Are you considering a long bike trip across the country and wondering where you should stay? Before embarking on your journey, you need to consider the mentions in this article.
When planning where to sleep on a cross-country bike trip, you need to plan your stays. What type of accommodation best suits your budget. Are you going to camp all the way or stay at hotels?
There are a few different options for where to sleep when riding a motorcycle cross country:
- Campgrounds: Many state and national parks have campgrounds with sites for tents or RVs, as well as facilities like showers and bathrooms. Some may also have cabin rentals or yurts available.
- Hotels and motels: These can be a good option if you prefer a more comfortable bed and indoor amenities. Just be sure to call ahead and make a reservation, as popular routes can fill up during peak season.
- Airbnb or other vacation rentals: Renting an entire house or apartment through Airbnb or a similar service can be a cost-effective way to have your own private space while on the road.
- Couchsurfing: This online community allows travelers to stay with local hosts for free in exchange for cultural exchange. It can be a good option if you’re on a tight budget, but it’s important to be cautious and thoroughly research any potential hosts before committing to stay with them.
- Truck stops: Many truck stops have designated areas for RVs and semi-trucks to park overnight, and some may allow motorcycles to park as well. Just be aware that these areas can be noisy and may not be the most comfortable option.
Remember to also be aware of any local laws or ordinances that may restrict overnight parking in certain areas. Before you head out across the country, here are some tips.
How Do You Prepare For A Long-Distance Motorcycle Ride?
For riders, with so many events held all over the country during the summer months, taking a flight makes no sense when we have our preferred mode of transportation in our driveways.
A long-distance bike ride with friends will be one of those memorable moments of your life, so we don’t want anything to go wrong.
But you need to make sure you have all the required documents like a driving license and insurance. Below are a few things to keep in mind.
Start Planning
Establish your end destination and plan your route on an old-fashioned map; you can put your waypoints on the GPS simultaneously.
What is your estimated time of arrival? This needs to be considered and reflect on how many hours you will be riding each day, assuming you will not reach your final destination in one day.
Choose your route, interstate for the fastest or the scenic route for the most pleasure from the ride. If you choose the scenic route, your experiences will be much better. Local diners are always great to find for a stop.
Weather
You will have a good idea of what weather to expect across your journey. If you are traveling northwards, you can expect the weather to be cooler and possibly wetter.
If you are traveling early in the season, you can expect cooler days and cold nights, possibly interspersed with showers.
Pack your gear accordingly and pack a little extra for the unexpected.
Construction
Who doesn’t enjoy riding on a warm summer’s day? Well, the highway construction folks just love the warmer temperatures for highway maintenance, so plan.
Most states have websites you can check to plot potential delays.
Where Will You Stay?
If you are away for a few nights or more extended, plan your accommodation. If it’s summertime, you may decide to camp out. National parks are a great choice, and the ranger patrols to make sure everything is safe and orderly.
If you are attending an event, make sure your accommodation is pre-booked and verify the booking before you leave. Towns with events get overbooked, and your room may not be available, double-check.
Fuel
Plot your fuel stops. You know how far a tank will take you, so make sure you have adequate fuel. You may decide only to use half a tank of fuel before refueling. This is a good strategy, and it makes sure you don’t run out of fuel, and you get regular breaks to stretch your legs and get a snack.
Distance
Be realistic with the distance you intend to travel each day. There is no point in getting fatigued, and planning is essential.
Use Specialized Gear
Depending on the journey and the time of the year, you may need specialized gear such as handle grip warmers, and they are a valuable tool in staying comfortable while riding.
You can find some very comfortable heated glove liners and boot socks valid for long journeys early in the season.
Use proper bags designed for your bike. A pack back will be uncomfortable and is not the ideal way to carry your items on a long motorcycle journey.
One particular accessory you will benefit from is a gel seat, the OEM seats are fine, but the gel seats give that extra level of comfort and enjoyment for your long ride. They are easily fitted and will last you many years, so look at the gel seat as an investment.
How to stay comfortable on a long motorcycle ride
There are a few things you can do to stay comfortable on a long motorcycle ride:
- Invest in good quality riding gear, such as a comfortable helmet, gloves, jacket, and boots.
