Favorite Rides & Destinations

Spring 2016

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F ree spirits throw caution to the wind and hope everything works out. City slickers think their smartphone and a credit card will bail them out of whatever trouble may arise. But smart motorcycle travelers, those who have logged enough miles to know that anything can go wrong, know that common-sense preparation goes a long way toward keeping you on the road when it does. These are the essential things we never leave home without. 1. A Good Map The best motorcycle rides are about the journey rather than the destination. How you get there is more important than where you end up. We love spreading out maps before or during a tour to get the big picture and to identify good roads (the squigglier the line, the better!). Butler Motorcycle Maps provide descriptions and details for the best motorcycling roads in particular states or regions, and they've mapped out Backcountry Discovery Routes in several western states. Plus, they're made of waterproof/tear-resistant material. Read our review of Butler Motorcycle Maps 2. GPS Navigation Unit As much as we love maps, you can't look at them while riding, nor can you program in a ride route. Although smartphones are quickly replacing point-and-shoot cameras and navigation units, there's no substitute for a dedicated motorcycle-specific GPS, such as the TomTom Rider 400. The waterproof unit has a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen that allows swiping and pinch-to-zoom even when wearing gloves. The TomTom also offers voice-guided navigation via Bluetooth (a helmet communicator is #3 on our list), map updates and real- time traffic info. Its standout feature is the 'Plan a Thrill' menu, which allows routes to be customized based on your preferences for 'Winding Roads' and 'Hilly Roads.' Read our review of the TomTom Rider 400 GPS 3. Bluetooth Helmet Communicator Solitary time inside a helmet, with nothing but the sound of the wind and the engine to soothe you, can be very relaxing. But sometimes its nice to listen to your favorite tunes, to chat with your passenger or fellow rider(s) and to hear GPS navigation commands through helmet speakers. Today's Bluetooth helmet communicators, such as Cardo's scala rider Q3, are nothing short of incredible. They pair with multiple devices and transition seamlessly between different functions. We'd advise against taking cellphone calls while riding, and if you want to enjoy some peace-and-quiet, you can always hit the "off" button. Read our review of the Cardo scala rider Q3 Bluetooth Communicator 4. Emergency Communicator A friend of ours crashed his BMW on a remote highway and got trapped under his bike with an injured leg. Out of cellphone range, he waited overnight for more than 18 hours until someone found him. Situations like that are why we carry the SPOT Gen3 GPS messenger, which communicates with satellites to determine your location anywhere on the globe and sends messages to family and friends via text or email. In an emergency, hitting the "SOS" button notifies the GEOS Rescue Coordination Center, initiating a rescue effort by local personnel. Sending customized "I'm OK" messages when riding in far-flung areas provides peace of mind to loved ones, and non-emergency "I need help" messages pinpoint your location. The rugged, weatherproof, pocket-sized Gen3 ($169.95; service plans start at $99.99/ year) is easy to use, and we love the optional Google Maps tracking function. Giant Loop's Tracker Packer ($40) firmly attaches the Gen3 device to your pack's shoulder strap, handlebars, fork tube, arm or other location. Read our review of the SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker 2 TOURING TIPS 20 Most Essential Things You Need on a Motorcycle Tour 4 www.FavoriteRidesAndDestinations.com | ridermagazine.com PAGE 74 SPRING 2016 ISSUE 01 / VOL. 01

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