| Have you ever motorcycled coast-to-coast? Taking a | | | | Sure, "stuff" happens, but you can prevent many |
| day trip is one thing. Taking a weekend trip is | | | | problems with your chopper, by having a dealer |
| another thing. However, taking a coast-to-coast trip | | | | service it prior to your hitting the road. Also, bring |
| is a completely different ball of wax. It requires much | | | | your cell phone and join a club that provides roadside |
| more planning and consideration. Of course, the trip | | | | assistance. All of these steps will ultimately allow you |
| should include a degree of spontaneity. However, | | | | enjoy your trip as much as possible. |
| considering the extremely long length of the trip, it is | | | | 4. Two can be company OR a crowd |
| vital to be simultaneously as prepared as possible. | | | | I am extremely independent and prefer to travel |
| Here are some tips to make a cross-country road | | | | solo. The main benefit of traveling alone is that you |
| trip successful: | | | | can set your own schedule. There is no waiting for a |
| 1. Enjoy regionalism | | | | sidekick. Riding solo, you truly feel the sense of |
| A lesson I have learned in my worldwide travels is | | | | freedom that road trips provide. |
| that cities are the same everywhere. When enjoying | | | | That said, you could enjoy several benefits by |
| a cross-country road trip, take the back roads to | | | | traveling with a sidekick. You will be more secure, |
| experience some true local color. Chat with locals or | | | | particularly in more secluded regions. Furthermore, |
| read local newspapers to learn about where to find | | | | you will have some extra help for making repairs. |
| the best local cuisine, special public events, etc. | | | | 5. Plan for pleasant surprises |
| 2. Pack lightly | | | | Certainly, you should do a significant amount of |
| There are several justifications for packing lightly. Of | | | | planning prior to a cross-country road trip. However, |
| course, you will need to bring certain gear, such as | | | | also provide yourself with some opportunities for |
| Harley Davidson motorcycle boots. However, keep in | | | | pleasant surprises. For instance, you may want to |
| mind that few heavyweight motorcycles that | | | | avoid making hotel reservations, but instead plan to |
| manufacturers produce are truly apt for heavy loads. | | | | arrive at a particular area by nightfall. In addition, you |
| Some items that you should certainly consider | | | | could avoid planning all of your routes. Sometimes |
| stuffing into your motorcycle saddlebags include:o | | | | locals can suggest more scenic course that you could |
| camerao clothingo raingearo tire-repair kito toiletrieso | | | | have missed by taking a different route. |
| tools | | | | Taking a cross-country motorcycle tour may seem |
| Packing light may cause some minor inconveniences, | | | | quite daunting at first. However, following some basic |
| such as needing to wash your clothes frequently. | | | | guidelines can make your experience more enjoyable |
| However, overall, the approach is worthwhile. | | | | and successful. Find a balance between preparing for |
| 3. Prevent situations before they happen | | | | your trip and creating opportunities to expect the |
| The last situation you want to be in is stranded in the | | | | unexpected. Happy riding! |
| middle of nowhere-in an unfamiliar town or country. | | | | |