Taking an extended road trip on a motorcycle lets you feel the sun and wind and hear the sounds of nature as you sweep past pristine countryside without the limitations of a car. You can park in more places and save money on gas, with some bikes getting up to 50 mpg. Riding is the only form of transportation that keeps you outside – for better or worse – with nothing but a few layers of clothing and some protective gear standing between you and the great outdoors. Avoid these mistakes to master long-distance trips like the pros.
1. Riding the Wrong Type of Motorcycle
Not all motorcycles are built for long-distance riding. If you plan on traveling for more than an hour at a time, you should be on the back of a cruiser or touring motorcycle instead of a sport bike, naked or otherwise. Cruisers and touring bikes have lower seat positions, higher handlebars and deeper footpegs for a more comfortable riding stance. You can sit with your arms out with your back straight instead of leaning forward as you would with a sport bike. Sport bikes are faster and get better fuel efficiency, but a long day of riding could leave you sore the next day, limiting how far you can travel.
2. Not Wearing the Proper Gear
Just like seatbelts in cars, the law requires you to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. You can choose between a full-face helmet that wraps around your head and a half-face helmet or a skull cap and goggles. The former offers better protection from the elements and makes for a more comfortable ride. The straps on the goggles can pull against your hair and skin. Use a full-face model with a proper visor and ventilation to increase your field of vision.
Pair your helmet with a Bluetooth motorcycle helmet communication headset to connect wirelessly with your passenger or the rest of your group without taking your eyes off the road. The latest voice command technology lets you speak directly to your companions as if you were talking in person. It’s safer than using hand signals, screaming over the wind or having your fellow traveler tighten their grip whenever they want you to pull over. Just speak into the headset to drop a line. You can also use it to access your phone and GPS hands-free. The headset speakers shouldn’t block out important traffic sounds or diminish your connection to the natural world. Use motorcycle helmet speakers that automatically adjust the volume based on the surrounding noise level.
Your outfit wouldn’t be complete without riding gloves, boots, thick, durable pants, long sleeves and a waterproof jacket. Dress in layers to quickly add or remove clothing depending on the weather. Prepare to work up a sweat as you ride, which means wearing moisture-wicking clothing, such as nylon, wool and certain polyesters, that dries quickly when wet.
3. Eating Unhealthy Foods and Not Drinking Enough Water
Riding is more physically taxing than driving a car, regardless of riding position. You can burn anywhere from 100 to 300 calories per hour on a motorcycle, depending on body size, speed and riding style. Cruisers and touring bikes are less demanding than sport models, but you still need to tighten your core, grip the sides of the bike and keep your back straight. Drink a large amount of water roughly 30 minutes or more before you ride — any less, and you will have to pee by the time you leave the parking lot. Take small sips as the departure gets closer, and drink more water every time you stop. Avoid partying too hard the night before a long travel day. Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast with plenty of protein, such as an egg white omelet, turkey sausage, whole wheat bread or Greek yogurt. Limit your intake of salty, fried foods on pit stops to keep your energy up, and avoid overly spicy foods or exotic meals that might make you nauseous the next day.
4. Not Knowing When to Call It Quits
Considering the demands of riding a motorcycle, don’t be a martyr and wear yourself out by trying to go farther than your body allows. Aim to stop at least once every hour or two to stretch your muscles and rehydrate. Even experts limit themselves to six hours of riding a day. If you didn’t get a good night’s sleep or feel fatigued, don’t be afraid to throw in the towel early.
5. Not Preparing for the Worst
Every road-tripper knows the risks that come with long-distance traveling. You could get lost or stranded if your bike breaks in the middle of nowhere. But the stakes are even higher on a motorcycle. The changing weather can make it impossible to ride. Pack everything you need to withstand the variables coming your way, including waterproof attire, a compass, flares, paper maps in case you lose a signal, emergency contact numbers, and a repair kit for fixing flats and other common mishaps.
Don’t let a little bad luck ruin your time in the sun. Add these considerations to your checklist, mental or physical, to prepare for the ups and downs of traveling in nature.
