Long-Distance Riding 101

The warm days of summer are here, and if you’re like many motorcycle enthusiasts in the United States, then you’re probably looking forward to taking your bike out on the open road. Long-distance riding requires more thought and preparation that the average trip down the block, so in today’s post, we’ll provide you with a few tips for riding long distances. When you’ve finished reading this post, be sure to head over to RC Components’ online store to view a great selection of custom motorcycle wheels, custom motorcycle exhausts, and much more!

Prepare Yourself Physically

Believe it or not, long-distance riding is physically demanding. You’ve probably experienced a sore lower back or tension in your neck after riding for longer than usual, and long-distance riding is even more likely to leave your body aching after the first day. Watch your posture in the days and weeks leading up to your trip — are you slouching or allowing your neck to bend due to the weight of your helmet? Do your best to correct any issues with your posture, and you may even want to consider purchasing a new helmet if your current one is too heavy for hours of riding.

Prepare Yourself Mentally 

Almost no one wakes up and decides to ride more than 1,000 miles, and this is in part due to how mentally taxing the journey can be. Riding a motorcycle arguably requires more vigilance than traveling in a car, and you may find yourself quickly worn out by driving defensively for long stretches of time. Moreover, the constant sound and feeling of the wind in your face can become a bit much after four or five hours, so plan to take small breaks as you proceed along your route.

Bring Plenty of Supplies

As we mentioned in a previous blog post, it’s important to be as prepared as possible when you’re out on the road. You don’t have the luxury of packing the essentials in a spacious trunk, so you have to make the most of the space you have. Roll up the clothing you plan on bringing instead of folding it, as this method will save you a significant amount of space in your bag. You’ll also want to bring emergency supplies, including a rain poncho, blanket, flashlight, phone charger, medical supplies, and a list of contacts in the event that your phone is damaged.

We hope that this post will help you prepare for your next big trip. If you’re looking for a way to customize your bike before taking off, then stop by the RC Components online store to browse our extensive catalog of custom motorcycle parts! We carry everything you need to create the bike of your dreams, and our famous custom motorcycle wheels are the perfect way to upgrade your bike before a road trip. We’ll happily answer any questions you have about our products, just send us a message or give us a call to request more information! We look forward to speaking with you soon.