Hoping for Fair Weather and Packing Options

So we're about a week out from my day of departure. It's been quite a roller coaster with the weather here in Jacksonville and it kind of has me nervous for next week. Accuweather has had a lot of traffic coming from me lately since I've been looking into Gatlinburg's extended forecast pretty much every day. Although those things seem to be accurate about 0% of the time, I hold on the opinion that it is actually letting me know what I could be in for. As of late, snow appears here and there on the days the trip is supposed to happen. Since I have absolutely no experience with riding in snow, the trip will probably have to be cancelled if snowfall does occur. This would devastate me, but that's what I get for scheduling a northward trip so soon into the year. Here is what I'm looking at is very moment.

I think I've gone over the list of things I would like to take on the trip about a million times. First and foremost, my cameras (Sony ActionCam, a "GearPro", and my fiancee's point and shoot) and computer will be coming along, including the mess of cables that will be needed to keep everything charged. The cameras will either be attached to me or the bike so they will never really be in the way or take up much space. All needed attachments will be stowed in a box in a saddlebag. Bringing along a few snacks and water for gas stops is also quite important. The only time I will really be stopping stopping will be for lunch, so these snackies will save me some time and money. I now have a travel sized can of chain lube and will be getting a quart of oil to bring along as well. I've found that longer trips don't really consume that much oil on the SV, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.


I reality, I only really need to bring a day and a half worth of clothes. Impressing someone is not at the top of my list of things to do during this trip and I think my fiancee will be happy enough to see me when I get back that she would deal with my stank. Staying comfortable and warm is at the top of the list and I will be dressed accordingly. The necessary extras will be packed away nicely and anything larger like liners or sweaters will be bungeed down when not being worn. The same goes for rain pants, but I think I'm just going to wear them from the start to save time. Three pairs of gloves will be making this trip with me. A smaller, full gauntlet style in case the weather permits; a thick winter style glove that will probably be toast due to old age after this trip; a medium thickness "rain" glove with a convenient squeegee on each thumb. I'd like to keep my options open in this department, obviously.


All of this stuff will be able to fit in my current luggage set-up (Cortech tank and tail bag and soft BILT saddlebags). I've already done a dry run just to confirm so there are now surprises when the day comes. The question that I have been rolling around lately is whether or not to bring my backpack to keep more valuable things on my person. Cameras will be removed each time I stop and put into my tank bag, which is magnetic. I usually take that off and carry it like a lunch box whenever I stop anyway. The P.a.S., my laptop, and the cords would be put in said backpack if I were to bring it. Otherwise, everything would find a home in either the tail or saddlebags. My fiancee thinks I should keep my back free since it is such a long trip, which is a valid argument. But keeping these things close to me at all times sounds beneficial as well since I've read and heard too many stories here people get their jollies off by stealing things from traveling motorcycles.


I am also in need of a theme song for this trip! It will most likely be enjoyed by my ears a few times on the way up and used in the inevitably cheesy trip video that will be composed post-trek. Thoughts and recommendations are appreciated!


Now....more waiting....