Sturgis isn't just a motorcycle rally... it's a week-long party on two wheels, and the theme nights are where things really get wild. Picture this: leather-clad bikers channeling their inner rockstar one night, then throwing on Hawaiian shirts and doing the limbo the next. Every evening at Sturgis has its own personality, and that's exactly what makes this rally impossible to forget. Theme nights are where the rally shows off its playful side. You can go full leather-and-chrome biker chic, time-travel back to the '70s, or throw down for a themed bash that celebrates a whole culture in one epic night. Whatever your vibe, there's a night with your name on it so grab your costume (or your leather vest, no judgment) and get ready to make some memories. FRIDAY: August 7th Robe Night... think of Pajama Party at the Buffalo Chip with DAVID LEE ROTH!! SATURDAY: August 8th Hunter S. Thompson Wild 70s with MEGADETH SUNDAY: August 9th Pimps & Hoes with YUNGBLUD MONDAY: August 10th Righteous Gemstones with P.O.D. & SKILLET TUESDAY: August 11th Monster Truck Trash with HAIRBALL & LYNYRD SKYNYRD WEDNESDAY: August 12th Sequins all for Lainey Wilson!! THURSDAY: August 13th Goth Nite is kicking off with BUCKCHERRY & COLLECTIVE SOUL Friday & Saturday night themes are up in the air... what do you think? Let me know in the comments or text me. See you at the stage! -S

Back in 2013, when I had brain surgery, one of the nurses finished prepping me for the operating team and handed my us the thickest clumps of my hair. Looking back, it sounds a little crazy, but it felt like such a significant moment. Part of me was literally being left behind as I stepped into one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. And yes… I kept it. For over a decade. Fast forward to this past fall while pack/unpacking for our move, I came across that bag of hair again. I even snapped my best friend to see what her thoughts were. Kinda testing the water to see if I was crazy or not. Only us & the kids knew that I kept it. We both agreed that maybe it was finally time to let it go?? Maybe it was time to close that chapter and release something that had served its purpose. Yeah no… I kept it. 🤣 The funny thing is, relocating has been one of the biggest transformations of my life. Not just geographically, but spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. I’ve experienced a rebirth of sorts—a shedding of old versions of myself and an embracing of who I am becoming. I’ve learned that closing chapters is healthy. Growth requires movement. I never want to be stagnant in life. I don’t want to stop growing physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. “Every season has something to teach us, but not every season is meant to become our permanent address.” So maybe one day I’ll finally throw that hair away. Or maybe I won’t. 😂 Because sometimes the things we hold onto aren’t really about the object itself. They’re reminders of what we survived, who we were, and how far we’ve come. And if a bag of hair from brain surgery is the strangest thing I’ve kept for sentimental reasons… I’m okay with that. -S

If you’ve ever been around a minibike long enough, you know one thing is guaranteed — things are about to get a little loud, a little sketchy, and a whole lot of fun. That’s exactly where the Ornery RoughRiderz  come in. Born out of the grit, grease, and good-times-gone-wrong spirit of minibike culture, the RoughRiderz are a crew of larger-than-life characters who don’t just ride… they send it . These aren’t your polished racers or showroom builds; this is the world of pull starts, questionable engineering, and full-throttle chaos. The Ornery RoughRiderz are at the heart of the Ornery Pull Start Competition & Mini Bike Ruckus , popping up at motorcycle rallies throughout 2026. Wherever they land, expect games, shenanigans, roaring engines, and just enough bad decisions to make things interesting. Meet the Crew! This year, we’re introducing a lineup of unforgettable characters — each one representing a different flavor of ornery. You’ve already met a few of the crew: Peter “Pull-Start” Picker  – He’ll jerk it till it fires… no matter how long it takes. Si Clopps  – Half balance, full send, zero hesitation. Halitosis Hank  – You’ll smell him before you see him… and regret it instantly. Gasoline Jolene  – High-octane attitude with a spark that never quits. Kyle Kegger  – Fueled by questionable decisions and whatever’s left in the keg. Each one brings their own brand of chaos to the scene and none of them are backing down. Collect the Crew! The Ornery RoughRiderz aren’t just showing up at events... they’re becoming part of a full collectible experience. Each character is released with: A custom trading card  featuring their artwork on the front A bio, stats, and personality breakdown  on the back A matching sticker  ready to slap on anything that needs a little more attitude But here’s the kicker… 👉 There are 12 total Ornery RoughRiderz to collect in 2026. They’ll be released throughout the year at different rallies & events, so if you want the full set, you’ll need to track them down one by one. Join the Ruckus The Ornery RoughRiderz are more than just characters — they’re a reflection of the minibike world at its best: unpredictable, loud, and built on pure fun. Whether you’re there to compete, collect, or just watch the madness unfold, one thing’s for sure: You won’t forget it. So keep an eye out for The Ornery One  at rallies this year, grab your cards, and start building your collection. Because in this world… 👉 Chaos is part of the game. 👉 Shenanigans are expected. 👉 And collecting all 12 RoughRiderz? That’s the real challenge.

