Are you looking to discover newfound lands around your area or in a neighboring country? Adventuring on your motorcycle could be the idea to explore these new trails in the woods or the desert.
Before heading on for any trip, it is prudent to plan ahead and schedule everything first. That does not apply to motorcycle trips alone, but every trip you may be planning must be well-arranged to make the trip successful.
As a newbie or seasoned rider, you need specific hacks for every trip you make to explore new places and regions. Planning is essential to avoid getting stranded on the way just because you forgot to carry some functional gear. Follow the tips in this guide to know how to plan for an adventure bike trip.
How Do You Plan For an Adventure Bike Trip?
Like any trip, there are a number of steps that you must do to ensure a safe and fun adventure. Here are 6 tips that will help you get started on your planning for your adventure bike trip:
- Choose your destination
- Start researching early
- Participate in forums
- Plan the accommodations
- Be flexible
- Speak to locals
Let’s take a deeper look at each item on the list.
Pick Your Destination
Before anything else, you should first determine where you want to go for the adventure trip. There are many places you can ride globally, and finding the perfect region could be problematic.
First, you need to consider how far away the area is. That way, you will decide whether you should bring your motorcycle or rent one at the place if it is far from home.
Start Researching Your Desired Location
After you are sure of the destination you want to ride, do some digging about that location. Be more specific about the place you want to explore to make things easy on your end. Look for landmarks and stunning places you want to incorporate into your itinerary. Then look for the ideal roads that link up these places.
You could do a simple search on Google such as ‘things to do in Z’ to find phenomenal places to explore in the ideal area you have selected. As you peruse via Google, look for the street view too to see the roads to determine whether this is somewhere you want to pass.
Participate In Forums On Your Trip
Get in touch with other riders in forums. There are high chances that someone else has already taken that route you desire and explored the area. Joining forums and actively participating will educate you on the pros and cons of this area. Riders that already know the place will recommend where you should visit, what to bring along and what not to do.
Plan Your Accommodations
Make sure you book your accommodation in advance if you are going to a far place and plan to spend several days there. Failure to do so will only limit your freedom at the end of the day, where you still have to look for a place to lay down after a long tiring day.
Be Flexible in Your Planning
Seasoned riders will tell you several times they have abandoned their plans after getting to their area of exploration. Be ready to switch things up if you find out you miscalculated the miles or something of the sort. You could even come across breathtaking places in the area that you had not seen; you can abandon your plans and discover these new areas.
Expert riders campaign against making stepwise plans. You are bound to have a great trip if you go with the flow of the area you are exploring. Plan on the region but do not plan step by step on where to visit to maximize your exploration. The other thing is about the time of the year you want to adventure.
What you look for is the weather conditions and the national holidays. If you want to tour the Alps, choose a time when the mountain passes are open, and there is no snow. Avoid touring the deserts during summer when the heat and temperatures are at their highest.
Notice that during national holidays, the roads are busier so getting your adventure bike out during such times is not advisable.
Speak to Locals – Find Best Kept Secrets
Route planning is never complete, even after finding incredible roads and places to explore in your ideal area. The best way to discover new routes in the area you plan to discover is by speaking to the locals. These people already know the place too well since they have lived there long.
Seasoned riders will tell you how they have abandoned their plans on different occasions based on the information received from the locals. That does not mean that you go interviewing every local you call across but strike up conversations when you can. One thing about touring different places on your motorcycle is that people will be interested in what you do. They will even talk to you and say hello.
Talk to them and ask about the exciting places you can visit in their area. These people usually know the best-kept secrets, and only through them will you discover thrilling spots in the area.
How Do I Get Motorcycle Routes on Google?
Today many people adventure and explore different places on their motorcycles. At any time, you look for directions on Google Maps, you will be given routes by bus, train, car, or even walking trails.
However, note that Google introduced Motorcycle Mode in Google Maps that show you the ideal routes to get to your destination on your bike. A motorcycle is convenient as it can get to places where cars cannot easily reach.
