The Vagabond Chronicles

As an avid rider, I have exhausted the selection of local rides and yearn to explore new roads, vistas and people. Short weekend trips extended the range and provide an easy escape from the daily grind, but frequently leave me longing for more. Nothing more than a change of clothes and a toothbrush stuffed into the tank bank and a credit card in the wallet for a quick weekend get-away. Trips lasting longer than a long weekend will require some more preparation and to extend the dollar a bit further, some camping, which allows some time experiencing nature. Why ruin the experience of the open road by shutting yourself inside a box? Sunrise at Yosemite National Park, camping under Half Dome is an aspiring experience.

Before hitting the road and increasing the chances of a stress-fee trip, spend time preparing for the adventure. Many aspects of the trip require attention from the route-planing, motorcycle prep, timing and the list goes on. This can feel daunting at times, but with some practice and seeking advice will tame the preparation. There is a large community of riders that share your passion and who are happy to share their experiences and wisdom. Start searching for riders at the local motorcycle shops and the popular ride destinations. It is a great way to get out on the bike and meet new people.

Many of the manufacturers sponsor owner’s groups. The Harley Owner’s Group (HOG) and BMW Motorcycle Owner’s Group (BMWMOA) are two of the larger, international owner’s groups. Frequently, dealers will give you a year’s membership to the local chapter with the purchase of a new motorcycle. Otherwise, membership is typically reasonable and offer member discounts, magazines, insurance discounts, road-side assistance and access to a large rider community. The more active chapters will have monthly rides, dinner rides and attend other local chapter events. Membership will also give you access to the larger National events, which provide a great destination, time to explore local roads and off-bike time sharing stories with other riders.

Check with your local motorcycle shop for other regional and local motorcycle clubs and organizations in your area. If the local club scene does haven’t what you are looking for, expand the search to online groups and forums. Be prepared to meet some great online characters when you join a forum. It is polite to introduce yourself when joining a forum. It is a great way to meet new people, share stories and learn about rides. The best rides are closely guarded secrets, but the ride reports frequently have great descriptions of the route, and you can recreate the route for your own use. I have found myself on great, twisty, low-traffic roads that I have frequently passed up because I never knew where they went. Other than entertainment and rides, you also gain access to an international network of riders. Active members with access to the internet have been helped out of jam on many occasions while traveling.

Remember, it is about riding. Use the dinner rides and internet to network, but there is no replacement for time in the saddle. Take the MSF Basic Riders Course. Ride to work. Get your Saturday morning coffee 100 miles away. You will keep your skills sharp and fresh. You will also learn what your daily amount of time in the saddle and mileage to help set realistic goals for your trip. You will learn what roads suit your style of riding to assist in the route-planing. Ridden bikes are regularly, maintained bikes. Most importantly, riding gives you experience.

Deciding where to go sounds like an easy enough task. Well, it is. Access your ability, comfort level, time and objectives when choosing your ride. Keep the daily goals realistic. Time is spent refueling, rest stops, picture opportunities, eating and loads of other factors. Traveling with a group of other riders will increase the off-bike time seemingly exponentially, but the shared experience can outweigh a travel other than your own. Lower mileage days will allow you to take some tangential routes, explore an area a bit longer, or enjoy a picturesque sunset. National Parks prove to be great destinations with amble camping opportunities, access to local rides and unbelievable scenery, but at the wrong time of the year for some of the more popular parks, it will be poor choice.

If you need to fuel your imagination for a destinations, there numerous books, magazines and movie. WhiteHorse Press publishes many ride books and guides. Mad Maps has an expanding list of maps with highlighted rides. Review the catalogs for motorcycle and adventure tour companies. These companies have streamlined their tours to provide the most bang for the buck. Connect the dots yourself and save a few bucks, but you will be giving up amenities like bag service, on-trip mechanics and a sag-wagon to carry your gear.