Tips for Long Distance Motorcycle Riding
One of the best ways to use a motorcycle is for touring, or long distance riding. Touring allows you to see more of the country, and there’s no vehicle that offers a better way to see the land than a motorcycle.
There are some challenges associated with long distance riding that you’ll want to be aware of. Everything from planning to packing to riding take on new dynamics when you need to ride over long distances. We created this short guide to teach you some of the basics. Read on to learn more, and if you are ready to buy your first touring bike, stop by Interstate Cycles. We carry the latest models from many top brands at our Lake City, Florida location. We proudly serve the areas of Gainesville, Tallahassee, Alachua, Valdosta, Jacksonville, and Sanderson, Florida.
Plan Your Route
Route planning is important for long distance riding for multiple reasons. For one thing, if you choose a bad road, you’ll probably have to ride on it for quite a while. The difference between riding a section of a scenic highway and a straight, boring interstate is a good example of how big of a difference choosing the right road makes. You also want to plan your route ahead to avoid things like severe weather or poor road conditions. You don’t want to have to navigate a snowy mountain pass in the winter if you can avoid it.
Prepare for Weather Conditions
Weather plays a big role in long distance riding. The longer you ride, the greater the chances that you’ll get caught in a storm. Try to avoid riding in areas that are experiencing their extreme weather seasons. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you go for your ride. If possible, rearrange your riding schedule to avoid the hottest parts of summer days. If meteorologists predict a storm, consider waiting for it to pass. In some places, storms are hard to predict, so it’s best to carry protective equipment to deal with what comes.
Efficient Packing
Packing can be a challenge during long rides because you’ll likely have a lot of equipment to bring and not a lot of space to pack it. Packing efficiently is about learning how to save volume and weight wherever possible. If you’re staying in a hotel during your trip, you won’t have to worry about carrying a sleeping bag or tent, but if you are going to camp along the way you should consider investing in ultralight backpacking gear. This gear packs up much smaller and lighter than normal camping gear and it often performs better, too.
When it’s time to pack your bike, make sure to distribute the weight correctly. You’ll want the weight to be symmetrically distributed from left to right on your bike so that it doesn’t affect your bike’s handling. It’s also helpful to put the heavier items lower on the bike to keep the center of gravity low.
Maintaining Your Bike
Keeping your bike maintained is key to your safety, and it can also keep you from having to deal with a big mechanical problem far from home. Getting sidelined by a mechanical problem can be extremely frustrating. Therefore, make sure to perform a complete inspection of your bike. Check the inflation of your tires, the levels of important engine fluids, and make sure everything is functioning properly.
Maintaining Your Health
Keeping your body healthy is just as important or even more important than keeping your bike maintained. Keep yourself hydrated as you ride and always eat before you head out. Don’t ride if you didn’t get enough sleep or if you’re feeling ill. Your wellness can greatly affect your riding experience, and riding while you’re sick can be a big mistake.
Long distance riding can be a great experience, so try it out yourself. If you need any gear, bike maintenance, or even a new bike, stop by Interstate Cycles. We’re located in Lake City, Florida, and we proudly serve the areas of Gainesville, Tallahassee, Alachua, Valdosta, Jacksonville, and Sanderson, Florida.