Tips for Riding Your Motorcycle Across America

Riding your motorcycle across America is the best way to experience the true glory our country has to offer. From the beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and rolling valleys, you can experience a real riding sensation by conquering the country from coast to coast. But a cross-country motorcycle trip is a major endeavor and requires extensive planning. Here are some tips you should consider when planning your motorcycle trip across America.

1. America is a big country! From coast to coast, it spans a minimum of 2,092 miles at this narrowest point. This is not a ride you can bang out in a few days. You MAY possibly be able to do it in a week, but you’ll likely be grumpy afterwards and will not have experienced any sightseeing or attractions. Instead of trying to cram your trip into as short of a time as possible, extend the trip as much as you can. Even if you plan on doing nothing more than riding, you need to allow time for bathroom breaks, stops to eat, and breaks during inclement weather.
2. Save money while taking it all in. The US Parks System is expansive and is home to some of the most amazing natural sites in the world. An annual US Parks pass is just $80, and covers entrance fees at any of over 2,000 federal recreation sites. Military members receive a pass for free. You may want to plan your trip around several national parks, as they make great stops along the way.
3. Interstates cut down on time, but can interfere with the beauty of the land. The interstates allow you to make the trip quickly, but you won’t see much of the countryside. Interstates weren’t built to be beautiful and scenic, and after a few hundred miles you will find that it all looks the same. Leave the interstate and explore some of the side roads and towns along the way.
4. Take plenty of pictures. The few weeks you spend on your bike traveling the country will fly by in an instant. It’s easy to forget the amazing people you met and things you saw. Taking pictures allows you to relive the trip time and time again- and make your buddies jealous looking at what they missed!
5. Motorcycle camping ain’t glamorous, and you may not get much sleep. I’ve got a few buddies who I swear could sleep through a tornado. But for the rest of us, a warm bed and a silent room certainly make for a better night’s sleep. If you can afford it, find reasonably priced motels to stay at along your route. Websites like Priceline and Hotwire frequently have rooms for less than $50 a night. A hotel room is dry, warm (or cool, depending on your desires), has tv, and may offer internet access and breakfast. You can get some good rest and start the next day’s ride refreshed.
6. Save your heavy meal for the end of the day. Riding with a full stomach leaves you feeling bloated and sleepy. It can make it hard to focus while you are on your bike. Stick with a light breakfast and lunch, and eat a heavier meal for dinner. This will naturally encourage your body to relax and ease into the evening while staying awake and alert during the day.
7. Check your bike over thoroughly before you leave. Tires should have at least 4,000 miles of tread left. If you have been putting off any maintenance or repairs, now is the time to make it happen. You want to ride with your motorcycle in excellent condition or you risk breaking down along the way. If you have AAA, consider adding motorcycle coverage to your membership. In most cases you can add it for just $35. It can be a godsend If you get stuck along the way.
8. Don’t be afraid to wear your earplugs. Riding the open roads for days on end is a great way to lose your hearing. If you value your ability to hear, invest in a good pair of earplugs. High quality pairs are still cheap and are far more comfortable and effective.
9. Plan your trip in advance. You don’t have to map out every twist and turn, but plan a few stops you want to make along the way and a general route. And keep others informed of where you plan to be. Especially in the western half of the country, some roads are still pretty isolated and it’s easy to break down out of range of others. Make sure someone knows where you will be traveling.
10. Add 1-800-MOTORCYCLE to your phone before you leave. If you are involved in a motorcycle crash while traveling the country, you can face disaster. Your motorcycle can be replace, but injuries can be disastrous and can change your life. Experienced attorneys like the team at Kass & Moses can help you if you are involved in a crash. They will take your side and help you recover financially so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.