Solo Road Trips

[John Kasaian]

Make certain that your vehicle is 100% before you leave. In rough terrain an extra mounted tire or two isn't being overly cautious (especially if you're four wheeling)

[Jim Jones]

As a one-time rural mail carrier, I know too well that an extra mounted tire isn't overly cautious, even on good roads through populated areas. On one occasion, two mounted spares weren't enough. Of course one might call for help, but it's better to provide for yourself.

[FrankS]

Last July, I celebrated my retirement by going on a 30 day solo motorcycle tour around the US. Combined age of motorcycle and rider was 96, and we covered 9,000 miles and 25 states. 35mm and medium format cameras, all with b+w film, were in the tank bag. An iPhone took the colour pics. No LF cameras though due to space considerations.

I wrote about it here: http://frankfoto.jimdo.com/trip-week-1/

Absolutely, go for it!

[Zndrson]

I'll submit a third recommendation for the Judge for those interested. I have a Public Defender with three .410 Buckshot and two .45 hollow points loaded. Hope I never need to use it, but nice to have in the car on long trips.

Flashlights and First Aid Kits are all no brainers. I went too long before buying a First Aid Kit. Not much weight but does a lot for piece of mind.

As far as Dogs go, I do bring mine occasionally. I'll let him off leash until I find what I'm looking for then tie him up. He has a saddle bag so he carries his own food, water, bowl, etc + anything else I don't want in my own backpack. Only good for some situations, and only when I'm familiar with the territory.

[Kodachrome25]

I read "On the Road" while on the road. I met all kinds of fun ladies while flying solo on the road. Until one day I met a special lady while on the road. We have been married 4 years now and she loves going with me on the road. We bring our cat on the road, the cat, my wife and I love being on the road.

[Tin Can]

As a one-time rural mail carrier, I know too well that an extra mounted tire isn't overly cautious, even on good roads through populated areas. On one occasion, two mounted spares weren't enough. Of course one might call for help, but it's better to provide for yourself.

I carry tire plug kits in car or motorcycle. A pump is always good. I eyeball my tires every time I get on.

I teach people to not stop for a flat tire if there is any danger. Often if the flat tire is still on the bead, it will work fine at 40 mph with centrifugal force. But be gentle.

Or if trapped in a dangerous place drive on the rim until safe. 2 or more flats can be a problem. It's why I always carry a pump, after some joker let all the air out of 4 tires.

[danno@cnwl.igs]

"...I am comfortable with a Colt 45 automatic...."

"...And oh yeah I used to always carry (and sometimes still do-depends on my mood and where I am going) a 12 gauge pump shotgun with a short barrel (legal) and a pistol grip...."


Very "American".

[Daniel Stone]

"...I am comfortable with a Colt 45 automatic...."

Very "American".

But as that famous Colt advertising slogan went:

"God made man, but Samuel Colt made them equal."

[John Kasaian]

A fellow I know who sells veterinary supplies to ranches carries cordless drill with a #2 Philips bit, a pair of water pump pliers and deck screws. Often he'll get slow leaks from nail punctures---his "fix" is to pull the nail out with the pliers and quckly shoot a deck screw in with the cordless drill. Good enough to get him home.

[Tin Can]

A fellow I know who sells veterinary supplies to ranches carries cordless drill with a #2 Philips bit, a pair of water pump pliers and deck screws. Often he'll get slow leaks from nail punctures---his "fix" is to pull the nail out with the pliers and quckly shoot a deck screw in with the cordless drill. Good enough to get him home.

Putting a plug in takes exactly the same amount of time.

I have put in 3 plugs side by side for a knife gash hole. Held fine.

Third world fix is to stuff the tire with anything, like stiff grass, mulch, cloth, what have you.