The first few days of January always feel like a fresh tank of gas. The holidays are in the rearview mirror, the house is finally quiet, and if you’re like me, you’re already staring at maps and checking rally dates. Living in rural Southeast Ohio, I’ve learned that winter is the best time for "living room riding." It’s when we take all those "one day we should go there" ideas and turn them into actual GPS coordinates.

Whether you’re on two wheels or, like me, enjoying the absolute stability and "knees in the wind" joy of a Can-Am Spyder RT, planning is half the fun. My husband has been riding for over 40 years, and I spent 16 years on cruisers and adventure bikes before finding my perfect fit on three wheels. Together, we’ve learned that a great season doesn't just happen; it’s built on a foundation of solid research and a little bit of Generation X grit. If you want to make 2026 the year you finally hit those bucket-list destinations, now is the time to start the "Post-Holiday Pivot" from dreaming to doing.

The Bucket List Audit: Where Do You Actually Want to Go?

Every rider has a mental list of roads they want to conquer. For some, it’s the iconic hairpins of the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap; for others, it’s the high-elevation views of the Blue Ridge Parkway. But before you start booking hotels, you need to conduct a "Bucket List Audit." Think about your riding style. Are you a "day-tripper" who loves a 200-mile loop and a great local diner, or are you ready for the long-haul, multi-state tour? My husband and I have done plenty of car travel over the years, but there’s a distinct shift when you plan for a bike. You have to consider fatigue, weather patterns, and fuel range. Start by picking one "Anchor Trip"—your big 2026 event. Maybe it’s the Spyder, Bike & Trike Fest in Florida or a trek to Sturgis. Once that's on the calendar, you can build your smaller weekend excursions around it. Use a physical wall map or a digital tool to visualize your year. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing your season laid out in front of you—it’s like seeing the grocery store aisles finally organized after a busy weekend with triplet boys.

Digital Scouting: Using Tech to Find the Hidden Gems

We live in an amazing era for trip planning. Back when I started riding dirt bikes as a tomboy, we just rode until we hit a fence or a sunset. Now, we have high-tech co-pilots. But even with all the tech, you need a strategy to find the roads that are actually worth the vibration.

The Power of Community-Driven Mapping

While Google Maps is fine for the car, it’s notorious for trying to put riders on boring interstates. For 2026, I’m looking at apps that prioritize the ride itself. One standout is Motorcyclist Map (motorcyclistmap.com). This app isn't just about lines on a screen; it’s built on a collaborative environment where a shared passion for the road drives the data. It’s a supportive network where you can find exclusive routes shared by locals who actually know where the good asphalt is. What I love most is the local business engagement—it helps you find those hidden-gem diners and shops that support our community. It’s inclusive and diverse, welcoming everyone from seasoned cruiser vets to new Ryker owners. It even lets you track your personal growth as a rider while seeing the community impact of group rides and events.

Social Media and Real-Time Intel

Don't overlook the "human" element of tech. Getting real-time info from a community is like having a secret "mom network" for the road—you get the truth before you leave the driveway. If you are looking for specific advice on three-wheeled routes or technical support, hop into the Can-Am Trike Grand Central Facebook group. A road that was pristine last summer might be a construction nightmare this spring. Asking the members in Can-Am Trike Grand Central about road conditions or biker-friendly stops is the best way to ensure your route is actually rideable. Whether you are troubleshooting a Ryker or looking for the best diner in the Southeast, that community connection is invaluable.

The Technical Prep: Factoring in Range and Rest

This is where the casual rider and the seasoned tourer part ways. Technical planning is about more than just the destination; it’s about the "intervals." When you’re raised by a straightforward communicator like me, you learn that details matter.

Understanding Your "Real-World" Range

Your bike’s fuel light is a suggestion; your "real-world" range is the law. If you’re planning a trip out West or through remote areas of Appalachia, fuel stops can be few and far between. Calculate your average MPG based on how you actually ride—not what the brochure says. When my husband and I plan our day trips, we aim for a "1.5-hour rule." We stop every 90 minutes to stretch, hydrate, and check the machine. It keeps the "anxious" factor low and the "present in the moment" factor high. This is especially true if you’re transitioning from an adventure bike to a touring trike; your body will feel different after four hours, even if the seat is more comfortable.

Logistics and Lodging

If your 2026 plans include overnight stays, look for "biker-friendly" accommodations that actually celebrate our culture. A fantastic new addition to the Smoky Mountain area is the Motorcycle Inn in Kodak, TN. Located in the Sevierville area, this themed motel is a true passion project, offering 23 unique rooms filled with motorcycle decor. With 18 single-bed rooms and 5 double-bed rooms, it’s being built from the ground up to be a premier motorcycle destination. They are still completing some rooms, but as they finish each one, it becomes available for rent. It’s exactly the kind of inclusive, themed lodging that makes a trip feel special. Booking these unique spots early is crucial, especially during peak rally months in the Smokies.

Gear and Inventory: What Needs to Change for 2026?

You can’t plan a season without auditing your gear. Every trip has different requirements. A weekend run to the Hocking Hills requires different preparation than a cross-country tour. Look at your luggage. Is it waterproof? Does it fit your current machine? When I moved from my two-wheeled bikes to the Spyder RT, I had to rethink how I packed. The "Frunk" (front trunk) is a miracle of engineering, but it requires a different organization strategy than traditional saddlebags. Take this time in January to pull your gear out of the closet. Check your helmet's manufacture date—if it’s older than five years, it’s time for a new one. Check your gloves for wear. This is also the perfect time to add some personality to your ride. Whether it’s fresh decals, a new custom patch for your vest, or finally getting that Can-Am Ryker lighting upgrade, doing it now means you aren't waiting for parts when the weather breaks.

The Mental Map: Preparing for the Unexpected

If there’s one thing I learned raising triplet boys while working and going back to college, it’s that a plan is just a baseline for when things go wrong. On the road, "wrong" usually means weather or mechanical hiccups.

Weather Contingencies

Don't just plan for the sun. Plan for the "Plan B." If you’re riding through the mountains, the temperature can drop 20 degrees in an hour. Your 2026 kit should include high-quality rain gear and layers. Being "present" is impossible when you're shivering or soaked to the bone.

Emergency Contact and Info

Make sure someone knows your route. Use apps like Life360 or the location-sharing feature on your phone. It’s not about being "tethered"; it’s about safety. My husband and I always have a check-in point for our long rides. It’s a straightforward safety protocol that lets us enjoy the twisties with peace of mind.

Starting the Engine on 2026

Planning your riding season is an act of optimism. It’s a way to reclaim your time and ensure that when the "four-letter word" (snow) finally melts, you aren't stuck in the garage wondering where to go. You’ve done the hard work of raising the kids, working the hours, and earning your seat in the breeze. Whether you’re leaning into the curves on a cruiser or enjoying the rock-solid confidence of a Can-Am, 2026 is yours for the taking. Use these cold weeks to build a season that allows you to be truly present, to see the world through a helmet visor, and to appreciate the gift of the open road.