Long-Distance Riding Tips: Comfort, Safety, and Gear Essentials

The open road beckons, and you feel the urge to just go wherever the wind and asphalt may take you. While we respect that impulse, diving headlong into a long-distance trek on two wheels without adequate preparation is a receipt for disaster.

Do your due diligence up front. Done properly and with some general parameters in place, you’ll still be able to color outside the lines a bit, sate your appetite for adventure, and survive to tell the tale.

The following may seem like common sense – and that’s largely what it is – but that’s all that’s really needed to get the most out of long-distance motorcycling tours. 

Mind

While it may run contrary to some idealized ‘wherever I may roam’ mentality, some upfront research and planning is a requirement. At the very least, you need to get a sense of the weather, road conditions, stops, and attractions you’re about to encounter.

And before you commit, build up your endurance. Take some intermediate distance rides to make sure you’re truly up to the task, while allowing yourself to identify and fortify any potential weak points in your game.

Once underway, stay aware… of your surroundings, traffic, and yourself. Don’t ride when hungry, dehydrated, or exhausted. 

Pace yourself. 

Body

Here’s where that pre-ride prep pays off. If you know what types of weather and conditions you’re likely to encounter, you can dress appropriately. 

Of course, safety comes first. You should wear high quality gear – helmet, gloves, armored jacket, pants, and boots – every time you ride, but that’s especially true for long-distance journeys. 

Beyond that, select weather appropriate and adaptable clothes. Murphy says rain is bound to get you regardless of the forecast, so be ready to get wet.

Also, think in terms of layers, moisture wicking apparel, comfort, and abrasion resistant.

Bike

So you say you’re up to the ride… is your bike?

Do you have a motorcycle that, even in the best of conditions, is designed to tackle long hauls? How are its ergonomics? How padded is the seat? How about its inherent reliability?

Speaking of, how long has it been since it was last serviced? It’s not a bad idea to get it thoroughly checked over by a professional before you put it to the test.

Regardless, you’ll want to do your own checks as well – oil, tires, brakes, etc. – and possibly even adjust the suspension to account for the additional weight that comes with bringing all the gear needed to enable a long-distance ride.

Once underway, be prepared to perform some basic maintenance on the go. For that, you’ll need a tool kit, tire pressure gauge, tire plug kit, and the skills to put those items to good use.

…And Beyond

Your mind is right, you’re geared up, and your bike is good to go. What else do you need? Plenty, actually.

Bring along your smart phone or other means for navigation and communications. Tied to that, you’ll need to stay charged up – which may include use of a usb charging adapter that fits to your battery tender connector.

You’ll need plenty of snacks and hydration to stay in peak form. 

Bring sunscreen, extra clothes – casual, comfortable, and potentially even disposable to lighten your load along the way.

If you’re going to camp along the way, that means a motorcycle tent, sleeping bag, portable cooking equipment, and cutlery.

Of course, you need to bring a first aid kit to be properly prepared. And don’t forget all the requisite documents – license, registration, insurance, and contacts.

Finally, be ruthless… Think of anything and everything you might need and then narrow it down to the absolute essentials. 

Proper preparation will allow you to free your mind, body, and soul. Now go forth and start clicking off those miles.