5 Things To Know Before Your Motorcycle Travel Adventure
Going on a motorcycle road trip can be the experience of a lifetime! From feeling the cool breeze on your skin to seeing some majestic scenery, there really isn’t anything like it. However, while these trips are always incredible, you never know when something can go wrong. To lower the chances of experiencing a problem, make sure you know what to expect.
Keep reading to learn 5 things to know before embarking on your motorcycle travel adventure.
Know how to pack effectively
If you’re about to ride off on your first motorcycle road trip, you may have no idea what to pack. For starters, it’s important to understand how to pack lightly. On many occasions, people pack way more than they need for their first motorcycle adventure. Not only does this take up valuable space on your bike, but it can also weigh you down. The heavier your bike is, the more you pay in gas. If you need more room, consider purchasing a luggage carrier that attaches to your bike. As far as what to pack, only carry the essentials, including clothes for unexpected weather.
Understand how exhausted you might be
Especially if this is your first motorcycle road trip, make sure you understand how tiring the venture can get. While you won’t be running up a mountain, riding a motorcycle takes a lot out of you—much more than driving a car. That said, be sure to plan for breaks and rest stops. This is even more important if you’re riding in extremely cold or hot weather, as these conditions can wear you out faster. Also, staying hydrated is vital. Not drinking enough can make you feel fatigued and even lightheaded, so it’s best to stay hydrated at all times. If you don’t enjoy stopping for water breaks, invest in a hydration pack.
Know the best time to grab food
While staying hydrated is essential, eating right is also highly important. Unless you pack your own meals, you’ll want to understand when and where you’ll stop for food. If you want to get back on the road quickly, it’s best to stop at off-peak eating hours. For example, grab lunch at 10:30 am instead of noon. This lowers the chance of experiencing large crowds and long wait times at restaurants. This is even more important if you’re driving on a busy highway. If there are only a few restaurants along the road, these may be packed during normal eating hours.
Understand your riding limits
It’s important to never overdo it on your motorcycle. If you’re planning a long-distance ride, make sure you understand how many miles you can drive each day. This number largely depends on your preferences and experience level. While some riders have no trouble venturing 1,000 miles in 24 hours, this can be a massive challenge for beginners. If you’re just starting out, consider riding about 150 miles/day until you build up endurance. As you get more comfortable, around 300 miles/day should be your goal.
Know the right tools and items to bring
You would hate to be in the middle of nowhere without the right tools. To ensure a safe and stress-free trip, understand which tools and items to take on your ride. This list should include a tire-plug kit, air pump, earplugs, extra gloves, wrenches, sockets, headlamps, flashlights, a Swiss Army knife, and a stocked first aid kit.
Going on a motorcycle adventure can be life-changing! By understanding the points above, you can stay safe and make the most of your trip.
