How to Prepare for a Long Distance Motorcycle Ride

Long distance riding is one reason why Americans learn how to maneuver motorcycles. Americans have a love affair with freedom, and the open road provides it.

Before you head out for the day or multiple ones, prepare for the trip. Motorcycle riders put themselves in hazardous circumstances every time they head out. Running an errand to the nearby grocery store seems innocent. However, traffic, weather conditions, and the bike might pose unpredictable dangers.

Long distance rides encounter additional hazards. You spend several hours holding onto the gears. Plus, debris flies at you most of the time. Thus, wearing the right gear is one way to prepare for the trip.

It also helps to rest before you set out into the frontier.

Let’s look at how to prepare for a long distance motorcycle ride.

1. Rest Before the Ride

All adults benefit from sleeping between seven to nine hours nightly. The United States Government has mandated that truck drivers rest eight hours between driving. Thus, it’s safe to say that the same applies to other types of drivers.

Your body recharges during slumber. You can rest your hands, arms, and legs. Then, you’ll feel ready to ride again for another four to five hours.

Riding a motorcycle requires 100% attention and physical engagement. It’s best to pull over and grab a bite to eat if you feel a cramp in your hand or leg. You can head out again once you feel the discomfort dissipate.

Contact legal professionals, such as JT Legal Group, if you become involved in a traffic accident.

2. Gear Up

Motorcycle riders should gear up before any ride. For example, your riding outfit should consist of:

• Leather gloves
• Leather jacket
• Boots
• Specialized riding pants

Also, don’t forget your helmet. Professionals recommend investing in one shaped to your head and preferences. 

You can also pick up some earplugs.

Vehicle drivers know that the roads have debris. However, their vehicle protects them from rocks, tree branches, and trash. Bike riders do not have that luxury. Specialized riding gear provides padding and protection. 

3.  Perform Motorcycle Maintenance

Before hitting the open road, perform maintenance on your ride. Purchasing the right motorcycle is a personal experience. Then, performing maintenance on it helps you become better acquainted with it.

As you perform maintenance, you’ll learn more about the bike. Common bike issues include:

• Leaks
• Internal rust
• Aging infrastructure
• Internal debris accumulation

Like vehicles, you’ll invest in your motorcycle. Therefore, keep it in good shape. The more you maintain it, the less you’ll spend on unnecessary repairs and part replacements.

4. Establish an Emergency Contact

Everyone should establish an emergency contact. Whether you need them from work, vacation, or a ride, find someone you can call if something goes wrong.

Ending up on the side of the road is not safe, even in daylight. 

5. Take Your Tech

The best way to contact your emergency person is to take your tech with you. Pack a bag before you leave and take a smartphone, power bank, and charger wire. 

It also helps to purchase a portable hotspot.

In addition, pick up a tool that helps you detect problems with the bike. Engineers and entrepreneurs developed these gadgets for vehicle drivers and auto body shops. However, you can also find something for motorcycles.

If you get stuck in the middle of the open road, have ways to contact civilization and troubleshoot issues with your ride.

6. Map Your Route

Some motorcycle riders want the freedom to discover hidden gems on the coast and in the mountains. However, you still want to map your route.

This information helps your emergency contact find you if something goes astray.

Rescue teams do a great job of finding lost hikers and wanderers, but it can take several hours and days. Instead, give them a chance to locate you much faster, especially if the weather isn’t at its friendliest.

7. Check the Weather

Dry weather conditions remain the best for riding motorcycles. When you head to the mountains, it can change drastically and without warning.

Nonetheless, check the weather before you head out.

You’re looking for bad weather conditions, such as iced-over or wet roads. Then, avoid them.

Motorcycles ride best on dry, flat grounds. If vehicles can’t make it safely over slippery road conditions, it’s worse for bikes.

Conclusion

Most people understand the lure of riding into the sunset on motorcycles. To make the ride enjoyable, prepare beforehand, especially for long distance trips. Gearing up, checking the weather, and performing bike maintenance is part of responsible motorcycle ownership. 

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