Inside the adventurer’s luggage
If you’re the kind of person who needs two suitcases for a weekend break, you could learn something from round-the-world adventurer Rhys Lawrey…
Young British adventure motorcyclist Rhys Lawrey, aka 2moroRider, is riding 50,000 miles around the world on a Triumph Tiger 800XC called ‘Tigger’. You might think you’d need a lot of luggage for a year-long journey across 75 countries and six continents, but Rhys likes to travel light.
The epic journey is helping to raise money for The Prince’s Trust, helping to inspire and change the lives of 1330 year olds. Here’s how he does it…
“There are basically three pieces of luggage that I use,” Rhys told us; “panniers, a waterproof roll bag and a small tank bag. That’s it – keep it simple!
“The main item is a pair of Metal Mule MAX panniers – one 38 and one 31 litres, to balance the bike. On my left while riding is the 38-litre pannier, and inside that is a Kriega inner bag, which carries all my personal items: off-the-bike shoes; a ‘going out’ smart Barbour shirt; four pairs of socks/undies; three casual/polo shirts; two Cotswold merino wool riding shirts (one I wear while riding, the other is in Kriega bag); toiletries.
“Here’s a top tip: When staying at hotels take the small soaps and shampoos with you. They’re nice and small and you can use them to wash yourself or your clothes.
“On my right side is the slightly smaller 31-litre pannier. It’s the same side as the Arrow Exhaust, which is a Triumph accessory upgrade, and saves up to 4kg. This is what I call my ‘accessory and tool box’, containing: laptop; documents, maps, etc; spare parts; tools, tyre pump kit, spanners, cable ties, rags; oils, including Scottoiler top up and WD-40; GoPro camera accessories and equipment; spare pair of riding gloves; snacks – riders need fuel too!
“I also fitted the Metal Mule Rear Rack, which gives me the freedom to tie down a bag on the back. The Triumph Dry Roll Bag is waterproof and I use it for stuff I don’t need very often, such as camping gear. Starting from the bottom, it carries: tent, sleeping bag and small blow-up mattress from Cotswold; towel, head light, coffee mug, plastic knife and fork; spare tubes; back up food supply (Cotwold breakfast bags and high-energy protein nut bars); extra merino wool clothing for those REALLY cold times; any souvenirs I collect along the way.
“The only other bag I carry is my Triumph Adventure Tank Bag; it’s where I stash all my most-used items and valuables, such as: hat, sun screen, insect spray, sunnies, lip balm; Garmin GPS; GoPro cameras and ‘use the most’ accessories; current map, pens and a small notebook; and finally, toilet paper. Never leave home without it. Just on top of my 38-litre pannier, is a lightweight small tripod. That’s it.
“I don’t like to carry too much as weight can wear down the bike. I like to think of the old school adventurers such as Marco Polo, riding his camel along the Silk Road. Well ‘Tigger’ is my camel. So, I try to feed her well with the best fuel and don’t go overboard on luggage.
“Heck there’s even room on my pillion seat for one of the locals…”
You can follow Rhys’ incredible journey, watch the video diaries and make a donation www.2mororider.com.