We’ve all been tempted to hop on the bike, turn on the GPS, and head into the unknown. And while it had its charm, it also gave me a few headaches. A good trip isn’t just about following the map; it’s about creating your own adventure.

It’s said that a great trip is experienced three times: the planning, the journey itself, and after arriving, seeing or sharing stories, photos, and videos we made along the way.

Planning the route before you turn the key in the bike is the secret to avoiding setbacks and ensuring you enjoy every kilometer. We’ll share a step-by-step planning process.

1. The Paper Map: Where It All Begins

Before you turn on any screen, grab a good map. I love a good paper map, especially for getting the big picture.

• Plot the Route: Trace your route with a marker. You’ll quickly see the route, the countries you’ll pass through, and most importantly, the areas you can avoid.
  With this, you’ll understand where you can shorten the journey if needed.
• Stop Points: Mark the places where you want to spend the night. This will give you an idea of how many kilometers you need to cover each day to reach your goal.
• The Route: The paper map will show you the main roads, but also the secondary ones. And as you know, the best views are rarely found on highways.

2. Route Details: Technology is Your Friend

With the outline done, it’s time to transfer the route to your GPS or app.

• Planning Platforms: Use sites like Google Maps or ViaMichelin to check the distance, cost, and travel time. But for a bike, it’s best to use platforms that let you choose more winding and scenic routes, not just the fastest ones.
• Points of Interest: Add points of interest to your route. Don’t just stick to hotels and restaurants; add viewpoints, landscapes, historical sites, and even that little tavern you saw in a YouTube video.
• Service Stations: Knowing your bike’s range, mark the gas stations along your route. This is a golden tip, especially in more remote areas where gas stations can be scarce. Don’t forget to check their opening hours; they might be closed on weekends or at night, for example.
• Comfort: Don’t forget how many kilometers are comfortable for you to ride each day. Enjoy the trip, account for stop times at each point of interest, meals, and refueling. We’re on a journey, not in a race that forces us to ride xx kilometers a day.

3. The Contingency Route: Plan B

No matter how well-planned your trip is, unexpected events happen. That’s why a good motorcyclist always has a plan B.

• Alternative Route: Plan an alternative route in case of bad weather, road closures, or accidents. Having a plan B will save you the stress of finding a new path halfway through the trip.
• Emergency Contacts: Note down the emergency numbers for each country you pass through.
• Insurance: Check if your bike’s insurance covers the countries you’ll be riding in, if you have travel assistance for those kilometers, and look for travel insurance that covers unexpected events.

The Motorcyclist’s Verdict

A motorcycle trip is about freedom and adventure. Route planning isn’t meant to take away that freedom, but to give you the peace of mind to enjoy every moment.

The bike is freedom, but the map is your compass.

And you, how do you prepare your routes? Share your tips in the comments.

Happy riding!