Turkey Creek Motorcycle Tours

Touring Tips and Checklist

Welcome to Our Tips and Checklist page. Whether you will be joining us for a guided motorcycle tour, one of our self guided tours or heading out on your own, we hope you find this information helpful. The information here is a result of many years touring in Colorado, the American Southwest and in Mexico. Additional specific information about passports and visas can be found on our Mexico tour description pages. Much of the information here is about riding at higher altitudes and mountain riding as the majority of the questions we have gotten over the years have been about this topic.

Motorcycle touring at high altitude and southern lattitudes exposes the rider to intense sunshine. You can actually burn right through light clothing. Good sunglasses and a high SPF sunblock are essential. Bring lip balm and a hat with a brim. Wear long sleeves and gloves when riding at high altitudes to prevent sun and windburn.

You will be riding where the deer and the antelope play - along with elk, bear, mountain goats, and coyotes and even livestock. Wildlife signs are posted on most highways. You may also encounter bicyclists at any time.

Steep road cuts and canyon walls can mean falling rocks even if there are no road signs warning of this hazard.

Your motorcycle has less horsepower at altitude and accelerates more slowly. Modern carburetion and fuel injection systems compensate well except at the extreme altitudes. Using higher revs will take care of the issue. In any event, you will need more braking than throttle on these roads. Keep this in mind when entering a highway or passing. (Remember, you will have less "horsepower" at altitude as well.)

Prevent dehydration by drinking water. Skin lotion is a good idea.

Altitude sickness. A small percentage of the population may suffer from some of the effects of altitude sickness above 8,000 ft. If you are concerned and arrive by air from a lower altitude, it may be a good idea to allow at least a day to acclimate at around 5,000 to 6,000 ft.. Altitude sickness feels much like the flu. Best idea is to drink lots of water before you arrive and stay hydrated while you are here. If the symptons persist or bcome acute, get to an altitude below 8,000 ft as soon as possible.

Alcohol has a stronger affect at altitude. We do not allow our riders to drink and drive. If you wish to enjoy an adult beverage at dinner we are happy to drive you to and from the restaurant.

The weather can change rapidly in the mountains and in the desert. On any given day we will ride through 3 seasons. Plan accordingly for temperatures from the 40s to the 90s in the space of a few hours. If you have a heated vest, bring it - you may not use it but it is good to have along for cool mornings.

The American Southwest and Mexico can get quite warm, warm weather gear is appropriate but it can still be quite cool up high and in the mornings so have gear you can layer on in the morning and remove as the temperatures rise.

You will be riding through incredibly beautiful and scenic areas. Remember that high speed riding and sightseeing are a bad combination. Ride fast and see the road, slow down and see the world.

Southwestern dress is casual - jeans are as dressy as you need to get.

Checklist

Here is a list of motorcycle touring essentials to make your vacation more enjoyable. Bring hiking boots and a water bottle if you plan on trekking.

• Motorcycle Helmet
• Silk balaclava or neck gaiter
• Motorcycle Riding boots
• Street shoes, sandals or whatever you prefer when walking
• Full finger warm weather gloves
• Cold weather gloves or liners
• Sunglasses
• Clear glasses or clear helmet visor if you ride after dark
• 2-3 pairs of jeans
• 2-3 tee-shirt or polos
• 2 long sleeve shirts
• Light sweater/sweatshirt
• Socks and underwear
• Motorcycle jacket appropriate for the climate and liner or a down vest
• Riding pants or chaps
• Raingear
• Swimsuit
• Personal accessories
• Camera and extra memory cards and batteries. If you use film, bring plenty
• Bandanas/Do-Rags
• Hat with a brim
• Any special tools for your motorcycle
• Lip balm and high SPF sunscreen