Navigating in Motorcycle Mode
To see how you can navigate the Motorcycle Mode on Google, search for that specific area you want to explore. Start the navigation for this area, and on your screen, you will see different routes by bus, taxi, train, or foot trails. Click on the bike icon on your screen to see the motorcycle trails.
The Motorcycle Mode functions like any other mode; however, it is more convenient for riders since it will show you the shortcuts that cars cannot make.
Bikes will easily fit in places where vehicles cannot fit, and this is where the motorcycle routes will help you. Via the shortcuts, you will also find that your travel time is drastically reduced.
What Steps Should You Take Before Getting On the Road?
Riding adventure bikes is an exhilarating experience, but you need to know that riding bikes is dangerous if you are not careful. Before hitting the road, there are a few things you need to consider. Below are the basics you need to consider:
Take a Safety Course
A safety course will come in handy if you are a beginner rider. From the safety course, you will learn the road rules for motorcycles. You will also be taught what to do during unpredictable riding situations. Riding motorcycles require sound judgment and skills, which is what the course will help you in.
Assess the Weather Conditions For Your Destination
Several weather conditions may compromise your rides. Excess snow, ice, and rain may not be ideal for riding. Riding in such environments is hazardous since visibility is low and there is less traction. If the weather conditions are not favorable during your desired riding time, it is advisable to postpone and do it some other time.
Consider Your Riding Gear
The gear protects you from several things such as road rash, elements, and debris. Ensure you have appropriate gear such as goggles, leather pants, leather jacket, DOT-approved helmet, non-slip gloves, and ankle boots. Consider dressing in layers to adjust to the changes in weather during the day.
Inspect Your Motorcycle
Always inspect your motorcycle before heading out and ensure it is perfect. Check your taillights, headlights, brakes, tire pressure, handlebars, turn signals, oil, fuel, and mirrors.
Additionally, you should check your bike daily before anything mild becomes a major problem on the road.
Obey Traffic Rules
As a biker, always follow traffic rules such as the speed limits indicted and use signals. Avoid overspeeding, as this is what kills most motorists and riders.
Be Visible
Never assume you are visible to drivers on the road. Many accidents happen on the roads are simply because the driver never saw a motorcycle approaching. So how can you be visible? Avoid blind spots and ride with headlights on if possible, even during the day. Put on reflective clothing.
Keep Your Distance
Do not follow cars too closely on the road. Give yourself enough room to maneuver in case of an emergency. Make sure there is enough room between you and the vehicle in front.
Places To Go On an Adventure Bike Trip
There are very many places to explore around the world. You could explore different regions and trails in Europe, Australia, or the United States.
Motorcycle Touring In Europe
There are different destinations you can explore in Europe with your motorbike.
- Stelvio Pass, Italy – discover the Alps and get rewarded with fascinating background views.
- Swiss Mountain, Switzerland – wind up the mountains found in this area via the Furka pass, Susten pass, and Gotthard pass.
Motorcycle Touring in the US
The United States has a wide range of motorcycle touring itineraries. Below are some of the trails you can discover in the United States:
- Cassiar Scout Adventure
- Trail of Lewis and Clark Adventure
- American Southwest Adventure
- Death Valley Dual Sport Explorer
- Southern California Inland Explorer
- North to Alaska Adventure
- Prudhoe Bay Adventure
- Moab Explorer Adventure
Here is an article that we wrote about the “Top 3 Overlanding Routes in California“.
Motorcycle Touring in Australia
Australia has alluring trails to discover. Australia is a beautiful country with unforgettable landscapes, sights, and scenery. Below are some of the alluring terrains in Australia:
- Adelaide Hills, South Australia
- Great Ocean Road, Victoria
- Kangaroo Valley Ride, New South Wales
- The Lions Road, Queensland
- The Putty Road, New South Wales
Final Thoughts
Planning for an adventure bike trip should never seem like rocket science. You need to understand the basics, and the planning phase will be straightforward. Make sure you research the place before going there and talk to locals once you get to the area.
