Tip #1 Spare Key

I know a lot of us already do, but for the benefit of those who don't it would be a good idea to carry a spare key for your motorcycle on the trip.  As small as the keys are it is real easy to lose one.  Although it is fairly easy to get around the ignition system with a couple of wires, the steering lock is a little harder to get around without the benefit of a key.  I know I usually come close to losing mine.  When this happens it usually can be found in the ignition.   On trips I also usually give my spare to someone else that I am ridding with.  This works out well as if I can lose one key the odds that I can lose two keys are pretty good.  In addition should something happen to me the person who has my key can take care of my bike much easier.

Tip #2 Border Crossings

A little digging on the internet found these sites.  These contain the very good info on the Canadian border crossings.

The skinny of all of these is that to get into Canada you need proof of citizenship.  A driver's license will do for this, though a passport (not required) is supposed to be better.  Other forms of proof are:  Birth Certificate, Voter's Card, or other form of Government ID.  Keep in mind that one of the id forms must be a photo id.  You may also need your vehicle registration if they suspect anything amiss with the vehicle belonging to you.  Before entering Canada you should also be sure your motorcycle insurer provides Canadian coverage and have some sort of proof of it.  In addition it appears that the access to Canada is being more actively restricted to persons with any sort of criminal record.  This does include DUI convictions.  If this does pertain to you there are ways around it.  You would need to contact the Canadian Embassy to work it out.  Also, no weapons are allowed.  Pocket knives won't be of a concern, whereas a 9mm gun sure will be. 

In all the times that we have previously done this trip the border crossings have been uneventful.  The lead motorcycle gets asked the majority of questions and then is let through (just ask Sprite about this).  The following motorcycles get only a couple of questions and then are let through.  To date we have never had to show any form of ID and also have never been searched, so don't let any of this scare you . 

With regards to the proof of Canadian insurance, while we typically have never had anything more than just our regular insurance cards with us, you may want to contact your insurance agent to see if you can get proof of coverage while in Canada if you don't have it already. This especially holds true for the LEO magnets...you know who you are.  Just remember to be as polite as possible, follow all the rules of the border crossing (like stay behind the line until motioned forward), and be honest to all questions asked.  Then all you will have to worry about is remembering that the speed limits are now in Km/H and not MPH.

A two minute call to your insurance agent is usually all it takes to get a proof of coverage card.

Tip #3: Comfort

Comfort on a motorcycle can be challenging at times, but it's also an important factor in overall enjoyment.  Here are a couple quick hints and suggestions:

1. Have a good set of warm clothes, and rain gear.  Nothing is worse than being cold on a bike, except being cold and wet.
2. Spend the $20 and get a Vista Cruise throttle lock.  This will hold the throttle open and allow you to take your hand off the handle bars to stretch.
3. Go out for a couple weekend rides beforehand, and get in "riding shape." You'll find that you use different muscles riding a motorcycle than you use sitting behind a desk, and despite the amount of time you find yourself exercising your buttock muscles at work, you'll need to get some riding miles in before your posterior is in good riding shape.  We will likely organize a few day rides in the weeks leading up to ATL2002.

Tip #4: Convenience

If there are little things that you can do to help yourself out, do them.

1. If you use soft luggage, pack your clothes in garbage bags.   Rain covers often fail, and after a rainy day in the saddle, nothing is worse than finding that your dry clothes are no longer dry.
2. Know your motorcycle.  At times, things may go wrong, and simply knowing where your fuse box is can get you back on the road quickly.  Have your common tools handy.
3. If you are into photography, have your camera handy.  You need not go overboard like some (MJ) but having your camera easily accessible will allow you to stop more often, even if just for a few seconds, to snap a picture.

Tip #5: Ontario Police Excuses

If you should get pulled over by the Ontario Police for speeding, I would not expect the 'I was trying to get to the hotel before the moose came out' excuse to work.  It is amazing that it did one time already.