10 Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Day Trip

Like many other articles we have done in the past (like THIS ONE..... or maybe THIS ONE) we give you tips to be safe and prepared.

This article is a bit different.... it's time to get passed the gear prep phase and let's prepare ourselves mentally! If you plan a day trip the right way......... you'd make it a weekend trip...

BUT if you really truly only have 24 hours.. there is a way you can enjoy a day trip almost as much as a whole weekend away!

I say almost because, let’s be real, two good days out on your bike should always beat one, BUT beggars can't be choosers!

 Just follow these 10 tips and you should have a very successful motorcycle day trip that leaves you feeling not only motivated, but energized! 

No more vacations from your vacations!

1. Have Your Bike Prepared

I know, I know, we JUST said this article isn't about gear prep, and it's NOT! But we HAVEEEEEE to say this because if your bike slips up, your brain will be pissed; Thus, ruining the entire essence of an inspiring, energizing day trip. 

This doesn’t mean break out the soap, cloth, and wax (I mean if you live anywhere where it has been monsoon-ing... *ahem ARIZONA ahem*, please DO give your bike a wipe down for the sake of all of us). But if you’ve been putting off a service or still haven't picked up that last essential item your bike needs, get it before you go. 

This will give your mind more space to enjoy the trip and stop worrying about any possible mishaps.

2. Set Goals (mind goals)

The best way to mentally quench your brains thirst, is to set an intention. 

Every motorcycle rider understands us when we say there is something that draws us to the road. Something about the loud rumble of the bike that leaves our minds silent and wanting more. 

Create an intention on this ride. Breathe it in, admire your surroundings. Give thanks to the road and your bike and your body for allowing you to be here.

If  your're looking for a stress release, concentrate on the fact that with every mile you ride, you are letting go of lifes stresses. 

If you are looking for a change of pace or trying to switch up your routine, be sure you are living in the moment while you are riding. Are you really changing up your routine if your mind is still stuck back in the office, or thinking about the house work you aren't getting done? Let that sh!t GO. 

Whatever your intention is, make it the focal point of your trip. Come back to this intention throughout your entire ride.  Remind yourself why you're on this adventure and what lead you here.

Work other nice additions into your trip as well. Is there somewhere you want to see, a road you want to ride, a restaurant you want to eat at? These mini goals will keep you inspired along the way. 

Anyone struggling to decide what trip to take should start here, with one, singular, intention in mind. There’s a real benefit to this tip as, if you achieve what you set out to, there’s a huge sense of satisfaction.

3. Get Up Early

Sorry to all the bed heads out there, but this one is kind of a must for a good day trip. Far too many times has this writer’s ambitious day trip plans been ruined by failing to get up early and a general slowness to get started. 

A top tip here is to get up BEFORE sunrise. This ensures you’ll definitely give yourself time for any last minute preps and it’s a great way to get your mind ready for the trip. How amazing is it to be riding out of the neighborhood and there is no traffic on the road yet. It is a beautiful sight. 

Also, riding into the sunrise all geared up and mentally ready for an awesome day is THE ONLY WAY we should all start the mornings. 

Pro-Tip: if you pack all your bags, prep your bike and lay out all your gear the night before, you can sleep in that extra little bit and leave yourself enough time to make yourself some coffee. Rushing out the door is the FIRST and best way to stress out your trip. Plus it is so RUDE making others wait for you. 

4. Contact Local Groups

Wherever you’re going, chances are you won’t be the first person from your area to go there. 

Get in contact with some local motorcycle clubs and groups to see if anyone has any advice for you. Pick their brain,  see if they have any "must-see's" or side roads you have to adventure down. Facebook groups can be a great source of info for day trips. 

If you are too shy to strike up a convo with a complete stranger, try checking out the hashtag pages on instagram! 

Search a key word or location and check out the photos that come up. There is also a geo-tag search if you are the type that needs a map. This is a GREAT way to broaden your adventure without hours of researching maps and google-earthing. 

5. Bring The Right People

This is YOUR trip, there’s nothing wrong with ensuring you’re surrounded by the people that best fit it. What we are saying is... some friends may not get the invite...

If you want to ride fast, bring riders of a similar ability to you. If you want to take in the surroundings with your friends, bring some like-minded people that are OK with stopping or taking it slow.

We all have that one friend or dad or sister that wants to just power through the whole trip and get there and no stopping allowed! That is A-Ok if everyone else is on the same page, but just remember, this can be stressful if not everyone has that same idea.

The whole point of this trip is to relax and inspire yourself.  If speed and distance inspire you... invite them all! If you're wanting to take it slow and explore random roads that may cause a few U-turns, maybe leave the throttle-pinners at home this trip.

6. Pack the Essentials

Bringing a few well-thought-out essentials can turn an okay trip into a great trip. Some of these items could easily slip your mind, so here’s a quick ‘top 5 essentials list’:

• Earplugs

It never fails to surprise me how many experienced bikers forget to wear earplugs. They’ll save you a headache in the short term and hearing loss in the long run. Either way, they’re a must for long rides. Even if you only wear them half the time, at least you have them.

