There are road trips and then there are ROAD TRIPS. Many of us have taken day or weekend motorcycle road trips. However, cross-country road trips are a different ball of wax. In order to maximize the chance that they will be a success, we must make extensive preparations. While this will not ensure that our trips will lack pitfalls, it will certainly lower the chance of experiencing them. Here are some helpful tips for your consideration:
1. Keep an open mind on the open road
A cross-country road trip can provide an outstanding means of learning how other people live. William Least Heat-Moon’s book, “Blue Highways” inspired me. William took a cross-country road trip across the U.S., without traveling through any cities. By keeping an open mind during your trip, you can truly appreciate the different pockets of Americana from “sea to shining sea.”
2. Be frugal
There is a difference between being cheap and frugal. On a cross-country motorcycle trip, it is highly advisable to be frugal. You could stay at a campground, which provides an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the Great Outdoors. You could also stay at youth hostels, which tend to have rock-bottom prices. However, keep in mind that everything is communal there. If you are in these groups, you could get discounts at hotels:
• government employees
• military personnel
• motorcycle group/association members
• those over 50-years-old
3. Look for humor in your travels
Does it take fewer muscles to smile, than to frown? Experts are still debating that. However, long, hot, dusty road trips can become more bearable if you look for humor in your travels. Keep an eye out for interesting road signs that put a smile on your face. Sometimes small-town businesses have interesting names, maxims, or motifs. A little can go a long way during a long trip.
4. Learn something new
A cross-country motorcycle road trip can provide a cornucopia of new experiences for you. Take advantage of all of them. Sometimes you can learn all sorts of information from the idiosyncrasies of different towns. You will probably even find locals who can explain certain things that you observe. In fact, these experiences could change your perspective on life. So before you strap on your Harley Davidson motorcycle boots, vow to make your road trip as much of a learning experience as possible. Your past schoolteachers would be proud!
5. Get inspired
Look up at the stars on a clear night. That is how many types of people exist in our world. One of the perks of road trips is that you get to meet people of all walks of life. I am a firm believer that “everyone has a story.” Meeting different people on cross-country road trips provides you the opportunity to hear fascinating stories from other bikers and non-bikers alike. Listen to their stories and stay inspired to keep on keeping on!
A coast-to-coast motorcycle trek is THE road trip of all road trips. Follow some basic guidelines, in order to make every mile of it memorable.