Monday, May 5, 2014

Tuscan Loop - What to pack

The Tuscan Loop is sure to stand out as a truly unique experience.

For one thing, it's happening in Italy, not exactly next door. It won't be the first time I've flown a very long way to ride with friends.  The last time I was traveling alone on business with a weekend thrown in.  I had the luxury of packing all my gear: helmet, armored jacket and pants, boots, gloves, the whole shebang.

This time it's different.  I've got to pack super light.  I think I've pared my list down to bare necessities.  An armored jacket (haven't decided which one), gloves (likely the Tucano Urbano summer gloves), a Sena headset, a GoPro camera, and some RAM and GoPro mounts.  I'll rent the helmet along with the bike.

My plan for the rest is not to come off my bike.

I figure I can manage that for a day.

Not many sleeps left to go Bob.

16 comments:

RichardM said...

A suggestion, pack the armor in your checked baggage. The jacket will be much more comfortable when going through airports. I actually pulled the armor out and used it to pad my helmet in my carry on. And stuffed the gloves and other stuff inside the helmet.

Tuscany is one of those places we really want to visit sometime. Take lots of pictures!

SonjaM said...

David. One question: If you don't want to bring your helmet along, how will you be mounting the headset?

Unknown said...

David:

Just when I thought you had everything covered, Sonja comes up with a snag . . .

I like Richard's idea of using the padding. but he is a seasoned traveler and he is smart.

How many more sleeps ? exactly. Your Tenergy is coming express mail so you should have it before Friday (3 day service, I think)

be sure to buy some trinkets at the Vespa Museum/factory

bob
A weekend photographer or Riding the Wet Coast

len@RE-GLAZE-IT said...

Hi David ,
I'm excited for you mate.....can't wait to read-all-about-it.
It will be great!
I know it's not really possible , but do you wish you was exploring around that place on your own scoot?
Regards
Len

Trobairitz said...

Hmmmm aren't two other people we know heading to Tuscany as well to ride their Vespas? If blogger A leaves Montreal on.......

Sounds like a wonderful time. I'm with Richard - Tuscany is on the bucket list.

David Masse said...

That's a really good strategy Richard. I really won't have room for the helmet and the rental shop will let me rent one. The time I took all my gear to Vancouver I got everything packed into a large suitcase. With Susan and I both travelling, I've got the whole his-n-her's closet thing working against me, so the helmet has to stay here.

David Masse said...

Sonja I should be able to install the Sena on the rental helmet, I think. I'll check that with Roberto. Obviously modifying the rental helmet to any extent is out of the question, but I think Sena installs in most helmets without changing anything.

David Masse said...

Len, if I was as rich as some folks I know, I would have at least two scoots so that I could ship one ahead for occasions like this. The traveling scoot would then collect stickers for each of its travels. What a nice fantasy.

David Masse said...

Brandy, thank heavens you cut that Grade 4 math problem short, I was getting sweaty palms and a queasy feeling was about to set in.

And indeed, two other people are heading to Tuscany too. If the mountain passes are clear, they'll be on Vespas. Oh joy, oh joy.

David Masse said...

Bob, I can't resist at least one trinket.

Exactly seven more sleeps, to be precise. My how time flies.

I'm crossing my fingers on the Tenergy, it should be fine.

Walter Cronenburg said...

Take it easy when you're out there, David. When I was in Tuscany on my Suzuki, I rounded a corner to find a car driver on my side of the road travelling pretty fast and I had to brake hard. He was just taking it wide and thinking that the road was empty. Hope you get some nice weather over there!

VStar Lady said...

Can't wait for the Tuscan Review.

Dar said...

I can hardly wait to see the pictures!!!!

David Masse said...

Thanks for the sound advice Walter. I've gotten similar words of wisdom from others in the know.

David Masse said...

Karen, I hope I won't disappoint.

David Masse said...

Dar, I promise to do my best.

The copyright in all text and photographs, except as noted, belongs to David Masse.