Not just bikes.Not just miles. This is survival, family, and finding purpose on two wheels. Swipe to meet The Ornery One   Slide 1: Who We Are We are The Ornery One - riders, storytellers, and community builders. What started as survival turned into a life built on two wheels, giving back, and bringing bikers together. Slide 2: TJ TJ is the backbone, the builder, and the steady throttle. A rider through and through, driven by loyalty, grit, and the belief that motorcycles build family. Slide 3: Stephanie Stephanie is the voice, the heart, and the storyteller. A survivor, passenger, and fierce advocate for mental health, 2UP riding, and living boldly after hardship. Slide 4: The Ornery One Born from setbacks, shaped by the road. The Ornery One  became a platform to share real stories, real rides, and real community; no filters, just truth! Slide 5: Health A brain tumor. Heart failure. A 50/50 chance. We were scared, but we survived. That chapter changed everything and taught us how precious this life really is. Slide 6: The Stolen Bike One of our hardest lessons. A stolen bike tested our faith in people, but it didn’t steal our passion or our purpose. Slide 7: Touring America on Our Road Glide Miles of highways, back roads, and small towns. Touring America on our Road Glide showed us how powerful a connection on the road can be. Slide 8: Chopper Life: Maxwell House Chopper Raw. Loud. Unapologetic. Riding our chopper, Maxwell House  reminded us why we fell in love with motorcycles in the first place. Slide 9: Mini Bikes Mini bikes brought the FUN. Racing, games, laughter, and community. Proof that bikes don’t have to be big to make a big impact. Slide 10: Support2UP Movement We created Support2UP  to give passengers a voice. Riding together is trust, teamwork, and love. Riding 2UP deserves to be celebrated. Slide 11: Bikers Pay It Forward Because it was our time to give back, inspired by the help we received during our darkest days, Bikers Pay It Forward  was born to help bikers help bikers. Slide 12: Van Life "VAN-GO" We hit the road in a van we named VAN-GO . Art, motion, freedom, and proof that adventure doesn’t need luxury. Slide 13: Road Dogs Hank & Wayland aren't just riding buddies... they are the true road dogs! Slide 14: Emcee & Host of FUN From bike games to main stages, we bring the energy. Hosting, emceeing, organizing; we turn events into experiences. Slide 15: Yazhi Moto-Skoolie We built a skoolie and named her Yazhi , meaning little one . A rolling home, a new chapter, and a symbol of freedom on our own terms. If our story moved you…follow the journey, support the mission, & help us keep bikers helping bikers. Ride safe. Ride together. #TheOrneryOne #StayOrnery

Let’s rephrase that… most change is good ! And we’ve had a big one recently. Life Update: We’ve officially moved! Don’t worry—we’re still loving life in Northwest Arkansas—but now we’re closer to some of our favorite spots, including Bikes, Blues & BBQ  and Pig Trail Harley-Davidson . The move turned out to be way more of a challenge than we expected, but we got it done! A huge shoutout to our buddy Fred —we literally couldn’t have done it without you. Health Update: Steph’s health continues to be a journey. Since her diagnosis of Heart Failure  last fall, the medications have helped, but her heart rate has recently dropped back into the mid-30s. She still experiences palpitations, but thanks to Flecainide , they’re not as frequent or disruptive as before. Unfortunately, Fargixa  remains out of reach due to cost and insurance denial—but thankfully, there is an alternative that’s helping. Managing 12 daily medications  comes with side effects, and yes, it slows her down a bit—but it hasn’t stopped her. Her determination and spirit continue to shine through, reminding us every day that life is about progress, not perfection. Motorcycle Update: One of the absolute best things about living in the Ozarks? We can really ride year-round . Sure, winter comes, but it’s nothing compared to harsher climates. While the “motorcycle rally” season might be winding down, we’re already gearing up for 2026 ! Did you realize Daytona Bike Week  is just 13 weeks away? That’s under 100 days—and yes, we’re counting! The chopper  is still in the shop for some much-needed work, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the mechanics will uncover the underlying issue so she can hit the road again soon. Change can be hard, but whether it’s moving houses, managing health, or chasing the next adventure on two wheels, we’re learning that every challenge brings a new opportunity. We can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings—hopefully with some open roads and wind in our faces! TJ & Steph

