you are overseas? They won't even let you board if so. Have you signed it? They won't let you do THAT at the airline counter!
TICKETS: Have you printed out a few copies of your USA-Peru e-ticket? What about your in-Peru tickets? I will have extra copies of all Peru connections for you at David's hotel in Lima,.. just in case.
LUGGAGE: Have you checked the baggage allowance for your international flight? Each airline is different these days! This is what I recommend: As carry-ons: your small backpack (Riders, I recommend AGAIN the 'Skyline 8.0' by 'Outdoor Products' at WallyWorld... with a drinking bladder too) When you have to move thru the airports with all your luggage, it is helpful to have your hands free... therefore a backpack is the most practical. Carry your helmet, they won't call it as an extra carry-on.
Bag size is limited! A max of 62 inches (Length + Height + Width) for each bag. How many bags? Of what max weight? Go to the airline website and check it out (and print it out! There is a difference between the allowance for national and international flights! If you are on the same airline from home all the way to Lima, then you get the international allowance even on the national flights. But the person at the counter may not know that! If you change airlines within the US, or have a day layover, you will only get the national allowance.)
How much should I pack? On these trips I have ALWAYS found that I always pack TOO MUCH! Weed it out. Then weed it out again. Then weed it out one more time! Every time we have a "rest" day there will be an opportunity to get clothes washed.. for quite cheap. Riders, you will be in your riding gear ALL day, so a set of clothes that you only wear in the evenings to go out and get a meal will last you many, many days.
Remember 3 things: (1) The baggage of 12 people need to go in this little pickup, with room for other supplies, 3 auxiliary seats for when folks want to ride in the back of the truck, and possibly a broken motorcycle (and YES, there is a small rack on the roof). (2) On the flights within Peru, you will pay extra for any weight total over 25 kilos (55 lbs) per person. It WILL be worth it if it is important stuff, but if not you will look foolish discarding stuff at the airport counter! (3) Many of our hotel rooms will be 3 floors up with NO elevator. Make your bags smallish, made to also go over your shoulder, and with wheels if possible.
GEAR: Have you got it all? If you wait 'til the last minute, it may come the wrong size, and there will not be time to exchange it. Have you worn your new boots to break them in? You don't have to go riding, just wear them around the house and the garden!
Have you tried that helmet on? With the balaclava under it? For an hour at least? Find out where the stress points are on your head, and take care of them by carving on the foam under the lining.
HEALTH: Be in the best shape possible for this trip. Diet if you will, but don't weaken yourself dieting. DO build up your strength and stamina. This is NOT a "ride in the park"! Or, as I often vent on the 'Round-the-World' moto riders' blogsites to guys who brag that they have ridden a "motorcycle" from the USA to Tierra del Fuego: "Try riding REAL roads, instead of doing a @#$%^ Sunday cruise down the Panamerican Highway!"
The altitude will beat you up if you are not prepared for it. Check with your doctor if any of your meds will affect you differently at altitude. Don't run yourself ragged the days before the trip, then expect to "catch up" on this "vacation". It will catch up with you! The trip will be SO much more enjoyable, comfortable, and exhilarating if you are in shape!.....
