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My success securing these sponsors boiled down to two things.

(1) Skills

(2) Clearly defining the exponential value of those skills

The skills I highlighted when pitching were:

(1) Writing

(2) Motorcycling

My value was twofold:

(1) "I'm not just doing any trip.. I'm going coast-to-coast across America on a motorcycle!..."

(2) "...sound exciting? Good! Because I'm a writer. Which means I can insert your company into that exciting narrative. All in a compelling way that people will engage with. It will be way more exciting than any advertisement you do - all for 1/10 the cost."

From there, it was just a matter of listening to what specific goals they had and what they wanted to highlight. e.g., in the case of Shell, they just launched a new fuel line -which is super sweet by the way and I'm not just saying that because they sponsored the ride- that was what they wanted to promote.

So I made sure to mention it by name in the content, have photos of us refueling, etc. (hence gas station photos).

All of this started by just by cold emailing people. No connections, introductions or anything. I just had the idea and started emailing. From there the companies who were interested hopped on the phone with me to learn more about the ride, start date, end date, etc.

Also: Patricia Martin wrote an awesome book on sponsorships that helped me a ton.

A phone mount is worth the money and such an incredibly cheap option compared to only ten years ago when you needed a garmin. Invest in a good case like a life proof or otterbox and get an x grip phone mount by ram (https://www.amazon.com/Cradle-Holder-Universal-X-Grip-Cellphone/dp/B0055PH0XA). IF you really want the best set up, also buy a good USB outlet that connect to your battery and have your phone charge while you ride. An open map sucks battery pretty fast.

As far as apps, use motion x gps road, and download any gps tracks your heart desires. Motion x gps allows you to pre download map tracks to any level of detail you like and works great on airplane mode.

Old school is nice and all but is a different experience and makes progress slower and requires much more planning. I used my phone to navigate the entirety of the Continental Divide Trail, the transamerica trail and hit about 30/50 states a couple summers back and it worked great and eliminates the need for two devices and bulk.

I went with a ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent for sleeping with a Camp Solutions Lightweight Self-Inflating Air Sleeping Pad. Had a 40 degree bag/quilt from Walmart since I was traveling in August time frame.

Took this chair that really came in handy Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Chairs with Carry Bag Heavy Duty 242lbs Capacity Camping Folding Chairs Beach Chairs

Cooking set I used was 12pcs Camping Cookware Stove Canister Stand Tripod Folding Spork Wine Opener Carabiner Set Bisgear(TM) Outdoor Camping Hiking Backpacking Non-stick Cooking Non-stick Picnic Knife Spoon Dishcloth. It was good enough for the 3 weeks on the road and im still using it to this day.

Seat cushion which was good but I needed something much thicker by the end of the trip MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector

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I just put all that into a waterproof 45L bag I had and then shoved my clothes into a backpack on top. Jerry rigged a canvas bag on the side for quick access things like tools and such. The net thing on top of my bags was very very helpful as well. I used these hammock straps to tie everything down on the bike since I could use them again PYS outdoor XL Hammock Straps Heavy Duty 20FT & 40 Loops&100% No Stretch (Set of 2) Fits All Hammocks

Other than that it was miscellaneous stuff...

I got it a couple years ago and it's NLA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HS468M/

I don't really love the velvet top/cover, but the rest great. The bottom has the non-slip rubber stuff you use to line drawers. The new versions appear to be topped with a breathable mesh, which would be a definite improvement.

Nice, I sort of did something like this where I rode with a semi truck starting at the same station. I rode faster so I got way ahead of him but would have to stop every 100 miles to fill my tank, where he would pass me, and then I would catch back up, wave, pass him again, over and over for about 500 miles.

Noticed your sleeping pad, these are much nicer to sleep on and take up the same amount of space. I've had one for the last 7 years and love it.

earplugs are one of those things where cheap and simple is often better.


I throw a handful of these in a ziplock bag before any trip. https://www.amazon.com/Macks-Ultra-Soft-Foam-Earplugs/dp/B0051U7W32/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=earplugs+macks&qid=1571693169&sr=8-4


They actually reduce noise by more decibels than a lot of fancier ones, and they are entirely in ear so they never slip out when you put your helmet on. Furthermore these are super soft and are comfortable to wear all day long. I often reuse a pair until they are too dirty.

I've been using this for years now. I put it on the handle bar and it can extend past the ferring. https://smile.amazon.com/RAM-Mount-Strap-Clamp-Roll/dp/B00GY5JB8W/

Get some asswipes. monkeybutt powder. Seamless underwear.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07543XRVP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KfvTCbP2S1A2C

I have a waterproof padded case on Amazon I can suggest if it's a 15" or smaller.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BXUSRYC/ref=pd_aw_fbt_236_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2NHMQN2SS9H4KEEWXAS9

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001FK6382/ref=pd_aw_fbt_263_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=C5N0C2PJR3MKNHDK8SNB

Ordered those a few days ago. Coming in today!