I’ve always thought a low heart rate was a good thing. We’re told that athletes often have slower pulses, which can mean your heart is “efficient.” But what happens when that slow beat isn’t a sign of fitness — but of something far more serious? Last fall (2024), my life underwent a change I never expected. I was diagnosed with heart failure after months of fatigue, shortness of breath, and a heart rate that seemed to keep dipping lower and lower. I brushed it off at first — “I’m just tired,” I told myself. “Maybe I’m dehydrated.” But deep down, something didn’t feel right. I told myself several "reasons" or "explanations" of why my heart rate is so low: 2001 Diagnosed with Enlarged Thyroid with multiple nodules (Ultrasound every year since) 2013 Diagnosed with a Brain Tumor, followed by emergency Brain Surgery 2013 Diagnosed with Vertigo & E quilibrium/Balance Issues 2014 Diagnosed with Chronic Migraines 2023 Diagnosed with Bradycardia (WARNING SIGNS - IGNORED) 2024 Diagnosed with Heart Failure - Cardiomyopathy 2025 Diagnosed with Thyroid Disease - Hashimoto The Warning Signs I Missed Looking back, the clues were there. My resting heart rate had dropped into the 30s. I’d get lightheaded walking up stairs, and naps became less of a luxury and more of a necessity. But, like many of us, I explained it away. Life was busy. Then came the day I couldn’t ignore it anymore. Facing the Diagnosis Hearing the words “heart failure” felt surreal. I thought that was something that happened to other people — older people, people who didn’t take care of themselves. But the truth is, heart failure can happen to anyone, and it doesn’t mean your heart has stopped. It means it isn’t pumping blood as effectively as it should. For me, it was linked to a dangerously low heart rate — bradycardia — which had caused my body to slow down in ways I didn’t even realize. My doctors explained that when your heart rate stays too low for too long, your organs and muscles don’t get enough oxygen. It’s like running your life on half power. The Road to Recovery Since that diagnosis, every day has been about learning — learning what my body needs, how to listen more closely, and how to manage heart failure without letting it define me. I’ve had medical procedures, changed medications, adjusted my lifestyle, and had to slow down in ways that sometimes frustrate me. But I’ve also learned to be grateful  for the slowdown. It forced me to pay attention. It reminded me how precious every steady heartbeat really is. Why I’m Sharing This If you’re reading this and you’ve noticed your heart rate dipping lower than usual — or if you’ve been feeling constantly tired, dizzy, or just “off” — please don’t ignore it. Get it checked. What seems like a small issue could be your body’s way of sending an urgent message. Heart health isn’t something we can take for granted, and “low” doesn’t always mean “healthy.” Last year, my slow heart nearly stopped me in my tracks — literally. This year, I’m choosing to move forward with awareness, gratitude, and a stronger sense of purpose. But here’s the thing: I didn’t let it stop me. The Road Still Calls Even with a heart that’s been through the wringer, the call of the open road is something I can’t ignore. Riding has always been "OUR" therapy — the rumble of the engine, the wind against my face, the freedom of endless miles ahead. It’s where I feel most alive, and no diagnosis is going to take that from me. Since my diagnosis, we’ve still traveled and clocked long miles and shown up at rallies and events that keep our biker family connected. There have been days when I’ve had to rest more, hydrate better, or take things slower like Sturgis, for example... I think I was in bed for the entire 2 weeks :( But the point is, I’m still doing it. Because life doesn’t end with heart failure. You just learn to live it smarter, to listen to your body, and to ride with even more gratitude. Moving Forward in 2026 - we have BIG plans with The Ornery One, Support2UP Motorcycle Riding & Elements of the Old Soul, as well as our new homestead: Gritstone Acres. Riding with a New Perspective Every mile means more now. Every sunrise ride, every late-night rally, every moment shared on the road feels like a victory. I’ve learned to appreciate the balance — to take care of my heart and  feed my soul. Yes, I have to plan ahead more. Yes, I have to stay mindful of my limits. But when I’m out there on two wheels, heart beating steady beneath my jacket, I’m reminded that I’m still here. Still strong. Still rolling. My Message to Anyone Facing the Same Battle Don’t let fear or a diagnosis steal what you love. Adjust, adapt, and keep chasing the things that make you feel alive. Whether that’s riding cross-country, attending rallies, or just feeling the hum of the engine beneath you — hold onto it. My heart might have slowed down, but my spirit hasn’t. And as long as I can throw a leg over the bike, I’ll keep moving — one mile, one heartbeat, one adventure at a time. I can't wait to meet YOU at the next rally!! Because even with a heart that’s had to work harder, I’m still here. Still beating. Still living.

To be in the place that I’m at... It’s an odd place, it’s a lonely place. When we are asked: "How do you feel?" Are they asking how we feel physically or mentally? Let's go with mentally... "So, how do you feel in your head?" I would (quite often) say that I don’t feel good. Most of the time, we think of physical feelings but 90% of the time for me, it’s mental. I truly can’t understand why I cannot feel happiness over a longer period of time. I’ll have quick flashes of happiness, but I always return to the sad side. It’s true what they say, the happiest people you know are probably the saddest!! I need my people, my people. At this time in my life, I have four. But it’s so easy for me to push them away.

