Traveling cross country on a motorcycle can be an amazing budget-friendly adventure. Traveling by motorcycle across the country is budget friendly because gassing up a motorcycle is significantly less expensive than a car. However, traveling across the country on your bike requires some planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. Before embarking on your motorcycle road trip, here are five important things you need to know.
1. Get Your Bike Up to Speed
Before you head out on your road trip, ensure you get all the maintenance done to your motorcycle that needs to be done. Have your bike inspected to ensure all the components are working? The last thing you need is to break down miles from home. It can really put a dent in your travel budget if you need emergency motorcycle repairs.
Pack all the tools you may need to manage on-the-road repairs. Carry a can of inflate a flat in case you need emergency tire repair. Having spare parts on hand can ensure you stay within your budget if something goes wrong. It is always a good idea to be prepared for anything on the road.
2. Pack Your Essential Items
You don’t want to leave home without your identification and health insurance card. There are certain health risks that are present with a cross-country trip beyond the potential for injury. Being able to get health care on the road is important if you should become ill.
According to the CDC, pre-existing conditions like diabetes, immunocompromised diseases, and kidney disease can make you more prone to infections like the C.auris infection. Pre-existing health conditions should not keep you off the road, but you should take special precautions and ensure you have your healthcare information with you.
3. Plan Your Route and Your Budget
It is very affordable to travel by motorcycle, but it isn’t free. You will still need to set a budget for how much you can spend on your trip. Plotting your route to get to where you are going with the intention of following the cheapest route is a great way to start planning your budget. Make your lodging plans ahead of time; it will help to keep costs down.
Set a budget for meals, lodging, gas, and any attractions that you plan on stopping at. You must know in advance how much everything will cost and figure out how you will be paying for the trip. Getting your finances squared away before you leave will ensure a stress-free ride across the country.
4. Record Your Trip Safely
Recording your adventures while on the road is a great way to share your experience with friends and family back home. However, you must make sure you are doing so safely. A go-pro style camera is an easy way to record your adventure without taking your eyes off the road. Distracted driving is a recipe for disaster.
Most young people are on social media and love +to share life experiences. According to the Cielo Treatment Center, about 88% of young adults have an account on social media channels. Use social media and sharing tools safely when you are on the road.
5. Prepare for Weather Changes
The climate in the United States varies widely. For example, in Kentucky, where, according to the Kentucky State Police, there are over 100,000 motorcycles registered, the weather can go from warm and calm in the west and hot and humid in the east. Weather can change dramatically while you are riding across the country. Pack clothing for all types of weather, but keep your pack light. Layering your outfits can work out best. Multiple layers can be removed when it is warm and added when it is chilly. Pack with weather changes in mind.
Riding across the country can be a trip of a lifetime. Preparing yourself, your bike, and your budget will ensure that everything comes together perfectly. Learn more tips and tricks to see this beautiful country on a budget.