Top 10 Solotravel tips
Eat at weird times.
Everyone and their dog eats around 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. So if you want to get in and out of restaurants quickly, plan ahead so you’re not hungry at those times.
Carry a spare key.
Hide your spare somewhere on your bike using a zip-tie or duct tape, or trade keys with a traveling companion.
Keep your stuff dry in saddlebags by using trash compactor bags.
These DIY waterproof barriers are thicker and more durable than the standard garbage bags a lot of bikers use.
Set yourself up for a quick getaway.
If you’re nearing the end of your riding day, you can set yourself up for a quick getaway in the morning by riding to the far side of the next city you reach before stopping. This will eliminate time lost in urban traffic the next morning.
Carry a backpack hydration system.
Take a tip from off-road riders. This must for arid weather lets you easily drink while you ride. For more gear suggestions check out the Sturgis Rider News article 10 Essential Pieces of Gear You Shouldn’t Ride Without.
Use the envelope system to stay organized.
Going on a long, complex trip? Before you leave, prepare one envelope for each day on the road. Mark the outside of each envelope with dates and locations, then stuff them with things like hotel reservation info and lists of things you’d like to see. Instead of juggling your entire stack of literature to find the information you’re looking for, you can just open up that day’s envelope.
Look your bike over every morning before hitting the road.
Checking the simple stuff—air pressure, oil level, loose or missing fasteners—only takes a little time, and it can save you from big trouble. Here’s a great motorcycle pre-ride checklist you can follow.
Sign up for AMA Roadside Assistance.
To sign up, call the AMA at: 800-262-5646.
Wear earplugs.
Earplugs help reduce wind noise, and they’re fairly easy to come by. Check out the Sturgis Rider News Blog article “8 Innovations to Give You a More Comfortable Ride” to find out about DUBS Acoustic Filters and other cutting-edge products that’ll increase your comfort level on a ride.