The friendships you'll make in the motorcycle community are among some of the BEST friendships that Steph & I have made in our entire lives! The Buffalo Chip recently asked me "Who is your Chip Fam?" "I’ve always said Sturgis Buffalo Chip is the colosseum of the motorcycle world! The Chip is a renowned symbol of “ALL THINGS MOTORCYCLE!” For me; it has an undeniable energy about it as if it’s almost spiritual. Steph & I keep coming back because of the memories we’ve made together here. It is knowing & looking forward to seeing all the family we have made over the past years - the Buffalo Chip is there for us to keep making new friends & new memories. If I were to narrow down my reasonings for coming back to The Chip year after year… these would be my 5 reasons: 1: The Biker Culture 2: Surround myself with like-minded people 3: The ability to be who you are 4: Being part of the motorcycle history 5: The one time of the year we all come together to celebrate the life of the biker… the biker lifestyle. Each year we embrace the experience of the Buffalo Chip. Sturgis 2023: 72 hours of rain turned us into being the kids without any parental supervision. For 3 days straight we bouncing from one camp to another on our mini bikes just playing in the mud & loving every bit! Being part of spontaneous dance parties in the middle of stranger’s campsites… they just didn’t know that they were going to be our best friends! Putting yourself in the middle of the action. Becoming part of the entertainment not just watching! Overall, coming to the Buffalo Chip… you are sealing your fate of being part of history. The motorcycle history that is being told at this moment! This is where Friendships in the Motorcycle Community are made! With that being said; it’s our special home for several weeks each year. The Buffalo Chip history in the making… come be part of it!" -TJ Thompson The Ornery One

Motorcycle vlogging, or moto vlogging, has become increasingly popular over the years. With the rise of social media and video platforms, more and more riders are sharing their experiences on the road with the world. If you're interested in starting your own motorcycle vlog, you'll need the right setup to capture high-quality footage and audio. In this blog, 'll discuss some essential equipment that TJ & I have used for creating a great motorcycle vlog. Camera First and foremost, you'll need a camera to capture your rides. There are several options available, from action cameras to DSLRs. Action cameras, such as the GoPro or Insta360, are a popular choice among vloggers due to their compact size and durability. They can be mounted on your helmet, handlebars, or tank to capture different angles of your ride. DSLRs, on the other hand, offer higher quality footage and more control over settings like aperture and shutter speed. However, they can be bulky and may require a separate mount or stabilizer for use on a motorcycle. The major downside to DSLR’s when one is riding is that they take up so much space compared to an action camera. Don’t get me wrong… I used a DSLR for years & was able to capture some amazing photos however it is very limited if you are not familiar with settings & photography. Our “go-to” recording device to be honest is our phones! The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is our current phone & the camera specs are beyond what I expected to begin with… the quality is so natural & seamless! Pros of the iPhone camera that TJ & I use! Pleasant and vivid color in photo and video, accurate skin tones Wide dynamic range in photo and video, excellent contrast High level of detail in photo and video Excellent autofocus for photo and video Pleasant simulated bokeh effect with very good details on faces High-quality continuous photo and video zoom at close and medium range Excellent video stabilization Small & compact