Hi everyone I just wanted to begin spreading the word about a ride that I will be starting this summer:

The Long Ride for Dad is a solo motorcycle journey that will begin in August 2015. The trip will officially start in Montreal, Quebec and stop in Vancouver, BC before turning south to eventually end in Ushuaia, Argentina (the southernmost city in South America). The entire trip will cover a distance of over 30,000 kilometres, passing through 15 different countries along the way. The main goal of Long Ride is to raise awareness and much needed funding for kidney cancer research and treatment.

My personal experience with kidney cancer is the driving catalyst behind this journey. In July of 2012 I lost my father Kevin to kidney cancer at the age of 52. He was diagnosed in May of 2010 and fought valiantly against the illness for over two years. This trip is ultimately in his memory but it is also on behalf of anyone past or present that has been affected by kidney cancer.

The Long Ride for Dad has the support of Kidney Cancer Canada (KCC). KCC is the first and only patient led kidney cancer charity organization in Canada and all proceeds raised over the course of this trip will go to them. KCC will then direct the proceeds to various sources for the purposes of research as well as treatment for current kidney cancer patients, advocacy for access to new treatments, support, information and education.

I am looking to get the word out to the overland community in advance of the ride in order to raise awareness for the cause and network with others who have done similar trips. I have been researching and planning the ride for the past 6 months and most of the logistics have been worked out. I would like to share the fundraising website and facebook page for the event here as well. Please note that this trip is entirely self funded and all donations made through the website go directly to Kidney Cancer Canada and are tax deductible. Thank you for viewing

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages...-ride-for-dad/

https://www.facebook.com/longridefordad

Figure I should mention that while we're at it. The bike is a 2003 KLR 650, mostly stock but about to be upgraded with crash bars, heated grips, throttle lock and hard luggage assembly for the many many kilometres ahead!

I'm looking to equip the bike with a hard luggage rack and panniers. I already have a top box so that is not needed. Does anyone have recommendations on particular brands or assemblies? I am looking for equipment that can be bought and shipped in Canada.