What You’re Looking For Depends On What You’re Used To

When many people plan a big vacation get-away, the first thing they think of is something that they’ve heard someone brag about… a trip to Bora-Bora, climbing a mountain… whatever!

Then they realize that they don’t have the funds, skills, interest or time to make that plan work, so they settle for a stay-cation.

In a previous post I discuss whether to choose a motorcycle vacation, now let’s talk about HOW to choose the right trip for YOU!

I see 3 approaches for choosing where to go. The first is to simply pick some place you’ve never been and head out. No planning, no worrying.. just go with the flow.  This is great for the type of person for whom facing the unknown is the fun part, but that is not the kind of trip I’m talking about here.

The second approach is to choose a destination where you will spend most of your time, and the motorcycle is simply your transportation there and back.Your planning will be limited to logistics, like hotels, gas, mileage, and possibly weather. Again, not the kind of trip I’m discussing here.

The third approach is to plan the trip, as opposed to just the destination, to do and see the things you enjoy.  A motorcycle vacation adventure can be a weekend, or a week (or more) long and give you the sense of adventure and accomplishment you are seeking.

I suggest that you start with an inventory of what you ‘have’ and what you ‘want’. If you live in the pine-forested mountains, the desert vistas of the Southwest may get your juices flowing. Or maybe the swamps of the Southeast. If you live in a crowded big city, maybe the wide open plains (with no people) are just the ticket.  Start with an inventory of what you  already have, then develop a list of what you want to experience.

Here is my list from the Phoenix Valley of the Sun area:
• desert plants on a flat desert floor
• small but steep hills we call mountains

What I love to experience:
• cliffs & canyons (from the top) with big vistas, and canyons (from the bottom) with rivers I can ride next to
• colorful, interesting rock formations
• big vistas of undulating forested mountains and meadows
• jagged coastline
• twisty mountain roads and broad, and sweeping turns with great vistas
• historical sites

You may have a different list if you live in a different location (or like different things), but the point is to go ahead and create your own list. Once you know what you are looking for, you may be surprised how easily you can plan a great adventure vacation, maybe in your own state!

Living in the Southwest gives me an unfair advantage, as almost everything I want is within 2 days ride, but their is nothing to prevent you from hopping on a plane and getting close to your destination to rent a motorcycle. Once you are on the motorcycle, your adventure awaits. Whether you want to ride the Pacific Coast Highway, tour the Grand Canyon, ride the Million Dollar Highway, Freedom Trail, or Tail of the Dragon… or make up your own dream ride… you can do it with a little preparation.

In a future post, I will discuss my methods for finding routes that optimize the things I like to do.

There are great rides in almost every state. The secret is to create your route by choosing things you love to experience (from your list) and go DO IT!