Conveniently handy as most of us have our phone within reach Microphone The audio quality of your vlog is just as important as the video quality. Wind noise can be a major issue when recording audio on a motorcycle, so it's important to invest in a good microphone. A lavalier microphone, which clips onto your helmet or clothing, is a popular choice among vloggers. They're small and unobtrusive, but still capable of capturing clear audio. Some vloggers also use a shotgun microphone, which is mounted on the camera and pointed towards the rider's mouth. I have used a wide variety of microphones during the last 6 years of vlogging as well - while I am still learning there are new & improved mics becoming available constantly. Communication Systems with Audio & Video: As far as communication systems that have cameras integrated our choice has been Sena. There are so many pros to these units but to be honest again… they do not perform well under 4+ hours of rain. TJ & I ride all weather & for hours upon hours. With saying all of this; have had some issues with our Sena units after this particular ride & the units are not living up to the standards I originally thought. Another communication systems for motorcycle riding is the Cardo brand. TJ & I have NOT rode enough miles with these units to give an honest review neither here in a blog or video. There some microphones that you can connect externally to your action cameras, DSLRs, iPhone etc. I have had a handful of different mics & have found Rode Wireless GO to be the best yet. Now, here is another catch… if the connection is not solid then the camera will not pick up the audio from the mics but from it’s own internal mics. The connections that I have are a little touchy. Mounts To capture different angles of your ride, you'll need mounts for your camera and microphone. For action cameras, there are several options available, including helmet mounts, handlebar mounts, and suction cup mounts. For DSLRs, you may need a more stable mount, such as a tripod or gimbal. It's important to choose mounts that are secure and won't come loose during your ride. I don’t recommend using a tripod or gimbal with your DSLR on your motorcycles… that is just a disaster & crappy footage just waiting to happen. Both GoPro & Insta360 (along with other less expensive brands) make housings/mounts for their action cameras. I recommend getting the correct housing for your camera & using it with different positions on your bike until you like the angle of the footage. Maybe even mix it up a little & try different angles during 1 vlog. Editing software Once you've captured your footage and audio, you'll need to edit it into a cohesive vlog. There are several editing software options available, including Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie. These programs allow you to trim and arrange your footage, add music and sound effects, and make color and exposure adjustments. Editing can be time-consuming, but it's a crucial step in creating a polished and engaging vlog. I personally have tried each of these major editing softwares & have chosen to invest in Adobe Premiere Pro. If you have questions about Adobe; feel free to email me: stephanie@theorneryone.com I will be more than happy to go into depth & details as to why I have chosen Adobe but ultimately it is your choice. In conclusion, creating a motorcycle vlog requires a bit of investment in equipment and time. But with the right setup, you can capture stunning footage and share your riding experiences with the world. Remember to always prioritize safety when vlogging on a motorcycle, and never compromise your focus on the road for the sake of capturing footage. Another point to remember: you WILL change your mind! Cameras, microphones, editing software and social media platforms are always improving & so is your skills! Trust the process!

