Lessons learned

Riding with Groups in the City

Plan your next stop and share with everyone in the group. If you get separated, meet up at the next stop. It is  really easy to get separated in the city with traffic, stop lights etc. You also want to make sure you are focused on safety and yourself, not the other riders. One or our rides on I-5 in California we found ourself separated from the group due to traffic and weather.  We sent a message indicating we were find and would meet at our next stop.  

Places to Park if Trailering your Bike

If you plan on trailering your bike to a starting location, we have found that Flying J or possibly other truck stops will allow you to park in their lots.  Also, we have been able to park in casino parking lots as well.  Just make sure you contact the business before to make sure they can accommodate you.  Also, check in when you arrive so they know that you have left your trailer.  

Create a Group Text 

When we ride with a group we create a group text and include everyone on the ride.  This provides communication among all the riders to indicate the need to stop for bathrooms, gas, drinks, or any other issues. 

Prepare for the worst weather, but hope for the best

Always check the weather forecast for where you plan to ride.  If it looks like it may be cold or you might get rained on, pack accordingly. We have been caught in some really cold weather with just our jackets and it made for a long cold ride.

Have Fun

Poker run: Give out a card at each stop and at the end of day see who has the best hand. Give a small prize to the winner. 

Scavenger hunt. This is best when you have a passenger to help. Give everyone a list of items to photograph on the ride. See who finds the most items at the end of the day and give a small prize to the winner.

Double check route

Make sure your route does not have any issues such as closed roads, construction, or dirt roads. We have followed our navigation a few times to only end up on a dirt road and had to take another route, that added time to our trip.

Always update your ride list

Learn from every ride and update what you pack.  You may never need it again, but you needed it once and you want to be prepared.  We have experienced a trunk lock that broke and wouldn't stay close, we could have used a bungee chord.  We have had things come loose and needed Locktite.  We didn't have them at the time and may never need them again, but we will not travel without them.