Planning a cross country motorcycle run can be exciting, and every bit as complicated as trying to plan an overseas vacation. You need to make sure that you have the supplies you’re going to need (or access to them), a properly maintained motorcycle, the right safety equipment, and a way to reach someone if something goes wrong.
That’s really only the beginning.
In order to really enjoy your ride, you need to make sure that you’re not having to constantly worry about things at work or at home. This involves some advance planning, and foreknowledge of your chosen route. Anyone who really believes that they can just hop on their bike and ride off into the sunset has never had teenagers.
You’ll need to plan completely differently for different routes. Riding through a desert is a completely different beast than an extended run through Siberia. If you’re riding through unfamiliar areas, you want to make sure that you do your homework. This becomes exponentially more important when you’re planning to do all of this solo. Whether you’re riding across country looking for motorcycle swap meets, or planning a scenic ride for the fun of it- these tips can help make your ride as smooth as possible:
Expand Your Maintenance Kit
Make sure that you have what you need to inflate or repair a tire, as well as the usual jumper cables, motor oil, tool kits, and spare parts. Double and triple check everything here. Also, make sure that you or your mechanic perform a cursory tune up of your bike before you head out. This is a good way to avoid any mechanical malfunctions that could’ve otherwise been avoided.
Plan for Accommodations
If you plan on stopping at hotels along the way, it’s a good idea to see what restaurants and stores are within walking distance. This can give you the opportunity to stretch your legs, and to imbibe safely (if that’s your thing).
It’s also a good idea to monitor your eating habits. Eating too much can make you drowsy, especially if your riding through a warmer climate. It’s best to eat light meals throughout the day, and save the largest meal until you’re ready to hang up your helmet for the night.
Extra Batteries
You are going to want to make sure that you carry extra phone batteries, or have a means to charge your phone from your bike. A heavy duty phone case can also help to prevent any serious accidents that can leave you without a cell phone!
Dress for the Occasion
Plan your wardrobe around the climate you’ll be riding in. It’s really important that you be comfortable and protected from the elements. You may want to invest in a good pair of goggles if it’s particularly dusty, or if the route is known to rain unexpectedly.
It’s also an excellent idea to refill your first aid kit. Make sure that you have regular medications, bandages, disinfectant, weather proof blankets, energy bars, emergency water, and lip balm (this can be a huge help in dry climates). Include anything else that may be appropriate for the length of time that you plan on being gone.
Take an Auxiliary Gas Tank
There’s nothing scarier than riding through extreme conditions, and running out of gas. There’s a good chance that you may not get cell service in many of these places, too. Before you have to start that hundred-mile trek through the unforgiving desert, take an auxiliary gas tank! This, and water, are two of the most important things you can have when you’re riding far from anything familiar.
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