Now that it’s riding season, riders are feeling that itch to get out on the open road. Many motorcyclists love to kick off the season with a nice long-distance motorcycle ride. Even though these rides can be very enjoyable, they can also be very exhausting. Planning ahead will help you get the most out of your long-distance ride.
Here are a few tips that will help keep your long-distance trip safe and enjoyable.
- Double-check your bike is ready. Use the T-CLOCK checklist to check over your motorcycle. This includes inspecting your tires, controls, lights/electrical, oils, chassis/chain and kickstand. You can find more information on T-CLOCK here: https://www.hupy.com/library/t-clock-is-your-bike-ready-to-go-after-winter-storage-.cfm
- Carry tools and repair kits. You’ll want to have tools and some spare parts for your bike with you on your trip. Items like a tool kit and a tire repair kit can be trip-savers for a lot of minor problems you may encounter on the road. Also, having spare bulbs for your headlight and taillights can save you from being stranded in the dark.
- Don’t rush yourself. Long rides are a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time and enjoy the sights while on your bike. You’ll want to take breaks to rest, stretch, eat and sleep. Becoming exhausted on a long-distance trip can be dangerous to you and others on the road.
- Keep a first aid kit with you. First aid kits can come in handy in a lot of situations that you don’t expect. From small scrapes and cuts to situations with bigger injuries, it’s always important to be ready to help yourself or others on the road. To be extra prepared, take a class that teaches you how to react and help at a motorcycle accident scene from Accident Scene Management (ASM). You can learn more about ASM here: https://www.hupy.com/news/accident-scene-management-skills-improve-outcomes.cfm
- Plan your trip ahead of time. Many riders love to wander or go wherever the road takes them. With a long-distance ride, it’s best to have all your stops planned out ahead of time. Planning your route will help ensure that there are enough places for you to fuel up, eat and sleep. Mapping out your route ahead of time will also help you avoid heavy traffic areas and work zones.
Following these tips will help make sure your long-distance motorcycle trip is fun, safe and enjoyable. Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has been an advocate for motorcycle rider safety and awareness for decades. The firm’s “Watch for Motorcycles” campaign helps save riders’ lives by promoting awareness to drivers on the road. If anything happens to you on the road, Hupy and Abraham is here for you. We’ve helped over 70,000 clients receive over $1 billion for their injuries.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, call 800-800-5678 or visit HUPY.COM today, so we can start fighting for you.
