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Hoagy's Tips
- Know your own physical and riding limits. If you've never done any
long distance riding, you may want to do a "mini" long
distance ride or two as a warm up.
- Be sure your motorcycle is in good working condition - especially the
tires. Have a qualified mechanic check / service your bike before the
ride.
- Be completely familiar with the operation of your motorcycle.
- Before you start the ride, you should know: how many gallons of fuel
the tank will hold; how many miles per gallon (MPG) it gets on the
highway; and therefore how many miles per tank your motorcycle gets on the
highway.
- If you choose to ride with a group, we recommend that you limit the
size of the group to 6 or less bikes. Limiting the size of the group
will reduce the time necessary to refuel and take breaks.
- Ride with people who have similar riding preferences to your own.
Riding a 1,000 miles is long enough without the frustration of riding
with someone who's riding preferences (eg, riding speed, number, length,
and frequency of stops, etc.) is radically different than your own.
- Don't ride faster than your guardian angel can fly. Long-distance
riding is more about steady, consistent riding rather than high speeds.
- If available, use a credit card / debit card and pay at the pump
instead of taking time to go inside (and possibly have to wait in line)
to pay for your fuel.
- Each rider should secure a receipt at each gas stop.
- Get a sufficient amount of sleep before the ride.
- Eat healthy foods before and during the ride.
- Keep yourself hydrated with water and healthy drinks throughout the
ride.
- Don't rely on caffeine and other stimulants to get you through the
ride
- Do not use any illegal drugs or consume alcohol just prior to or
during the ride - a long-distance ride is challenging enough without
being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Learn how to avoid boredom and sleepiness while you ride. Listening to
music, talking with a passenger or other riders (via CB radios and
intercoms), viewing the scenery, and consuming energy food, snacks, and
drinks can help you complete the ride safely.
- Don't waste time shopping for all of your food and drinks while you're
on the ride. If possible, buy at least a portion of the food and drinks
that you plan to consume during the ride in advance instead of taking
time to select them and waiting to pay for them during your stops.
- Bring personal items such as sunscreen, skin lotions, lip balm,
contact lens cleaner, eye lubricant, oral hygiene products, prescription
and/or over-the-counter medications (but be sure to be familiar with any
potential side affects of any medications that you take).
- Carry a cell phone and be sure the battery is sufficiently charged
before the ride.
- Maintain a positive mental attitude. Assuming your bike and your body
are capable of completing a long-distance ride, the only thing standing
between you and completing the ride is your attitude / outlook.
- Wear layers of clothes. Even in late June, temperatures and weather
conditions will vary throughout the ride so layering will provide warmth
and protection while making it efficient to add or remove clothing as
needed.
- Always wear your riding safety gear, including: helmet, eye
protection, boots, gloves, riding pants / jacket, leather, etc.
- Bring your rain gear. We hope we don't need but would hate to need it
and not have it.
- Carry a tool kit, flashlight, tape, and other things that you may need
in case of a breakdown.
- Always carry proper identification, information about special medical
conditions and emergency contact information in the event medical
assistance might be required.
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