Terrence Kennedy
Riding a motorcycle and being good at it isn’t a hobby, it’s a way of life.
Once you get into this lifestyle, you’ll never really want to come back because you’ll rarely find that level of freedom doing anything else. Of course, not everybody is cut out for it, especially because it’s not as glamorous as it seems.
Like with everything, being a biker requires many qualities and skills that need to be nurtured and honed over time, just riding a motorcycle every day can be demanding.
One of the best parts about riding a motorcycle is the ability to travel wherever you want and experience all you desire.
"Once you get into this lifestyle, you’ll never really want to come back because you’ll rarely find that level of freedom doing anything else.."
Many people would say – You can do that with a car too, but it’s really not the same. Nothing can replace that unique feeling of being alone on the road with only your bike roaring underneath you and beautiful landscape unrolling in front of you.
However, the real world still exists and before you head out to your adventures, there are things you need to take care of, which is why today I’ll go in depth about how you can prepare for a long ride on your motorcycle.
Long Ride on Your Motorcycle: The Proper Prep
Chart Your Road
Though there’s nothing wrong with riding out in an unfamiliar direction from time to time, when it comes to longer rides, you really want to know where you’re going, at least approximately.
No matter how good your motorcycle is, no matter how much experience you’ve got under your belt, long distance travels need to have their course.
I’m not saying this so that you can be super organized and keep a tight schedule, but because if you implement your organization skills into planning your trip, you’ll be able to see and experience so much more.
If you don’t like having a GPS device on your motorcycle (like so many don’t), then have a paper map with you that you can check out as you pass towns, mileposts, and road signs so that you’re sure you’re on the right track.
By charting your road, not only will you have more time to enjoy the ride, but you’ll also find little hidden gems along the way, be it a perfect place to watch a sunset or a cozy diner where they sell the best cheeseburgers in the universe.
Do a Check Up of Your Bike
Doing a complete checkup of your bike before you hit the road is an absolute must if you don’t want to deal with setbacks along the way.
Even if you’re doing your best to keep your motorcycle in prime shape, making sure that everything’s in order really can’t hurt and it will give you a peace of mind.
Start with the basics – check your tires for any damage and tire pressure as well; take a closer look at your oil levels and oil filter and if need be, change it; brakes and brake fluid should also be at the top of their game, you don’t want them to fail you.
Another important thing to do is to examine your battery closely to see how it’s holding up and have it fully charged before you head out the door. Wiring should be without any significant damage and corrosion, otherwise you’ll be wise to replace everything that’s even remotely suspicious.
Double check all weak points you know your bike has and make sure you’ve got everything under control. Even if something goes awry on the road, bring your toolkit with you so that you can fix it on the spot, but just make sure that all of your tools are actually working.
Also, a good-quality motorcycle cover will help you to keep your bike safe, clean and dry, which is why it’s worth investing in.
Proper Packing for Your Trip
You know very well that there’s no place for a lot of stuff on your bike, no matter how spacious it is, that is why you need to master the art of packing lightly.
If this is not your first rodeo, then you know that you really don’t need more than a couple of shirts and pants, along with some underwear and a few pairs of socks to make it all work.
I strongly suggest to having another pair of shoes aside from your riding boots – your feet will want to take a break from time to time and you’ll feel better for sure.
Don’t go for all-leather outfits when you know you’ll be on the road for a long time, you won’t be good after sweating in it for a couple of times, and your skin will not react well. Pack clothing you know you’ll be comfortable with, have two pairs of gloves with you and bring some food stash with you just in case.
You want to launder your clothes whenever the opportunity arises, that way you don’t risk getting pesky rashes and gods know what else along the way. Having earplugs with you at all times is another great idea because having an earache when you’re supposed to ride a bike whole day is anything but pleasant.
If you’ve got long hair, then elastic headband will be a lifesaver from that baby hair that just won’t stop bothering you under the helmet.
Check out this video:​
Check In with your Loved Ones
It’s incredibly easy to get carried away when you’re on the road and let everything else stay behind you as you ride on, but your loved ones still worry when you disappear for long periods of time.
That’s why it’s a good decision to let your family and friends know that you will be out of town for a while and make sure to keep in touch as often as you can.
That way you’ll be letting those who love you know that you’re alive and well and you’re taking precautions when it comes to your own security – in case something bad happens, your loved ones will be able to raise the alarm and help you faster.
The best option is to talk to people closest to you, share your riding plans with them and tell them how often you’ll check in. If you miss a couple of check-ins, they’ll know something’s wrong and they’ll find a way to help you.
Mind How You Eat and Drink
Your metabolism will function differently when you spend most of your day riding through the countryside in the same position, which is why it’s important to start getting used to a different eating regime before you get on the road.
You shouldn’t eat too much at the beginning of your day, so practice having a hearty breakfast that won’t get you too full for a couple of weeks before your trip.
Having a light lunch will save you from all the drowsiness and fatigue on the road, so bear that in mind as you prepare and then you can let yourself go a little bit for dinner, just don’t overdo it.
You will need to hydrate yourself while driving, so make sure to always have plenty of water with you on the road and do your best to take in enough fluids as you prepare for your long ride.
Having enough water in the body will keep you awake and alert, which is what you always need in your rides.
Conclusion
Preparations for a long ride on your motorcycle don’t have to be drastic, but you should still have them so that you can enjoy your trip fully. These tips will keep you straight and remind you of what needs to be done before you ride out into yet another adventure. – Howard Scalia