7 Tips for Planning Your Cross-Country Motorcycle Trip
Hitting the open road on your motorcycle is one of those age-old dreams of American romance shared by so many. While it is possible to simply grab a bag, hop on your bike and head out, you might find that the idyllic trip you had in mind quickly deteriorates into an aggravating chore, leaving you wishing you had stayed home. Taking the time to do a little bit of planning before you leave can make all the difference.
Take Your Bike in for a Tune-Up
One of the easiest ways to ruin a cross-country motorcycle trip is to have your bike break down on you before you even manage to get out of the state. For those with plenty of knowledge about motorcycles and your own bike, in particular, you should be able to ensure you have tires that are good to go as well as checking your oil, battery, brakes, and other components of your motorcycle to make sure everything is good to go.
For those with less extensive knowledge about motorcycle maintenance, there is no shame in bringing your bike into a professional. Let them know you need it to be in working order for a cross-country adventure.
Plan Your Route
This may feel counterintuitive for riders who just want the freedom of going where the open road takes them. However, sitting in traffic for two hours in a construction zone can zap that sense of freedom away much more forcefully. You don't have to plan every step of the way, but with the resources now available through traffic apps, it's not a bad idea to at least make note of the places you want to avoid along the way.
Heading around big cities rather than through them is going to make for a much more pleasant ride unless you are interested in stopping in the city itself. Make sure to note any places of particular interest that you would like to visit, and also have an idea of potential lodging. A strict schedule is not required, but a general idea of your options tends to make your trip more freeing rather than less so.
Check the Weather
Driving in adverse weather conditions is likely not what you are looking for from your trip. Motorcycles don't provide a rider with much protection from the elements and also typically don't handle poor road conditions nearly as well. Try to make note of where bad weather is expected and when so that you can avoid getting trapped in less than ideal conditions.
Think Before You Pack
You likely will not be taking along a lot of things on your motorcycle trip, so it is important to make sure that the things you do pack are the things you need. You need to make sure you have appropriate clothing and safety gear along with other items that could really help on your ride. A few items you might want to consider bringing along are a:
- Patch kit
- Pump
- Small too kit
- GPS
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Phone
- Chargers for your electronics
- Sunglasses or goggles
Invite a Friend
Maybe this one isn't for you. Maybe you want to get away from it all and have your spiritual journey all on your own. Most likely, though, with the right riding buddy, you will find that having someone along for the ride will make for a much more enjoyable trip overall. It will also make your journey significantly safer.
Should your bike break down or you get into an accident, being able to have your friend go for help or hopping on the back of their motorcycle can make a huge difference. This is especially true if you are out on a deserted road in the middle of nowhere. If you can't find someone to join you or don't want to, let friends or family know about your projected plans and check in from time to time if there are changes.
Be Sure to Plan for Food and Sleep
Operating any vehicle for extended periods can come with a lot of dangers, especially when traveling by motorcycle. Make sure to take plenty of breaks and eat and drink right so you can stay alert. If you feel yourself fading at all, it is time to get off the road and take a rest in one form or another.
Talk to an Attorney
A cross-country motorcycle trip might be a dream come true, but it is also a dream that comes with significant dangers. It doesn't hurt to plan ahead. Before hopping on a long motorcycle journey, find a trusted accident lawyer. In the event that you get in an accident at some point along your trip, you won't be scrambling to find representation. Having a qualified accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.