The solo road trip has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. Even though several people have now formed communities like bike clubs, travelers’ clubs, etc., to travel with unknown people and find their solace -- for bikers, solo trips have always been their truest calling. The freedom to chart out exciting adventures into unknown territories fills the heart of every biker around the globe. Solo trips have always been an essential part of the biker lifestyle.
A lot of people live on these kinds of road trips. However, you need to plan carefully and plan well to make the most out of your solo road trip. It would help if you had a basic checklist in place to not miss out on anything.
In this blog, we have covered all the essentials so that you can have an unforgettable road trip experience. So without further ado, let’s dive right into it.
Step 1: The Planning
There are several things that bikers must keep in consideration while planning to take a solo road trip. Some of these essentials are mentioned below for your reference:
- The condition of your motorcycleBefore you start planning for your road trip, you must check out your bike's health. This means that you will have to make sure that your bike is fit for long-distance travel. You can get your bike checked by an expert in a local garage. You must check your pair of wheels and all the other parts. If there is even a slight issue with any part, you should be ready to spend on your bike maintenance. You should also make sure that all the bike parts are adequately oiled.
One major thing that you must check is the performance of the exhausts. When you are on a solo road trip, you will experience roads full of pebbles or not maintained. You will need your exhaust system to work fine. In case there are any issues with your bike's exhaust system, you can experiment with aftermarket exhausts. Aftermarket exhausts are known to improve the performance of the bike considerably.
You should also check the brakes and stands because they will prove to be extremely vital during your solo road trip.
- Essentials
You must carry all the essentials to help you during your solo road trip. When it comes to living the biker lifestyle, you will have to adhere to a list of essentials. Some of the things that you must carry with you are listed below for your reference:
- Your driving licenses
- Cash
- Bike Insurance
- A good a sturdy helmet
- Roadside Assistance Information
- A good saddlebag and a small travel bag
- Phone
- A good camera
- Charger for all your electronics
- Power banks
- Paper Maps
- Biker gloves
- Sports or riding shoes
The list is not exhaustive. You might have to carry other essentials like some dry fruits, etc., for the roads. If you are a part of any bike clubs, you can collectively source these essentials.
- Toiletries
Carrying your toiletries is very important if planning a solo road trip. Most of these products are readily available in small packs. You can source them and then carry them in your luggage. It is highly recommended that you carry at least 6-7 packs of these to dispose of them after use.
- Oral Care: Carry your toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue cleaner, and a small pack of mouthwash along
- Body care: You must carry a small body wash, shampoo, and deodorant. You can also carry a small comb or a razor to keep yourself in good shape
- Detergent: You will have to wash your clothes now and then, which brings in the need for a detergent pack.
- Clothes
The clothes you will carry will depend upon the places you will go through to reach your destination and the destination. It would be best to keep in mind that you will get limited space in your bag. Therefore, you need to pack wisely.
- Pants: Wear a pair of trousers and carry another pair just in case you need one in an emergency
- Shirts: You should pack your shirts carefully. For instance, if the trip is for three days, you should pack three shirts.
- Socks: You should carry at least two pairs of socks with you
- Underwear: Carry 2-3 pairs of them and try to change them daily
- Jacket: Wear a jacket throughout your trip and carry an additional jacket in your bag
- Sleepwear: Carry a pair of pajamas and 2-3 t-shirts so that you can rest in comfort
Step 2: On The Road Essentials
Once you are on the road, maintaining your health and following the safe driving rules are of the most significance to ensure an amazing solo road trip experience. When you are on the road, you are at the mercy of the elements for a large chunk of your journey, so making sure that you are well-rested and hydrated is a must and will enable you to maintain your peak performance throughout the road trip.
Additionally, you must adhere to the road safety guidelines to ensure a safe ride for you and also everyone else. Maintaining the speed limits, following the on-road instructions, and being kind to your fellow travelers can help you get the most out of your solo road trip adventure.
And finally, you would also want to carry a robust kit of emergency tools and first aid to avoid any unforeseen mishap. Here are some best practices for the same:
- ToolsBike Maintenance will be an essential part of your trip. You should carry a curated tool kit and bring it to use if your vehicle breaks down on the way. Make sure that your toolkit is compact and does not take up a lot of space in your saddlebag.
- First aid kit
A small first aid kit is a must-have if you take a solo road trip. If you are on a road trip alone or even with your rider buddies, you are prone to injuries. Carry a standard medical kit with a few basic medicines, including ibuprofen and aspirin.
Step 3: Go!
Yes, what are you still waiting for? Now that you have the necessary knowledge of planning a solo motorcycle trip, it’s time to pack your bag and create your next adventure!
(It’s time to start your next adventure)
In Conclusion
A solo road trip is quite adventurous, but it comes with its own set of challenges. You must try to oversee these challenges and prepare for them quite well. Once you plan out your trip and carry all the essentials, you will not stop. Have a great trip!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are some of the essential medicines that one must carry for a solo road trip?
A. You must carry a few tablets of ibuprofen, aspirin, and paracetamol for your road trip.
Q. What are some documents that one must carry when on a road trip?
A. You must carry your identity verification card along with your driving license and the papers on your bike.
A. There are several biking clubs where you will find your ridder buddies. You can plan your trip accordingly.