• Make sure your bike is set up to keep you comfortable. In advance of your trip, arrange your saddle, handlebars and footrests to appropriate positions. Certain bikes, like touring motorcycles, are designed for long, comfortable rides, but making adjustments on any bike can improve your experience.
• Get plenty of sleep. It might sound obvious, but starting a long ride when you’re short on sleep can impact you on a mental and physical level. Try to get a good night’s sleep several days in advance of your longer ride, and plan to stop and stay overnight when you get tired along the way.
• Plan adequate breaks. To avoid physical discomfort, you’ll want to stop every few hours during your day. Taking the time to stretch and rest your eyes can help you to stay alert on your ride. Adequate stretching can also help you to avoid muscle cramps and soreness. You may want to plan your stops at scenic overlooks or rest stops, which are great places to pause along the highway.
• Be sure to stay hydrated. Particularly during the hot summer months, it’s easy to forget to take water breaks when you’re out for a ride. Pack plenty of water on your bike, and be sure to drink it along the way. Dehydration can lead to serious risks on the road, including disorientation, and drinking water will help you to stay alert to any dangers.
• Carefully consider your meals during the ride. When you’re planning a longer trip, consider eating lighter, more frequent meals or snacks. Consuming a combination of protein and complex carbohydrates can help you stay full, but not sluggish. Heavy foods or large meals can cause drowsiness after you eat, and you want to stay alert on the road. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of sugar, because nobody wants to experience a “sugar crash” during a long ride.
• Avoid alcohol at all costs. It goes without saying that consuming alcohol and hitting the road is a dangerous combination in any situation, but it’s especially dangerous on a motorcycle. You want to be completely aware and alert, and alcohol severely increases your reaction time. You should even consider refraining from consuming alcohol the night before you leave for your trip, as it can impact your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
• Be careful of drowsiness associated with medications. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can make you drowsy on the road, so carefully consider this possibility before leaving on your long-distance ride. Cold and allergy medicines are common culprits, so use caution before taking these medications on your trip.
• Maintain awareness of your physical and mental condition. When you’re trying to reach your destination by a certain time, it can be tempting to push through. But if you’re feeling tired or uncomfortable, it can make driving dangerous. Try to be aware of your mental and physical state, and don’t overdo it. After all, it’s better to take extra breaks or stop for the night than to push yourself too hard and end up in a dangerous accident!

Even the safest motorcyclist can’t avoid every danger, and that’s why it’s crucial to get the right coverage to protect your bike. If you’re planning a long-distance trip and want to make sure you’re protected during any unforeseen circumstances, reach out to your local agent. They will work with you to get the coverage you need to feel safe on the road, no matter how far you’re planning to travel.