COG National

[dokterdave]

SWiMBO and I are going to Idaho for the COG National

Having never done a fly ride do you have any tips about what gear to take considering the baggage limitations on the aeroplane.
Would shipping some to the Hotel be an option.

[Boomer]

Good for you Dave. You'll love it. Wish I could afford to join ya.

You'll have more limitations on the bike than on the plane.
Plane is one 23Kg suitcase each if yer flying Economy.
You might get it all into a Goldwing panniers and topbox but will struggle with most other bikes.

In 2000/2001 (COG Nationals) and last summer (California) I wore my bike jacket for the flight, packed my boots & lid in the suitcase along with 7 days of clothes, wash bag, and such. You can pack socks and underwear inside the boots and lid so they don't take that much space. If it's a fabric sided suitcase best to wrap the lid inside a jumper or something as the baggage handlers do throw them about.
For a carry on I used my Laptop bag which had laptop, phone chargers, US adapters, etc.

If you need more clothes while yer there, buy them. Clothes are cheap in the USA.
I often buy a cheap 100litre grip bag whilst there and fill it with new clothes, but then I can actually get Boomer sized clothes over there. 
It only costs an extra £32 one way for a 2nd suitcase/bag with Virgin or £34 with British Airways. Just make sure that you book it a couple of days before you fly.
Otherwise it's £40 if you do it at the airport.

[O.C.]

You lucky bugger Dave...have a great time 

[dokterdave]

Thanks George
Flights are booked as is the Hotel at Idaho Falls
Are there any special requirements for insurance or driving licence that I need to check.

[Boomer]

Driving license, make certain that you take BOTH the photo and paper parts with you.
You don't need an International License as yours is written in English which most Americans can read. 
Make sure that you both have filled out the ESTA and print it out to take with you.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

If you are borrowing someone's bike then ask them if they can add you to their insurance or get separate insurance for the bike.
If you are renting a bike then basic insurance is included. You can add extras if you want but I rarely do.
Make certain that whatever travel insurance you take out does NOT exclude riding motorcycles. Some of them do.
You do have travel insurance don't you? The US medical system is expensive.
Don't forget to phone your mother/kids and remember to wear clean underwear every day.