Travel is by its very nature tied to the idea of romance. Seeing new cultures, exploring this wide and varied world of ours, trying new cuisines, and indulging in luxury is always going to feel adventurous, not as a simulation, but as the very real definition of what an adventure can be.
As such, you might feel inspired to take on a true adventure, a romantic exploration of the world through a commute you decide for yourself. Who can argue with a great road trip to fill this need? There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road, listening to fantastic radio anthems, and doing so with a friend, relative or partner to inspire you.
Better yet, renting cars or motorcycles to take on great routes, be that heading from European country to country or traveling across iconic highways like Route 66 can give you the perfect surroundings you’re looking for. But traveling on a motorcycle is certainly a little more complex and niche than driving in a luxury RV.
Moreover, while motorcycles are still road vehicles, they can be much more light on emissions and use less fuel than a car loaded with luggage, inspiring you to travel light. Moreover, with hybrid motorcycles becoming more and more popular, you may be able to cut your emissions further.
If you’re planning a trip like this, consider some of the following advice:
Agree Upon A Route
Motorcycle travel is much more “fragile” than vehicle riding, in that it’s important to be sure of your progression, places to stop over if you need maintenance, where to refuel, and places to take a very necessary break. You could easily drive for five hours without a break if you had to, but motorcycle travel is much more exposed and open, and can be harder work to deal with, even though it’s enjoyable.
As such, it’s important to plan a route that adapts to your needs as you go on. Driving four to five hours a day at most also gives you time to explore other places, stop over for dinner, commit to maintenance or checkups, put pressure back into your tires, and check your safety gear.
Moreover, it’s important to keep the route simple, because while some motorcycles can have attached GPS, this is more of a supplement than a means to find your route going forward at will. Moreover, you can’t have a passenger look through a map on the back of a bike, so it’s important to be well-practice and in agreement with your travel partner.
Consider Suitable Routes & Accommodations
Motorcycles tend to be louder than cars in some respects, depending on the model you’re riding. Moreover, bikes of this nature will require their own spaces to park in, a safe area to be placed overnight, and the aforementioned maintenance facilities.
As such, it’s good to consider suitable routes and accommodations along the way. If you can find a few hotels or private accommodations you can enjoy on your travels, then you’ll be able to head from place to place with confidence.
Also, be aware that riding loud bikes through residential areas at night may place you against the noise pollution laws which could land you in trouble if you’re not careful. It’s good to check ahead and book rooms in the areas you hope to stay, then, make adjustments where necessary. This gives you the banked comfort you need to not worry about where you’ll relax for the night.
Remember – riding a motorcycle can be intellectually and physically taxing, which is why it’s good to have most other plans arranged ahead of time.
Ensure Safety At All Times
Motorcycling is more adventurous and inspiring than road travel behind a car or van’s wheel, but the truth is that it’s also more dangerous. Any road collision you’re involved in is clearly more perilous for you than other road users, which is why any motorcycle attorney will tell you to leave nothing to chance.
High-visibility vests and reflective lights are essential in low-light conditions. It’s important to be highly perceptive on the road, and to make sure you only ride when you’re 100% alert and awake. A full-body motorcycle suit with pads will help with protection, as will an appropriate full-shield helmet and pair of gloves.
Make sure you dress for the weather too – thermal layers under your motorcycle suit will protect you in colder conditions. You can also bring sunscreen, water bottles, and snack bars in your small hard-shell carry case on your motorbike. A spare phone with its own SIM can also help if your main phone is lost or inoperable. Also, holding your travel documents such as your license and insurance in waterproof pouches is key.
Most of all – make sure this isn’t your first time riding a bike. A long journey should never be your first experience, and make sure that’s the case for your partner, whom you should implicitly trust. Great communication between both will be ideal. You can learn hand signals to better communicate with one another on the road, such as if one person needs to pull over.
Document Your Journey
While we’ve given many warnings and precautions to follow thus far, it’s important to emphasize that a trip like this is absolutely enjoyable. You can share your journey by using dashcams, recording with your smartphone or bringing a disposable camera, and documenting your long ride from A to B.
There’s something freeing about traveling the open road on your own terms, and it could help you achieve insights or reflection that you might not have had otherwise. As such, a plush notebook you can write down your innermost thoughts can develop a fantastic journal to reflect on later.
Moreover, enjoying the bond with your travel partner is an experience like nothing else, and will no doubt be something you look back on fondly for the rest of your days – until the next time around, at least.
With this advice, you’re sure to enjoy an inspiring, luxurious, and great motorcycle road trip.