What you may not know our motorcycle adventures; about 6 years ago Steph & I took a chance on being the people we had always dreamed of being! We really started "The Ornery One" & taking it serious when we decided to do our 1st big #motorcycletrip & named it the "Shoestring Budget Roadtrip" which was 2 people on 2 wheels to ride 2,000 miles to 2 motorcycles rallies with only $2,000 to our names. Yeah... no savings account nor do we have one now! lol During this trip we agreed to only stay with people who we had met online through the motorcycle community! We pulled it off making great memories & over all making so many new friends. We actually made it back home with $200 which is so strange & odd being that it was another 2 Our first ever Pay It Forward happened as soon as we got home from this "Shoestring Budget Roadtrip" and Biker's Pay It Forward was born. We took our $200 that was left over & rallied some other local businesses to help a young girl with her newborn baby. That's it guys... your Throwback Thursday post & story :) Of course, there are a lot of details in the Shoestring Budget Roadtrip and so many people especially family told us how CRAZY the idea was but it was the right decision the entire time! September - August 2018 Northwest Arkansas to Cleveland, Ohio then to Sturgis, South Dakota We didn't have money or resources for motorcycle luggage... take note at all that stuff!!!! Also, this was our first "touring" bagger 2015 FLTRX that was stolen in Daytona, Florida during the rally!

Biker's Pay It Forward is exactly that.... We are here to connect our motorcycle community with our motorcycle culture while giving a hand-up where needed! Biker's have each others back! Our Facebook group designed to share Pay It Forward opportunities, stay up-to-date on the latest campaign, meet others who have also been impacted by similar situations - Please join us: https://www.facebook.com/groups/890188142039048/ Biker's Pay It Forward, The Ornery One and Custom Dynamics is teaming up again this holiday season to bring awareness and support to a young mother of 3 that is facing not ony a tough time but a scary situation for herself and her children! YouTube video: https://youtu.be/B85lanB68Ew Nicole Boyd (single mom - 3 children (16 y/o son, 15 y/o daughter & 11 y/o daughter) Support Group: her children & her mother/father Occupation: Nurse Current Age: 40 y/o Diagnosed: August 17th 2022 with B cell Lymphoma non-Hodgkins - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Age when first diagnosed: Got first treatment the week of 39th birthday! History of Nicole's Cancer Journey as of today November 2023: Hairdresser mentioned knots in neck Dentist noticed inflammation Doctor agreed & sent her for a referral to ENT ENT sent for STAT CT Scan & more testing Biopsy of lymph nodes - pathology reports shows B cell Lymphoma non-hodgkins PET Scan & Bone Marrow biopsy Treatment (starts 9/26/22, 9/27/22, 10/10/22, 10/17/22, 1/23/23 4 down 8 to go, 2/13/23, 3/16/23 last chemo treatment) PET-CT follow up scan - lymph nodes are normal & look great, new mass found in abdomen near colon Colonoscopy/Endoscopy scheduled 7/20/23 for biopsy of new mass Oncologist - 2 more months & will recheck bone marrow for “in remission” status. Continuing daily oral chemo with weekly labs until bone marrow biopsy in October MRI on Pelvic Mass - I recently had an MRI to keep a close eye on a pelvic mass that was discovered during my last PET/CT scan in March. We are closely monitoring it for any concerning changes. (Next scan 12/2023) Bone Marrow Biopsy: (10/2023) I am scheduled for my next bone marrow biopsy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying prayers that it will show MRD (minimal residual disease) which would be a positive sign that my Leukemia is in remission. New Bone Lesion: Unfortunately, the MRI on my pelvis did reveal a small bone lesion in my hip/pelvic area. I have been scheduled for a bone scan in November so the doctors can further evaluate the area and determine if biopsies need to be completed Follow Nicole's Cancer Journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikkib942?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Please donate to Nicole's Cancer Journey on GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/236e9903 Help make Christmas 2023 for Nicole & her family: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2IS1ES4TSOBE1?ref_=wl_share

