motorcycle road trip: how to prepare

Motorcycling across Europe is a way of satisfying a need for freedom, fresh air and discoveries that have to be earned. But this promise of escape cannot be improvised. As any experienced biker knows: a successful road trip depends to a large extent on meticulous preparation.

At Hellenic Rides, we accompany dozens of motorcyclists every year on the winding roads of Greece, Crete and theAdriatic. This guide summarizes the essence of our experience in the field. It's not just for beginners, and even seasoned motorcycle travelers will find plenty to refine their riding skills.

Planning a motorcycle road trip? Here's how we suggest you prepare: essential equipment, luggage organization, bike and rider preparation...

Motorcycle road trips: essential equipment

When preparing for a road trip, the choice of equipment plays an essential role. Protective, utilitarian, sometimes life-saving, it determines comfort, protection and safety.

The heart of the matter: motorcycling equipment

The choice of personal equipment is the basis of effective preparation. It's no coincidence that the most extensive discussions on specialist forums often focus on jackets, helmets, shoes and gloves! We're talking here about comfort, but above all protection - against wind, rain, heat, splashes, insects, etc. - and safety in the event of a fall or accident. - and safety in the event of a fall or accident.

Let's take the example of heat, an unavoidable subject if you're driving in the south of France or Europe, and one with which we're all familiar. Protecting yourself against it is not something you can improvise, and shouldn't be taken lightly if you don't want to see your trip ruined because you didn't anticipate the subject. A pair of jeans or a T-shirt won't do for long under the sweltering sun, and will never replace approved clothing designed for riding in hot weather.

Helmet and jacket

A well-ventilated helmet, adapted to facial morphology, with an integrated or external sunscreen and a removable, washable interior remains a priority investment.

While the question of helmet type doesn't really arise for riding in Europe's temperate climates, this is not the case for hot climates, where full-face helmets can sometimes be uncomfortable, especially when temperatures exceed thirty degrees. In this situation, a modular helmet will obviously provide extra comfort, but at the price of slightly less safety in the event of a fall. As for the wide-visor road-going jet helmet, it's the best for comfort in hot weather, but with a higher risk in the event of an accident or a rapid fall.

The same reasoning applies to jackets and pants, which must combine lightness, ventilation and resistance to impact and abrasion, while allowing a liner to be added for high-altitude passages or early-morning rides. As with other activities, such as skiing, manufacturers have developed complete jackets + pants outfits that integrate protection and ventilation, and offer excellent modularity to adapt to the variable conditions encountered when riding a motorcycle. For a road trip, this is undoubtedly the best option.

Be careful, however, with waterproofing: the more effective it is, the heavier your outfit will be, and the harder it will be to ventilate effectively in hot weather. We prefer to add a good-quality rain suit in case of unforeseen showers or thunderstorms, in combination with a complete, light and ventilated motorcycle outfit.

Gloves

When it comes to gloves, the ideal solution is to pack two pairs. Depending on your destination and the season, you can alternate between a short, breathable pair for summer days, and a thicker pair for cooler weather or unexpected showers. You can also combine one pair for riding when it's not raining, and a second just for rainy days. Conversely, for riding in cold weather at altitude or in the morning, a pair of under-gloves will be an effective complement.

The shoes

The importance of proper footwear when riding a motorcycle is no longer questioned by anyone. Not only is it essential for safety in the event of an accident, but it's also a question of comfort and protection. Whether it's boots or shoes, there's a plethora on the market.

To find the shoe that's right for you, look for a model that's at least ankle-high, to protect your malleolus and prevent rubbing, with a reinforced upper and sole for support, but not so much that it makes walking uncomfortable, and sufficiently ventilated to keep your feet dry in the event of rain.

Other equipment

What we've just talked about is the basis of a biker's equipment for a road trip. Of course, there are many others that can be considered depending on your destination, the season and type of roads or trails you'll encounter, and the level of protection or safety you desire.

