As the weather takes a turn for the better, motorcycle riders across the country are gearing up for the start of road trip season. If you own a motorcycle, you’re probably getting ready for a few trips of your own. Whether you are an experienced motorcycle tourer or new to the ways of the road, here are a few motorcycle road trip tips to make your next adventure go smoothly.

Preparing for your trip

Preparing for your trip is just as important as actually hitting the road. Your road trip may be a weekend getaway or a few weeks or longer, but every kind of trip requires planning. Make sure your bike is ready to go for a trip of some length and that you feel comfortable putting in long days and many miles on your motorcycle.

Know where you want to go, what the road conditions are like, and where you’ll be staying along the way. You can make reservations for hotels or campgrounds along the way, estimating how many miles you can cover. Remember, it’s always better to ride consistently and have a good time rather than push yourself through too quickly.

If you are traveling with others, give someone you trust a spare key in case you lose yours. You can also zip-tie or tape a spare key somewhere on your bike.

During the trip

Make sure your belongings get through your trip right along with you. Bad weather can come up suddenly, but packing your stuff in trash compactor bags before your saddlebags can ensure everything stays dry along the way.

Before you head out in the morning, check over your bike. Make sure you have enough fuel to make it to your next stop, get the route in your head, and check your bike over for any leaks or parts that may have come loose.

When you come to a new city, set up your campsite or choose your hotel on the far side of the city. This will let you hit the open road faster in the morning, and you won’t have to deal with morning traffic in a busy city.

A long day of riding can make you tired, hungry, and thirsty. Consider carrying a backpack hydration system that could keep you on the road longer, as you won’t have to stop as often for food or drinks.

If you are going on a multiple day trip and are having difficulty keeping all of your paperwork together, create an envelope or binder system that you can use day by day. Put reservations, travel plans, important phone numbers, and other information in the days you’ll need to use them.

Finally, even if you aren’t planning on using your phone very often during your trip, keep it on you in case of emergencies. You can store important information and phone numbers just in case you need them on the road. Having a way to communicate in case of an emergency is incredibly important, especially if you are traveling in remote areas.

Safe travels!