The call to adventure finds all motorcycle riders at some point in time. There’s no escaping the grand American countryside, the backroads with twists and turns, as well as the straight shots down sun-baked freeways with just the wind and your own sense of adventure to keep you company. A motorcycle touring trip can be exactly what you need, no matter the ailment. So strap on your riding gear, hook up your favorite playlist, and get ready for the most thrilling of road trips.

At CalMoto, we understand the call of the wild is powerful and might have you out the door and on your touring bike before anyone could ask where you’re going. But all adventurers need their supplies — and maybe a map! In that spirit, we’ve put together this short guide with some tips for making the most of your touring trips. Keep reading for more information or head into one of our showrooms in Mountain View and Livermore, California, where we proudly serve San Jose, Tracy, and the greater San Francisco area.

Plan Out Your Itinerary

You’ve got to know where you’re going to get there. Even a basic itinerary makes the difference between putting mile markers in the rearview and turning around because of a missed exit. Start with the places you know you want to hit, those destinations or sights that you wish to see. Once you have the stopping points use them to plan a route. Factor in time for resting and refueling as well as some extra time for anything you might happen upon that’s not on your itinerary. This is also the perfect time to book any lodgings or rentals you plan on making use of on the road. Nothing brings down a touring trip more than finding out that camping spot is out of room because you didn’t call ahead.

Pack Light and Efficiently

Motorcycles aren’t exactly known for their expansive cargo spaces, and even though touring bikes are purpose-built with extra storage for the long road, you still have to consider what you need to bring with and how to pack it on efficiently. Start with a list of the must-haves, the items like food, clothes, and medicine. Once you have the essentials figured out, you can move on to the creature comforts. Tools and first-aid supplies are great additions to your cargo! If you have trouble getting everything you need safely stowed, consider upgrading your bike’s carrying capacity with larger side saddles, top boxes, or luggage racks.

Pre-Ride Check

A solid pre-ride checklist is a fantastic idea for any rider, whether it happen before a long trip or every time you get in the saddle. This is a great time to take care of any equipment that’s been damaged and could cause trouble on the road. Take care of any repair and replacements long before your ride. Check tire pressure and for any scalping or cracking that could indicate it’s time for replacements. Check fluid levels in the engine and for any possible leaks. And check your electronics, especially brake lights and turning signals.

Life on the Road

To put it simply, life on the road is different than life at home. There’s less time and room to take care of things like hygiene, and healthy options for food and sleep are a constant battle. While you certainly don’t need to be eating your bodyweight in salad and get the perfect amount of sleep, being conscious of how you feel will help prevent any accidents on the road. That 72oz steak-eating challenge at the roadside grill might look pretty tempting, but that’s not going to sit well when you’re writing for several hours straight. And a lack of proper sleep can be as debilitating to riders as alcohol!

There’s enough things to be worried about on the road to have to watch your hygiene, so just make sure you’re prepared with some snacks to keep you going while in the saddle, plenty of water to keep you hydrated, and avoid all-night events unless you know you’ll be able to sleep off whatever ill effects follow you into the next day. Bring along some ear protection (silicone or foam plugs work great), as your helmet is absolutely ineffective at protecting your hearing and can in most cases actually adds to the total decibel level you experience.

Motorcycle touring can be some of the most fun you’ll have on your motorcycle. Make the most of your adventures with a healthy dose of planning, prep, and knowing how you’ll handle the hazards of the road. For more touring tips, or if you’re just after a look at some great touring bikes, head into CalMoto in Mountain View and Livermore, California. We’re proud to serve San Jose, Tracy, and the greater San Francisco area. Come in today and speak with our team of experts who are more than eager to answer all your questions and help you find the motorcycle of your dreams.