Cross Country Motorcycle Riding: The Ultimate Adventure

The Allure of the Open Road

Few experiences can rival the joy of the open road on a finely-tuned motorcycle. The hypnotic roar of the engine trails behind you like a jet's vapor trail. The thrill of knowing that your journey has just begun, with days and miles of highway ahead, adds to the excitement.

Immersive Outdoor Experience

Motorcycle travel offers a unique way to experience the outdoors. Unlike cars, motorcycles allow you to feel a part of your surroundings. You can almost reach out and touch the roadside flowers, trees, and wildlife. The sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes from riding with the wind in your face and the engine's power beneath you is unmatched by any other form of travel.

The Community of Riders

Motorcycle travel is not just about the scenery and the sense of freedom; it's also about the people you meet along the way. Bikers form a close-knit community, often waving to each other on the highway. At rest stops and restaurants, they go out of their way to greet fellow riders, sharing information about the road ahead, weather conditions, and maintenance tips. If a rider encounters trouble, another motorcyclist is almost always ready to offer assistance.

Essential Precautions for Motorcycle Touring

While the allure of the open road is strong, certain precautions are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Pre-Trip Bike Maintenance

1. Service and Tune-Up: Ensure your bike is serviced and tuned up before embarking on a long trip. Breaking down on the highway can be a lonely and frustrating experience. Check your tires to make sure they are in good to excellent condition.

Weather Preparedness

1. Weather Gear: Weather can be unpredictable. Pack a warm jacket, gloves, and rain gear. Rain is almost guaranteed at some point during your trip.

Route Planning

1. Route Plan: Keep a plan of your route handy. Print a computer-generated map and keep it in a plastic document protector or laminated in plastic. You can tape this to the tank or keep it in a saddlebag for easy reference during rest stops. Alternatively, use a GPS for more precise navigation.

Communication

1. Stay Connected: In today's world, there's no reason to be cut off from family, friends, or help. Equip your bike with a C.B. radio if possible. This allows you to stay in touch with fellow riders and get important information about highway conditions from truckers and other drivers.

First Aid

1. First Aid Kit: Always carry a basic first aid kit in your saddlebags or trailer.

The Joy of Motorcycle Camping

Camping adds another layer of enjoyment to motorcycle travel. Spending a day riding in the sun, followed by a night around a campfire listening to frogs and crickets, is a fantastic way to escape the routine. Motorcycle camping also offers opportunities to meet new people and share experiences in a campground setting, which is far different from staying in chain motels.

Camping Gear

Ultra-light, compact camping gear designed for motorcycle riders is readily available, easy to set up, and affordable. This makes motorcycle camping a convenient and enjoyable option.

Planning Your Cross-Country Trip

Careful planning can make your cross-country motorcycle trip more enjoyable. Leverage the experience of others by reading books and articles on the subject. One highly recommended book is "Going The Extra Mile: Insider Tips for Long-Distance Motorcycling and Endurance Rallies."

Combining Transportation and Recreation

Riding your motorcycle around your neighborhood or on day trips is enjoyable, but a long trip adds a new dimension to motorcycle ownership. A motorcycle is both transportation and recreation, and a cross-country trip is a perfect way to combine the two.

Interesting Stats

• According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, there were over 8.6 million motorcycles registered in the United States in 2018 (source).
• A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled (source).
• The American Motorcyclist Association reports that long-distance motorcycle riding has seen a significant increase in popularity, with events like the Iron Butt Rally attracting hundreds of participants each year (source).

Cross-country motorcycle riding is more than just a mode of travel; it's an adventure that offers a unique blend of freedom, community, and connection with nature. With proper planning and precautions, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.