| Motorcycle touring is a pastime of choice for | | | | A thorough safety inspection is a good idea |
| many couples. Long or short trips down the open | | | | before any ride, regardless of the length. For |
| road provide thousands of couples with a unique | | | | longer tours, a complete check of tire pressure, |
| experience every year. The level of intimacy and | | | | fluid levels, and working equipment is an absolute |
| togetherness rivals even a stroll on the beach. | | | | necessity. The longer the ride, the easier it is to |
| With some advanced planning and preparation | | | | let road fatigue affect driving ability. Maximize |
| before a long touring ride together you can | | | | your chances of arriving safely by ensuring the |
| increase the chance that the ride is safe. | | | | bike is in top form before setting out. Check the |
| Advanced planning is the first step to making | | | | owner's manual for proper tire inflation; be sure to |
| your tour an enjoyable and lasting experience. | | | | carry a gauge in the saddle bags and check tire |
| Before hitting the open road you should sit down | | | | pressure any time the ride feels a little shaky. |
| together, open a map, and discuss the points of | | | | Finally, check for weather and road conditions in |
| interest you plan to visit. Communication during | | | | the general area you are heading before starting |
| the ride should be kept to an absolute minimum | | | | out. Rain, high winds, and thunderstorms make |
| for safety's sake unless you have invested in | | | | touring hazardous. Be sure you know what you |
| radio headsets. Be sure you highlight possible pit | | | | are riding into. Plan for detours in case the |
| stops along the way well before setting out | | | | weather turns quickly, and don't forget to pack |
| together. Deciding together how frequently to pull | | | | the rain gear. Road delays and long construction |
| over will reduce the need for a distracting tap on | | | | zones can turn a great trip into a headache |
| the shoulder which can sometimes be alarming at | | | | instantly. Be sure to know the conditions of the |
| sixty miles per hour when your head is really into | | | | roads you intend to travel. |
| the ride. | | | | |