Here are just a few: airbag vests, heating or cooling vests or jackets, warm or breathable technical underwear, earplugs, sunglasses, helmet locks, visor cleaners, water-repellent products, etc.

You'll have no trouble making an exhaustive list by browsing the sections of online retailers specializing in motorcycles.

Travel light, forget nothing: luggage and the art of sorting

Carrying your belongings on a motorcycle requires a different logic from that of a conventional trip. On a road trip, you don't pack "just in case"; instead, you choose wisely what you will need, or might reasonably need. The art lies in finding the right compromise between container and content...

For Hellenic Rides tours, we offer motorcycles equipped with side cases and top cases for hire, which is the optimum solution. Additional panniers or bags can of course be added, as long as you don't overload your bike to the point of making it too heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially if you're riding with a passenger.

If you're taking your motorcycle with you, you may prefer a travel bag to a suitcase if your bike isn't suitable for one. Be aware, however, that this solution will place greater constraints on the contents, and won't allow for optimal organization of the contents.

Knowing how to organize your load remains essential. One of the golden rules is to separate your belongings according to use: what's needed for daily use must remain accessible, what's needed for maintenance can be stored deeper down, and items of occasional comfort must be stored intelligently so as not to come between you and the rest.

When it comes to luggage contents, your change of clothes should be practical: light, breathable, easily washable and quick-drying. A swimsuit will always come in handy on the beaches of Crete or the Croatian creeks, as will a pair of flip-flops for the evening. Last but not least, don't neglect a sober, comfortable civilian outfit for restaurants, sightseeing or simply enjoying the local atmosphere.

Another important rule is good weight distribution. Anything heavy should be placed as low as possible to optimize your bike's center of gravity, and therefore at the bottom of the saddlebags. Planning to take along a tool kit? Don't store it in or on the top case!

Anticipating glitches: tools and minimal maintenance

A motorcycle road trip, no matter how well organized, is still a mechanical journey. Anything that runs can break down. Anticipating this means carrying a basic breakdown kit. You don't need to carry a workshop, just the essentials: tire pressure, punctures, transmission, simple tightenings, etc.

In most cases, a mini-compressor, a tubeless repair kit or inner tube, chain spray and a few tools compatible with your bike are all you need. For machines rented from Hellenic Rides, everything is checked before you set off, but having what you need to react quickly can save you an unnecessary call to assistance for a simple unscrewed screw or low tire pressure.

A microfiber cloth, a roll of sturdy adhesive tape and a few hose clamps can also be very useful on an isolated stage or hotel parking lot. In any case, it's best to familiarize yourself with the use of this equipment before setting off.

Navigation and on-board technology

It's tempting to leave all the navigation to your phone. Applications are numerous, coverage is often good, and GPS functions are very reliable. But a road trip is not the same as an urban crossing. Loss of network, flat battery, falling device or overheating are commonplace as soon as conditions become demanding.

A good motorcycle mount, waterproof and stable, is essential. It can accommodate a GPS device, a smartphone or a replica screen (Carplay). It must have an integrated or separate power supply. An external, waterproof back-up battery , or even a charger connected to the motorcycle, will be a useful addition to your device. Likewise, a paper map of the regions you've crossed can save the day in the event of digital failure.

Applications such as OsmAnd or Kurviger, which allow you to download maps offline, are to be preferred. For those who love beautiful curves, Calimoto or MyRouteApp can also be used to build customized itineraries. There are many others, all with their advantages and disadvantages. Compare before you choose.

A word about intercoms too: they make it easier to communicate as a duo (Bluetooth) or in a group (mesh), listen to music or receive GPS directions by ear. But beware of power consumption, which is often faster than expected. Don't forget your charger or batteries to recharge them.

Documents, health and administrative anticipation

Just as important as everything else, all your documents must be grouped together in a watertight, easily accessible pocket. Driver's license, car registration, insurance, identity papers, European health insurance card, various certificates: every country has its own requirements, and forgetting them can be costly in terms of time and money.