Packing is something that TJ & I have become very good at over the last several years... so good that we have stayed on the road for over 45 days living out of the Traveler Tour Trunk luggage bag by Nelson Rigg! Yeah... over 45 days - 2 adults - 1 luggage bag. 😵‍💫😳😵‍💫 Wanna know how? I am about to share some of our tips & tricks right here in this blog that will help you utilize space better! The Traveler Tour luggage bag is our go-to luggage bag... the ONLY luggage that we use on the motorcycle! There is plenty of room for both of us to pack our clothes, extra shoes & all the must haves for a road trip! Motorcycle accessory: Traveler Tour Trunk Bag (to be exact: NR-300) Features: LIFETIME WARRANTY Made with Industry leading UltraMax® fabric Maximum UV protection against fading Universal Fitment on trunks and luggage racks 100% waterproof rain cover included Quick release straps securely mount to trunk rack Additional 3” expansion section and 3 generous outer pockets Rigid construction with mesh pocket under lid Lined interior holds 2 full face helmets Lockable zippers to help secure contents Reflective piping for enhanced visibility Carry handles for transporting off the bike Dimensions: 22” L x 12” W x 14.5” H - Holds 63 Liters Expanded: 22” L x 12” W x 17” H - Holds 73.5 Liters Stephanie's TOP 5 tips for packing on a motorcycle trip Makeup: less is more & remember the heat! guess what... I'm a girl and like makeup but can't do a full face of makeup while riding. 1) it isn't great for your skin and 2) the HEAT! You know what I mean by... less makeup is more! Especially if you are traveling in warmer temperatures & dealing with a full face helmet going on & off of your face. If you want to take foundation on your motorcycle trip just save your face & put it on until you are off of the motorcycle for the day. It isn't great for your skin to have foundations on under your helmet where cheek pads are pressing or covering your skin for hours. If you ride with a full face helmet though you can always take the cheek pads out & wash the pads/covers. Eyeliner is my BEST FRIEND! I never carry eyeliner pencils with me though. Even on semi warm day because the temperature inside your saddlebags or luggage bag (wherever you end up putting your makeup bag) will have much higher temps than outside in the wind running down the open road! Conditioner but no shampoo. We utilize shampoo/conditioner at hotels instead of packing both. However, I do pack a small bottle of conditioner because hotel conditioner is nothing more than lotion... it is pointless. But, I will ask at check-in for 2 extra bottles of shampoo/conditioner. Travel size products are more expensive but a few travel size products are the best if you are packing in small spaces. Travel size products that we DO by for the motorcycle include: Condition, Toothpaste and Sunscreen. Air tight storage bags: ROLL & sit on it! Compression bags saves room & helps you stay organized. We keep our clothes separated from each other... TJ has one bag & I have my own bag. If my traveling days (days on the road - not how long your vacation or trip is) are just 1 then I will pack all my clothes into one bag. However, if my traveling days are more than 1 day then I will use 2 bags. 1 bag for traveling days then 1 bag for the days that I am wherever I am at. That way during the days we are traveling I don't have to open up all the bags to get my clothes or needed items. I can leave all my main things in the closed bag! Many times I will wear the same "road clothes" if my traveling time is 2 days. Just change my socks and undie! :) We ride gas tank to gas tank & on average will ride around 400-500 miles per day... with breakfast, lunch & dinner also with gas stops & time to stretch your legs... that is all day long. I