Planning a road trip on two—or three—wheels is about more than just plotting a route and filling your tank. Whether you’re riding a classic cruiser, a rugged adventure bike, or a Can-Am Spyder or Ryker, getting road-trip ready takes a bit of strategy, a few checklists, and yes, some shopping. Ask me how I know. After years of juggling full-time work, raising triplet boys solo, and going back to college, hopping on my bike was the closest thing I had to a spa day. Now, as a Can-Am Spyder rider in the hills of Southeast Ohio, road trips are back on my radar. Here’s how to make yours a smooth one.

Know Your Machine, Know Your Limits

Before you even look at maps or weather apps, take an honest look at your ride. If it’s a two-wheeler, check your chain, belt, or shaft. Inspect tires for wear, look at brake pads, and make sure all fluids are topped off. If you’re on a Can-Am Spyder or Ryker, make sure your VSS system, brake reservoir, and front-end alignment are all in spec. A road trip is not the time to gamble on “good enough.”

Also, ask yourself if your gear matches your plans. I once thought a 90-mile stretch through West Virginia would be “no biggie.” Three hours and a numb butt later, I learned that comfort isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Upgrade Your Comfort and Carry Capacity

Let’s be real: saddle sores are not a badge of honor. One of the easiest ways to upgrade your ride for long-distance comfort is with a gel seat pad like the Airhawk R-RevB Cruiser Seat Cushion. It gives your tailbone the royal treatment and adjusts to your pressure points, which is great when your joints don’t recover like they used to.

If you're rolling on a Can-Am Spyder RT like me, chances are you already have ample storage, but adding a handlebar bag or tank bag—like the Nelson-Rigg Trails End Adventure Bag—makes quick-access stuff (like snacks, lip balm, or tissues for your helmet snot) way easier to reach.

Two-wheelers might want to consider saddlebags or a rear tail bag like the Viking Bags Lamellar Hard Saddlebags or Kriega US-30 Drypack. Bonus points if it's waterproof—because nothing says “fun” like soggy underwear at a rest stop.

Be Your Own Mobile Garage

If you’ve never broken down roadside, I hope you never do. But the truth is: bikes are bikes. Even my ultra-reliable Can-Am doesn’t have immunity to bad luck or road debris. That’s why I never leave for a trip without a multi-tool, a tire repair kit, and a portable air compressor.

The Dynaplug Ultralite Tire Repair Kit is tiny but mighty—it can plug a tubeless tire in minutes. Pair it with a Stop & Go Mini Air Compressor (which plugs into your bike's 12V outlet), and you're back on the road without begging for a tow.

Chain lube and microfiber cloths should also be part of your road kit if you're riding a chain-driven bike. For Spyder and Ryker riders—pack some brake cleaner, just in case those rotors start squealing. It happens.

Pack Smart, Not Like You’re Moving

The temptation to pack for every possible scenario is real. But unless you’re planning a full relocation to Glacier National Park, stick to the essentials. Layering is your friend—especially when elevation and weather swing like a moody toddler.

My go-to: a moisture-wicking base layer, a thermal layer, and a lightweight waterproof riding jacket. I swear by the HWK Adventure/Touring Motorcycle Jacket for unpredictable weather. It's budget-friendly and has armor and ventilation where it counts.

Don't forget a neck gaiter and lightweight gloves for backup. Cold fingers and wind-chapped faces are avoidable miseries.

Oh, and always pack earplugs. I didn’t start wearing them until about two years ago, and I wish someone had slapped some in my ears back in 2005. Wind noise is not just annoying—it’s hearing loss in disguise.

Navigation and Safety Tech: Use It

Yes, it’s possible to road trip with paper maps and vibes alone—but it’s 2025. Use the tools. A RAM Mount X-Grip or Quad Lock Phone Mount keeps your phone secure and visible without blocking your gauges. And if you're not already using a Bluetooth headset, get one. The Cardo Packtalk Edge is one of the best for group rides and solo Spotify sessions.

Always carry a power bank or two. I like the Anker PowerCore 20100, which charges a phone several times over. And if you’re planning on camping or going off-grid, consider a Garmin inReach Mini 2. It allows satellite messaging, which could literally save your life when cell towers say “nope.”

Stay Hydrated, Eat Something Besides Gas Station Jerky

Being dehydrated on a long ride is like adding extra weight to your fatigue meter. A good hydration pack, like the CamelBak M.U.L.E., lets you sip without stopping and keeps your water cool for hours.

Also, pack some snacks that won’t melt, explode, or resemble birdseed. Trail mix, jerky, protein bars—anything that gives you energy without the sugar crash. Riding takes mental focus, and you need fuel for that.

Know Your Route, But Be Flexible

Planning a road trip route is part of the fun. I’m a sucker for scenic detours and weird roadside attractions. Just make sure your route includes fuel stops, food options, and lodging if you’re not camping.

Some great routes to consider: the Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee/North Carolina, the Beartooth Highway in Montana, or closer to home for me—Ohio’s Triple Nickel (OH-555). Twisty, hilly, and unforgettable. Pro tip: ride it on a weekday if possible—it’s popular for good reason.

Don’t rely 100% on GPS. Have a general sense of direction and carry a foldable paper map as a backup, just in case.

Ride With a Sense of Presence

This one’s less about gear and more about mindset. The best road trips aren’t just miles; they’re moments. Whether it’s catching a sunrise in the Smokies or laughing at how you almost dropped your bike trying to turn around on gravel (again), road trips are their own kind of therapy.

Riding—especially on long days—forces you to be present. There’s no space for multitasking when your hands are on handlebars, your eyes scanning the road, and your brain assessing every curve. That’s a gift.

After years of stop-go chaos raising kids, getting back in the wind—especially on my Can-Am—has brought back that sense of peace I didn’t know I was missing. Road trips just amplify that even more.