Take two credit cards with you and keep them in two different places, and don't forget to carry cash in local currency to cover all eventualities.

In countries outside the EU or with special status (Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo), certain standard insurance policies are not enough. You may need to take out local cover or a temporary extension. Hellenic Rides will inform you of these specific points in advance.

And don't forget your health: sufficient medication, prescriptions, first-aid kit with disinfectant, bandages, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anti-bite balm, mosquito repellent, basic digestive treatments, etc. These are often details not to be overlooked.

Little accessories that can change everything

Experienced backpackers know: sometimes a simple accessory can make a big difference. Here's a list of small accessories that change everything:

- A neckband prevents sunburn on the nape of the neck or dust in the throat, or even bites from invasive insects.

- A pair of earplugs significantly reduces hearing fatigue

- An isothermal water bottle or hydration bag prevents dehydration on long stages.

- A headlamp can be a great help in hotels without good lighting, or during an unscheduled night stop.

In very hot areas, a small USB fan, sweat-resistant sun cream or a damp cloth on the back of your neck make all the difference. These are not gadgets, but elements that, taken together, make for a smoother, more controlled experience of riding a motorcycle in hot weather.

Often overlooked: preparing yourself and your bike

It seems obvious for a trip that's likely to be long and far away, yet many bikers will spend hours studying the question of equipment and luggage, but will neglect the essential: preparing their bike and themselves.

Let's start with the bike. Plan to have your bike serviced, and have any consumables that won't last the distance replaced (not forgetting the return trip): tires, chain, brake pads, lubricant, etc. Have anything that could break or fail at the worst possible moment repaired or tightened. Anticipate additional wear and tear due to the condition of the roads or tracks you'll be using. Make sure you have all the equipment you need: luggage, racks, lighting, windscreen, protection bars, hand guards, etc.

Then there's the driver (and, to a lesser extent, the passenger). It goes without saying, but preparing for a road trip follows the same logic as preparing for a sporting event. Riding for a long time, every day and for many days, over long distances, in a potentially testing environment (cold, hot, dry, wet), in an unfamiliar context (language, food, local customs, traffic and traffic), all this will be a test for your body (fatigue, endurance, allergies, intolerances) and your mind (stress, excitement, anxiety, apprehension). So it's not a bad idea to prepare yourself - on the contrary.

Without going into the details of a complete program, remember that on the day you set off on your road trip, you need to be in tip-top shape.

In concrete terms, this means that you must be neither sick nor tired, and that you must have undertaken a minimum of physical preparation to be able to withstand the effort you'll be asking of your body. It also means that you will have prepared your itinerary and your trip with enough anticipation to avoid the stress of a last-minute emergency, and that you will have done enough research to leave with peace of mind.

Hellenic Rides road trips: what we can do for you

So, should you organize this road trip yourself, or entrust it to a professional?

One of the advantages of going with an agency like Hellenic Rides is that you can delegate some of this preparation. In a way, it's a guarantee of peace of mind and serenity!

The bikes are serviced, equipped and adapted to the type of trip envisaged. Suitcases are already packed, itineraries identified, accommodations selected and booked. In advance, we give you clear recommendations on the personal equipment you need, depending on the season, the destination and your level of riding experience.

The roadbook is supplied, sometimes with a preloaded GPS. The team can be contacted during the trip for any questions or incidents, and you leave with the certainty of riding on itineraries far from mass tourism but close to local beauty.

Preparing for a motorcycle road trip is much more than a checklist. It's about anticipation, discernment and lucidity. Every piece of equipment has a function, and every oversight can have an impact. But if you're well prepared, you'll ride with peace of mind. The engine's running, the bends are flowing, and all you have to do... is enjoy.

At Hellenic Rides, we believe that freedom is not incompatible with comfort, nor adventure with safety. Get your gear right - and the trip will do the rest.