- Take breaks and stretch your legs every few hours to prevent stiffness.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Use a motorcycle seat cushion to help reduce pressure on your tailbone and lower back.
- Adjust your bike’s controls to a comfortable position, and make sure your body is properly positioned on the motorcycle.
- Use earplugs to reduce wind noise and protect your hearing.
- Avoid eating heavy meals before or during the ride, as they can make you feel sluggish.
- Consider using a windshield or fairing to reduce wind fatigue.
Remember to also listen to your body and take breaks when needed. It’s better to arrive at your destination a little later and feeling rested, rather than pushing yourself too hard and risking fatigue or injury.
Type Of Bike
Let’s look at some options and the features they offer to make your journey less arduous.
Cruiser and Standard Bikes
Cruisers and standard bikes offer a comfortable riding position. It tends to be relatively low, which is not so bad for long journeys.
One feature you may miss is a more prominent front fairing to prevent some buffering and deflect the wind around you, particularly important if you get a sudden change in the weather.
You can generally get good storage options for your kist, such as a gas tank bag or saddlebags. It’s not often these bikes come with rear storage similar to a touring bike. However, you can get front pouches that are convenient and work well.
Adventure or Dual Sports Bikes
These bikes are perfect if you are planning to ride on asphalt and dirt. Their dual capability offers the rider the opportunity to have a real adventure and get off the trail for some real exploring.
The ergonomic design of these bikes takes the strain from your back and wrists make them an ideal choice for longer journeys.
Wind protection is adequate but not the best, but to be honest, it is good enough for a long journey, and you will not feel fatigued.
There are some decent aftermarket storage options for the rider to consider.
Sports Bikes
Probably the least suited to long journeys, the ride position will leave you tired at the end of the journey.
The forward-leaning ride position is best designed for short journeys or traveling faster than you typically ride across the country.
Don’t get me wrong; there are many sports bikes that make a cross-country journey, and the riders enjoy the experience.
It depends on your riding style and what you want to get from the journey. Most riders look for a more relaxed riding position and take in the scenery more leisurely.
What’s The Best Engine Size?
Selecting an engine capable of taking you for thousands of miles is an essential factor but no guarantee that you have the best ride for the journey!
Bikes with 250cc are more suited for daily commutes. Although they return good fuel economy, the 250cc is many sports bikes makenot brave enough for the job after hauling you across the country.
At a minimum, the 750cc is where you would need to start for long journeys. The 750cc sports bike is capable of returning good mileage figures and can just about tackle any situation without breaking the bank.
The 750cc is maneuverable in town and performs well on the open road.
Above 750cc Engines
Above 750cc can do everything you ever need. It is best suited for long haul journeys, and the larger cc capacity provides the extra grunt needed to carry additional weight, including a trailer if needed.
The options for above 750 cc engines exceed what is on offer for smaller engines.
How Long Does It Take To Ride A Motorcycle Across The Country?
The country is so vast there are many recommended motorcycle tour routes where you can see the best of the US.
Some road trips can last a month, and others last a few days. It all depends on how much time you have to spare and how much riding you want to do each day.
Around 300 miles each day is a good average if you are taking in the country’s scenery, so a 1000 mile journey there and back will take you a week.
Of course, you can take the interstate and travel large distances faster, but it’s a little tedious and defeats the object of the journey unless you want to hit one destination and stay there for the duration of your vacation.
What Should You Not Do When Riding A Motorcycle?
- Don’t neglect your motorcycle; it’s your main form of transport
- Don’t ride beyond your limits; stay safe at all times. Motorcycle accidents are normally severe compared to cars
- Keep yourself in good shape. Riding in the elements can be draining, and fatigue can creep up on you suddenly. Take regular breaks and stretch your legs. Keep hydrated and fed, don’t let your concentration slip because you didn’t eat.
- Keep a proper position through corners; underestimating position and braking distance could see you come off your motorcycle.
Final Notes
We hope this guide was helpful! If you decide to rough it on the road check out our best sleep gifts for men post, the items might help you get a better night’s rest.