will wear the same road clothes but new socks & undies of course. I have seen many people do this trick but I personally never have because I am a girl & change my mind too much especially about clothes! People will get the tie downs for luggage & lay out their clothes for that day: roll them up, tie them together. This way that can place multiple "pre-rolled" planned days into a bag. This allows them to reach in and grab one pre-rolled outfit.... this saves time for sure! Another tip about compressiong bags: if your rain fly come off of your luggage or maybe you got caught in rain before getting the cover on and all of your stuff gets wet! Your clothes will stay dry because they are inside a compression bag! (Tip from my friend) Always bring flats: ALWAYS I will wear my boots or riding shoes on the traveling days but always bring an extra pair of shoes with me! These are always a pair of flats to either wear around camp, wear for walking, give my feet a rest and something different than riding boots. This saves space to wear your boots & pack the smaller shoes. I do struggle with my ankles swelling & have had to bungie cord my boots to our luggage bag & wear my flats while riding. Don't be afraid to do it! :) They ain't going anywhere with enough bungies. Essentials are essential When packing on the motorcycle it is essentials that you take the essentials!! I will let TJ cover some of the essentials we always take but those items do in the saddlebags! Rainsuits, clear visors for our helmets if you run at night, in our case sticker!! Another essentials that we do is carry a full size tripod with us... this also goes in the saddlebag. All of these items go in the saddlebags because they aren't necessarily used more frequently but when you need them you need them FAST! Raingear is only as good as how fast you can put it on! remember this! Have this stuff handy. Remember: every town has a post office! Spend $5 to do laundry instead of packing! This will save you room for sure! The only people that you will see back to back the same days during your motorcycle trip will be the ones in your group... they already know if you have worn the same shirt for 3 days... just wash it! If you are going to a motorcycle rally... motorcycle rally shirts are always a must. Ship the new stuff back or ship some of your dirty clothes home & keep the new stuff to wear for the remainder of your trip. TJ's TOP 4 tips for packing on a motorcycle trip Exactly what she said Small tool roll I always pack a small tool roll that sits down inside of the saddlebag. There are several different companies that make tool rolls... my tool roll is by Grim Parts. Includes items like tire kit, small screw driver, wrenches and small air pump. Utilize small canvas bags These small canvas bags are on our website but you can pick them up at Hobby Lobby for a very reasonable price. I keep 1 for underwear 1 for socks - these are small canvas bags that are easy to grab & store. These are perfect size for the smalls that end up in the bottom of your luggage & you can't ever find until you get home from the trip. Pack cords We always pack an extra phone charging cord other than the ones we have on the motorcycle. Life on the road & traveling is a strange thing on electronics... It the cord is going to stop working then it will stop working while you are on the road. Speaking of other cords than we have on the motorcycle... Steph has a quick disconnect USB charing adapter from the battery that runs up between our seat so she can charge her phone. There you have it - our tips & tricks for packing on a motorcycle! Hopefully you can use some of these tips to alter for your packing style! If you are in the market for luggage I highly suggest Nelson Rigg. This a company that has been around for an extremely long time mastering the motorcycle luggage line! They know their shit! I listed some of the features above & will list there website here: www.nelsonrigg.com Check out the luggage bags that they offer & save yourself some $$ while you are there! Use our promo code for 20% off and FREE shipping! promo code: ORNERY