Traveling far distances via motorcycle is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the country and unwind. There’s nothing like taking a scenic motorcycle trip up the east coast to explore some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.

Whenever I’m planning to take a long trip via my motorcycle, I always take a few steps to prepare. See below for some tips to prepare you for your next motorcycle adventure:

1. View Google Maps: It’s always a good idea to have some clue of where you’re headed! Even if you want to fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, using Google Maps to find your way to an end destination is extremely helpful—especially if you get lost and have NO clue where you are, Google Maps can direct you toward your desired destination. And although it’s easy to completely rely on your iPad or smart phone, it’s a smart idea to print a map from Google Maps before you leave—just in case you don’t have Internet service.

Google Maps

2. Check Weather.com: Dressing appropriately for weather conditions is extremely important while traveling on a motorcycle for long distances. If it’s pouring rain and you didn’t prepare ahead of time, you might find yourself hanging out on the side of the road, waiting for the rain to subside—or even worse, you might end up in a motorcycle accident. If there is a chance of rain, be sure to wear and pack bright-colored clothing so that other drivers can easily spot you on the road. Also, have a helmet that contains a shield to help you keep an eye on the road.

Weather Channel

3. Research gas station locations: Nothing is worse than getting stuck on the side of the road without gas. Be prepared by researching nearby gas stations, just in case you find your motorcycle only has a quarter of a tank left—some stretches of road don’t have gas stations for miles. I suggest using GasBuddy.com. Not only does this website show you where nearby gas stations are, but it also shows you the cheapest stations to purchase gas.

GasBuddy.com

How do you prepare for long motorcycle trips?