7 Things to Know for a Successful Motorcycle Road Trip!
Are you about to set off on an adventure on your motorbike with peace of mind? Before you start, here are our 7 essential tips to make your road trip a success.
1. Plan your road trip on paper
Even if your phone is still functional, it is wise to have a plan B. Print out essential information: itineraries, accommodations, places of interest. In case of loss of signal, battery failure or loss of phone, these documents will save your life. In addition, in a foreign country, showing the names of cities can facilitate communication.
Our additional safety tip : write down on a small piece of paper the contact details of your loved ones in case of emergency, as well as your blood type.
2. Provide equipment for hot and cold
Weather is unpredictable and can turn your trip into a wet or hot adventure. Pack compact rain gear and a spare pair of waterproof gloves. Also consider ventilated gloves for warmth and versatile clothing that doesn't take up much space (fleece, neck warmer, winter and summer socks).
3. Travel light!
Less is more, and especially when traveling, your worst enemy is the weight of your luggage. If you plan to bivouac, a lightweight tent adapted to your needs is essential. Adjust the quantity of clothing according to the length of your trip, the weather and the planned activities (road or off-road) and if you are staying in a place that allows you to do laundry.
A piece of advice from someone who has experienced it : avoid the backpack, and if you have no choice, make it as light as possible. This will prevent premature fatigue and neck and shoulder pain.
4. Bring food and water just in case
Just like your motorcycle needs gas, you need to stay hydrated and fed. Bring some freeze-dried meals for emergencies, at least 1L of water and snacks like sausage (in summer and winter, sausage goes everywhere!) . It may be that some days the shops are closed, that you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere, or that the place where you need to take a break does not allow you to buy food or water, you will be happy to have planned something to eat and drink.
5. Check your motorcycle carefully before setting off
It seems logical, before leaving, make sure that your motorcycle is in perfect condition: chain tension and lubrication, tire pressure, general reliability. Nothing worse than breaking down in the middle of your adventure and returning with the tow truck.
Also check your health! Yes, the bike must be clean to leave and so must you. Health problem, physical condition, accumulated fatigue or well rested, you must take that into account. A roadtrip of 500km or +5,000km remains a roadtrip and everyone does it according to their desires and their possibilities.
Also plan a small first aid kit and some medications (headaches, change in diet, temperature variations, possible stress, etc.).
6. Warn your loved ones
Remember to tell one or more people around you about your itinerary, this is also part of your safety during the road trip!
If you don't have a fixed route or don't want to reveal everything, this can be done by constantly sharing your location, via an application like Liberty Rider or more simply via Google Maps for example. You can also send a photo or a short message from time to time to let people know that everything is okay and where you are.
7. Leave room for the unexpected
Even if you have everything planned, keep a part of the unexpected in your trip. Don't overload your days at the risk of being disappointed not to see everything. Leave room for the unexpected. How? At Off the Tracks we plan to end the day earlier than we can ride, and we let things come: a meeting and enriching discussion with a local on the road, the discovery of a spot not found during your research, the simple desire to stop for a coffee, or simply, rest.
There you go, you're ready for the adventure! Prepare yourself well, and above all, enjoy every moment on the road. Have a good roadtrip!
And don't hesitate to share your adventures with all the other travel enthusiasts in TRAVEL DIARIES 🤎