- Weather complications<\/li>
- Traffic<\/li>
- An unexpected get-off<\/li>
- General riding fatigue<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As a result, always leave a little wiggle room in your plan. Whether this be for the above or for a kitsch sightseeing opportunity (\u2018Ostrich World\u2019 anyone?) – remain open-minded about your riding schedule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Motorcycle Touring Preparation: How to Get Ready<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that we\u2019ve got the number one rule out of the way, here\u2019s what you need to get this show on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Plan Your Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To begin, it\u2019s always important to know where you\u2019re looking to go and the best route to take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seems obvious, right? Well, yes. But this essential first step will determine everything you need to learn, prepare for, and pack for your road trip. This will also allow you to plan out your daily riding goals, as well as your breaks along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRO TIP: It\u2019s best to stop for meals during quieter serving time. That way, you\u2019re not wasting valuable riding time waiting for food. So, in the lead-up to your trip, practice eating breakfast between 10 am and 11 am or lunch between 2 pm and 3 pm.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"damon](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Damon-Hypersport-HS-Riding-PCH.jpg\")
Damon HyperSport HS<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n Build Riding Stamina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can\u2019t go from commuting mode to touring mode overnight. Moreover, if the extent of your riding is a leisurely ride every weekend, you\u2019re going to need to build up some riding stamina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recommend slowly building up your stamina in the weeks leading up to your trip. So, one day, go 50 miles. Next weekend, go up to 100. The weekend after, crank it to 150. And so on and so on. Keep doing this until you feel comfortable covering a substantial amount of miles in one day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will get you accustomed to longer distances and give you the chance to test out various luggage set-ups before you set off (more on that later).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Focus on Your Own Level of Fitness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In addition to building your riding stamina, you need to work on your own stamina. Long-distance motorcycling is both mentally and physically taxing. Therefore, you should get into good shape before hitting the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, you don\u2019t need to get shredded or look like an extra in Magic Mike. A good level of cardiovascular fitness and endurance will put you on the road towards a successful tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The knock-on effect of improving your fitness is that it will help you maintain focus and concentration and, therefore, improving your motorcycle safety. On top of that, you\u2019ll have more energy in between rides, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRO TIP: Don\u2019t stop there! If you want to feel fresh and alert on the road, you should also work on improving your sleeping and eating habits. We recommend <\/em><\/strong>installing a sleep app<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and eating more mindfully before your trip. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Refine Your Motorcycling Set-Up <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While you\u2019re building up your riding stamina, it\u2019s worthwhile fine-tuning and refining your motorcycling luggage set-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the different motorcycle bags and luggage options<\/a> you may want to test out or consider for your road trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Pannier<\/li>
- Top box<\/li>
- Tank bag<\/li>
- Tail pack<\/li>
- Leg waist belt<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This will allow you to get used to riding with luggage and will give you an idea of what your final packing list will look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"motorcycle](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Motorcycle-Storage-Example-For-Long-Distance-Road-Trip.jpg\")
Photo by Torsten Rauhut, <\/em>stock.adobe.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n Get a Final Packing List Together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In order to land on your final luggage set-up, you\u2019ll need to put together a final packing list in addition to a general checklist to make sure you and your bike are tour ready. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a lot of variables that go into both of the above, and they will differ depending on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The length of your trip<\/li>
- The conditions you\u2019re riding in<\/li>
- Your accommodation along the way<\/li>
- Your weight and your bike’s weight (and the weight of any passengers)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It sounds complicated, but it really isn\u2019t. You just need to get organized and prepare early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Tips for Long Motorcycle Trips: What to Know When You\u2019re on the Road<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Start your engines! Now you\u2019ve got everything ready, here are some tips to follow while on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Start Early<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long-distance motorcycle trips mean early starts. This can be challenging if you – or members of your party – aren\u2019t morning people. However, it\u2019s in your best interest to use all the hours of daylight available to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early mornings mean you\u2019ll be able to cover more asphalt and give you a window to be flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Take Smart Breaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are lots of different types of breaks you may take while on a long-distance motorcycle road trip – these could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Lunch breaks<\/li>
- Coffee breaks<\/li>
- Water breaks<\/li>
- Stretching breaks<\/li>
- Bathroom breaks<\/li>
- Refuelling or recharging breaks<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A bad habit a lot of riders fall into is thinking these need to be done separately. Far from the truth. We would recommend combining all of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The perfect place to do so? A motorcycle service station. A stop allows you to quickly refuel, eat\/drink, go to the bathroom, and stretch your legs all within the shortest time possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRO TIP: If you\u2019re riding an <\/em><\/strong>electric motorcycle<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, you\u2019ll need to plan out where you\u2019re going to charge up before hitting the road. We recommend bookmarking some electric vehicle charging stations on your route through <\/em><\/strong>the PlugShare website<\/em><\/strong><\/a> – preferably ones where you can grab a quick bite.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"damon](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Damon-Hypersport-HS-Charging-At-Public-Charing-Station.jpg\")
Damon HyperSport HS Charging<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n Eat Little and Often<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As mentioned above, you want to have multiple quick bites while on the road. By that, we mean eating small amounts frequently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We get it. When you\u2019ve been riding all morning, it\u2019s tempting to have a huge lunch and a cold beer. However, you will not thank yourself when it comes to your afternoon riding – you\u2019ll end up too full and lethargic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save your big meal – and that brewski – for the evening, after you\u2019ve finished riding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drink Lots of Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We can\u2019t stress how important it is to remain hydrated during a cross-country motorcycle trip. Think of it this way, would you run a marathon without drinking a lot of water? Of course not! The same applies here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Long-distance riding is also a marathon, you\u2019re just using two wheels instead of two legs. What\u2019s more, if you\u2019re touring during the summer, wearing full leathers, and sitting above a hot engine all day – you\u2019re going to sweat a lot! That water needs to be replaced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, much like eating, you don\u2019t want to chug a couple of liters of water in one go! It\u2019s better to continuously drink small amounts while on the road. The easiest way to stay hydrated en route is to pack a water bladder, keep it filled up, and position the hose close to your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Aid your Hydration With Electrolyte Supplements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
As anyone who has ridden in very hot climates will tell you, it\u2019s normal to drink up to 5-6 liters of clear stuff a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, that\u2019s easier said than done and you don\u2019t want to fall into a situation where you\u2019re lacking in salts. Therefore, we recommend packing some electrolyte drinks or tablets as an extra precaution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"motorcycle](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Motorcycle-Rider-Drinking-Water.jpg\")
Photo by I Am Way, stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n Drink Less Coffee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Caffeine is one hell of a drug. A cup of joe gives us that much-needed jolt in the morning and, on the road, it\u2019s no different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That being said, even if you\u2019re a caffeine-lover, we recommend keeping an eye on your caffeine intake during your road trip. If you have too much at once, you\u2019ll go from being wired to having a monumental energy crash. This will both affect your enjoyment of the ride and dull your senses, potentially resulting in you making mistakes while riding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If in doubt, always go for water over coffee, tea, or energy drinks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Wear Earplugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While we believe you should wear earplugs every time you ride, you especially need them for the long distances you\u2019ll be covering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consistent engine, traffic, and wind noise can not only damage your long-term hearing, but they will also sap your energy levels, give you headaches, and affect your sleep while on the road. So, do yourself a favour, and invest in some high-quality earplugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"damon](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Damon-Hypersport-Carbon-Fiber-Wheels.jpg\")
![\"damon](\"https:\/\/damon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Damon-Hypersport-Riding-In-Vancouver-Downtown.jpg\")