The Right Stuff

Touring Ontario can be one of the greatest road-trip experiences a rider can enjoy, but with vast distances comes a need for extra preparation. We've compiled some ideas on what to pack for your trip, for all kinds of bikes and bikers.

Saddle Up!

If you're looking for new terrain to cover then you've come ot the right place. Ontario is as big as the states of Texas and Montana combined and home to a wealth of routes and a wide variety of scenery—you won't run out of road here!

Tools of the Trade

Even the shortest trip needs a bit of know-how, but without tools that know-how is almost useless. A small kit with the most common tools will help keep you rolling. Without adding too much weigh, the following items will make the trip a little more secure:

  • sockets (in metric or imperial)
  • a multi-tip screwdriver
  • zip ties
  • electrical tape
  • spark plugs
  • light bulbs
  • fuses

Of course there are plenty of details on what is best for your bike — but we'll let your priorities dictate what makes the cut!

Lock It Up!

More and more B&Bs, hotels, and motels are offering secure lock-ups for bikes, but many still don't have garages. It's always a good idea to carry your own backup plan. Often the small disc-brake type locks will do, as life in the north is generally different than the city—meaning your bike won't get swiped from outside the Starbucks by four guys in a van! But if you want that extra security, a cable-style lock will often do nicely.

Weekend Warrior or Long Distance Maven

Taking care of your bike is always a good idea, but if the rider is tired, burnt, wet or cold things can get...complicated. Ontario experiences some of the widest ranges of weather conditions of anywhere in the world—all part of the adventure, right? So be prepared with sunscreen, water, jackets with removable linings and rain gear. Padding a trip by a day or two on either side for weather is always a good idea.

Safe travels!

About Mike Jacobs

Mike is an avid Northern traveller, having spent years traversing its backroads, and visiting its remote lodges and fun cities by car, RV, motorcycle, and boat. There's always something new to discover in the North and Mike never shies away from the next great adventure. Mike is the chairman of the board for the Tourism Technology Company.

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