There’s not much that compares to a trip on your motorcycle. Whether it be a week-long tour or a weekend escape, we riders love the prickly winds hitting our skin, the bright sun shining our way, and a powerful rumble between our legs. Though taking a motorcycle trip isn’t all fun and games and it sure as heck is not as easy as it sounds, especially for longer journeys. When planning the perfect journey for your motorcycle trip, there are some things to consider:
The Journey or Destination?
Aside from thinking about the “where” of the journey, it’s just as important to consider the “how long” of the journey, so you can get an idea of what kind of journey you are about to face. If you have limited days and your destination is far, that would mean a long journey with much fewer stops in between. This could also be cause for more of a time crunch rather than a slow ride. It’s best to think of a balance between the two, so you have more flexibility to see the sights, have allocated time for some rest, or do whatever else you want to do on the way to your destination. It is a leisure ride anyway, so it should also be about the journey itself and not just the destination. Unless of course, you really are in a time crunch.
How Will You Get There?
Now that you have a general idea of where you want to go and how long you have, it’s time to think about the different routes available to you. This depends on what riding style you prefer. If you’re a speed demon that wants to ride fast and get to every stop as fast as you can, then taking the highways is probably a good choice for you. Highways are typically long and flat, and they can be a little underwhelming. If you’re in it for the cruise, then take the backroads, coastal roads, or other popular motorcycle routes with the right scenic setting, less traffic, and curves that flow with you. Splitting up your journey into legs, with breaks in between, can help for a more relaxing experience.
How Are The Road, Weather and Traffic Conditions?
It’s always a good idea to check the road, weather, and traffic conditions before heading out on your journey. Doing a quick Google search, checking out some ride forums or groups, and apps such as Waze or Google Maps can do wonders for you, and perhaps help you avoid getting into problems like storms or pothole-ridden roads. This can also save you from unwanted traffic, and helps keep you safe from accident-prone areas. Be smart about your choices, take precautions and keep your safety as the number one priority.
Now that you have a rough idea of what it takes for a well-planned journey, you need to remember to always expect the unexpected. Sometimes taking an extra night at a place you like, or detours to interesting locales are good for the soul and become memorable things from your trip. Just enjoy the ride, and ride what you enjoy.