In our final installment to celebrate Motorcycle Awareness Month, I’m going to help you get ready for your cross-country road trip.
And let me tell you, there’s nothing like taking a motorcycle trip. Traveling the back roads and the smell of fresh country air, not to mention the scenery that surrounds you, is an amazing experience…that can easily be ruined by poor planning.
Not to worry though, a little bit of planning can prevent many of the snags that might otherwise unravel a great trip, so let’s get you started so you can get on the road!
Check Out Your Motorcycle Before You Hit the Road
Before you hit the road, you’ll want to do a thorough inspection of your bike. Check the tires, controls, lights, oil (and other fluids), chassis and stand. The last thing you want is to get stranded on some two-lane highway in the middle of nowhere because your tire was flat or you seized up your engine because there wasn’t any oil.
For more details, check out this list put together by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Pack a few tools, extra oil, light bulbs and spark plugs in case you need to replace something. Also, periodically check all of the things mentioned above while you’re on your trip.
Brush Up On Your Map Reading Skills
Okay, most of our smart phones have great GPS systems that can get us from point A to point B easily. However, if something happens to your phone or if you just forget your charger, you’ll want to have a backup method of navigation. Practice basic map and compass skills in your backyard before you leave.
Plan Out Your Itinerary
You don’t have to plan everything to the exact second, but you should have a general plan of where you want to go and what you want to do. Don’t over-plan and cram everything into a few days. Give yourself a reason to go back and travel at whatever pace is most comfortable for you. It’s a vacation after all, right?
Having a rough itinerary with where you’ll stay and your contact information is helpful for friends and family at home. In case the worst happens, they’ll have some kind of information about where to start looking for you.
Don’t Over Pack
It’s not rocket science; motorcycles clearly don’t have as much space as a car, so you’ll want to be super selective about what you pack. Even if you luck out and have saddle bags, the general rule of thumb that most riders follow is this: if you can’t fit it in your backpack, then you need to rethink what’s important to take.
It’s best to pack lightly, and if you find yourself on the road for a few days, build in some time to stop at a coin laundromat to wash clothes.
Aside from the few spare parts mentioned above and clothing, consider packing a small first aid kit, healthy snacks and water.
Load Your Bike Carefully
Once you have all your stuff together, it’s time to arrange things on your motorcycle. Start by putting the heaviest items on the bottom and the lightest things on the top. Also try to make sure that your bike remains center-balanced and close to the sides. Secure your stuff with a bungee net like this one.
Look at you! All your stuff is packed and your itinerary is in hand. The long and winding road awaits! Ride safe out there this season and enjoy all the sights!
Check out these other motorcycle related posts on Zing.
Financial Lessons I learned from Having a Motorcycle
Motorcycle Awareness Month: Safe Riding and Driving
Motorcycle Awareness Month: Buying the Right Gear
Motorcycle Awareness Month: Tips for New Riders
Do you have a motorcycle trip on your calendar this year? Share it with other Zing readers in the comments section below.
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