Motorcycle Road Trip Tips You Can Rely On
One of the reasons many riders become riders is the freedom of the open road. Getting to travel to unique spots and seeing what the world has to show us is one of the most beautiful aspects of this freedom.
However, road trips on two wheels are very different than in an automobile. Yes, the 360 view adds to the wonderment but it has its limitations.
There are more risks to consider and less space to store methods of mitigation. Read on for tips on how to organize a head of time below.
Decide the Basics
Ask yourself Where? When? How? To determine a wealth of information that will keep you prepared.
Where – deciding your destination will help you map out your route.
You can identify what sights you might want to highlight, where gas, mechanics, and medical might be, decide on lodging, and identify what types of roads you might encounter – paved, gravel, dirt.
Although you have the luxury of changing things up as you go, it’s helpful to have a rough plan, and if you’re going solo – share that loose plan with someone at home.
When – it’s important to know how long you plan on going for, as well as the season.
The length of the trip will again help map out your route, and plan where you’re going to rest your head. The season will help you anticipate the weather and pack the right gear.
How – planning on how far you will travel each day will be helpful to adjust your destination plans, and make sure you are mentally and physically able to not only enjoy your trip but do so safely.
Just like your motorcycle needs fuel – so do you! There are only so many hours in a day and making sure you plan your time accordingly. You want to make sure you left enough time to explore sights you stop at and more importantly stopping to hydrate and shake your legs is key to staying focused and avoid the dangers of fatigue. Additionally, your lodging might require an arrival time, or perhaps your comfort zone is daylight hours. Not only that, but it is
Time to Pack
Start with the obvious travel bag: your toiletries/medications, changes of clothes appropriate to the number of days and potential weather, along with extras. Consider wool for cold weather and cotton for warm weather. Moisture-wicking under layers is helpful. Pack rain gear, sunscreen, eyes and neck protection.
If you are camping, you’ll need to pack your tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment and appropriate fire starter and safety essentials for animals; and if you are doing backroads where cell reception may be poor – look into bringing along an emergency locating device. Of course, don’t forget your charges, wallet, papers, and phone!
This bag needs to have everything you need but also be minimalistic, so be sure to consider your route, your bike, and your skills. Practice packing and unpacking a few times and maybe even take your loaded up bike for a spin around the block to make sure you’re aware of the change in balance and comfort.
Other Essential Kits
Two other essential kits that are key are your first-aid kit and your tool kit.
Make sure to replenish your first-aid kit if you have used it before or know how to use the contents if it is new to you. A basic first-aid course is a helpful tool to gain the essential knowledge you will need in the unfortunate event you or a friend needs medical assistance.
Additionally, consider adding high-protein snacks and electrolytes to your first aid essentials. We all know there are plenty of delicious places to stop on the road but eating a large meal can leave you sluggish and uncomfortable. Eating smaller snacks more often and drinking plenty of water will help keep your energy up and your focus on the road.
The same goes for your tool kit. Make sure all the tools you need are there if you have used the kit before, or if it’s new to you, run through each tool. It is important to know how to use the tools, as a close by mechanic or YouTube might not be available should you break down. Many local motorcycle accessory shops will sell generalized kits, and typically the dealership will sell kits specific to your individual motorcycle. If you want to assemble your own kit, the Canadian Moto Guide put together a useful article with the basics to get you started CLICK HERE for their insights.
Purchasing a roadside assistance card is also an excellent peace of mind, call your Lawrie Insurance Group Broker if you don’t have one set up to help secure this before your trip. If you are already a card carrier, check to make sure they cover your location, and notify them of your travels where necessary.
Before You Go
Just like you invested in parts and accessories, overtime you likely invested in gear. The value of motorcycle jackets, vests, helmets, boots, and gloves, that you purchased to make your rides safer and more comfortable add up quickly.
It is wise to consider adding the Personal Effects Usual to a Motorcycle endorsement if you have found yourself with a clothing and accessories collection for your riding passion. Characteristically, the Personal Effects Usual to a Motorcycle endorsement has a per occurrence limit you can select at inception, with no deductible. It will give you peace of mind, knowing you can purchase the gear you need, and your Insurer will enable you to replace it or be paid out for its proper value.
You’ve figured out your comfort zone, determined the trip you’re going to take and packed your bag and two kits, what more could there be?
Before you hit the road to enjoy your anticipated adventure, make sure you give your motorcycle a once over, just as you do at the start of the season. It is good practice to do this in advance of your departure date, so you have time to do repairs in the event your ride needs some TLC.
Don’t forget to review your motorcycle insurance to make sure you have the right coverages and it is applicable for your destination. Your Lawrie Insurance Group Customer Service Representative would be happy to review this with you.
If everything is in order, your oil is clean, and your tank is full, all you have left is to check yourself!
Double check the weather closer to, and make sure you packed the right gear for heat, humidity, rain, and cold temperatures.
Get a good night’s rest, eat a balanced meal, and make sure you are hydrated. Don’t go if you aren’t feeling well, only you know your body and you need to listen to it, just as you do your bike!
Give someone staying home an idea of your route and your anticipated overnight destinations, and if able, check in throughout the day.
Last but not least, have fun!
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