• Navigation system

A one-day trip may not leave enough time for you to actually get lost. But, if you decide you and your crowd are the explorative type (see tip 5) a GPS may be a good idea. U-Turns can literally get us turned around and confused. Smart phones are great! but man you don't want to be lost in an area that leaves you with no cellular service. (damn you Steve Jobs for making Apple Maps our go-to)

• Music

Some motorcycles have a stereo you can play, but if you are on a bike that doesn't, and the Smith's are on a bike that does... all you will hear the entire ride will be mumbles of a song you can only make out when you are down wind and the sound is perfectly directed towards you. On top of this, Sally and Joe may not have the best play list. Leaving you stuck listening to their Best of Simon and Garfunkel Album for 9 straight hours, and you can bet your ass your incentive will go right out the window! 

Grab a helmet that has an AUX cord option, or bring a travel speaker to play during your stops. Music can change the whole mood, both in a good way and in a very, very bad way. 

• Power bank

If you use your phone as a sat navigation or plan on taking any pictures along the way, you should bring a power bank. And, if you’re by yourself and find your self in an emergency, you’ll be glad to have a charged phone! 

I've always wondered, do those solar powered emergency pay phones on the side of the road every 50 miles actually work?

• Hydration Pack

This may not be essential for everyone, it certainly wasn’t for this writer. But, if you’re going to be riding in the extreme heat, you’ll be thankful you have it. Dehydration can set in quickly and force you to stop riding long before joint pains or needing to refuel does. 

• Walkie-Talkies

These are the greatest invention since sliced bread and perfect for a group ride! We are obviously aware they make helmets that have this feature built in... but this only works if everyone actually has the helmet. Let's be honest, there are always a few people that "don't need it". This has all your bases covered! Plus they are just really fun to use. Don't tell me you've never held a Walkie-Talkie and said "What's your 20, Roger that, Over and out".

There are always more essentials you should bring. Click here for a larger list!

7. Tell People Where You’re Going

For god’s sake, haven’t you ever seen 127 hours? Seriously though, this is especially for those who are traveling alone. Pick up the goddamn phone and tell someone where you’re going and give them a loose time frame of when you’ll be back!

We all at some point in a long ride start to go over the scenario of "what would happen if...." Hell, I think this when I'm on a late night ride home from a buddies house. Put your mind to rest and cover your ass before you leave. 

Be smart people! Communicate!

8. Pack Smart

Let's continue being smart by packing accordingly! This trip will take less than one day, it’s not a two week holiday – pack accordingly. 

It’s amazing what some riders think they ‘might need’ on a day trip. Apart from the items listed above, there isn’t a lot more to bring, besides maybe a travel toolkit and a packed lunch. 

Maybe opt-in to picking up some travel size items. Having too much stuff will have you feeling cluttered. Clutter = stress. And what is your intention for riding..... exactly.   

Keep the weight down and pack smart, you’ll be thankful you did once you find some nice roads.

9. Stop More Often Than You Think You’ll Need To

If you are a speed rider from Tip 5, this one will have you cringing, but give it a read and just see how it sits with you.

Some riders have a tendency to overestimate how long to stay in the saddle for between stops. This can result in sore joints and a generally less enjoyable ride. Don’t make this mistake. A trip like this is about enjoying every minute on your bike, so, stop as often as you needed to keep yourself, and the trip, feeling fresh.

Pull over for a cool beverage or a nice snack. Travelers always say food is one of the biggest attractions. Remind yourself of your mini goals from Tip 2. If a cool restaurant is one of them, be sure to give yourself an extra 10 minutes at this stop to snap a photo and get your mind re-set on  your main intention. 

Speaking of photos... be sure you take at least ONE group photo. Even if you "don't need a photo to remember", your kids, friends and family do! I could kick my Dad's ass for the lack of pictures he has. Motorcycling typically is a family trait. If you ride, odds are your kids will be into it and so forth. Don't you want to show off your bike, the style of the era or how the terrain has changed. 

If family before you doesn't ride, this photo is proof that YOU started this amazing legacy and is something you can pass on! 

10. Prepare For the Elements

This one is probably obvious for most of you as far as rain, snow and wind goes.  But, if someone had reminded me of this, we’d have come home significantly less red a few trips back. If you’re going somewhere noticeably warmer or colder, dress accordingly. And, If there’s not going to be much cloud cover, bring sunscreen!

Nothing is worse than raccoon eyes and nose that has been baked in the sun for years. Yuck!

Setting an intention will help guide your trip. Completing goals always leave us feeling satisfied and accomplished. Whatever your intention may be, use it to design your trip and give it more purpose than any ol' ride. You will reach home feeling excited and have you re-motivated to plan the next one.