Whether you’re behind the wheel or the handlebars, hitting the road for a few days is an excellent way to enjoy a bit of adventure, freedom, and discovery. But there’s no reason to limit yourself to just road tripping in a car or on a motorbike.
A road trip that combines driving and riding gives you the best of both worlds, and it’s remarkably easy to pull off if you plan it correctly.
Here’s what you need to do to organize a dual road trip.
Decide On Your Car and Bike
Choosing the right car and motorbike combo sets the foundation for a successful trip. SUVs and pickups are ideal for carrying gear and towing motorcycles, while camper vans or RVs offer added comfort for longer journeys.
For the ride, touring bikes provide long-distance comfort, cruisers deliver relaxed highway performance, and off-road bikes are perfect for exploring rugged backroads. Your decision will also depend on whether you are a beginner rider or have experience.
You need to consider whether you’ll need a trailer, too, as this can slow you down a bit, or whether your companions will share the riding and driving, so there’s no towing required.
Pick Your Route
Once you’ve chosen your car/bike combo, you can select the ideal route to make the most of both. Look for routes that combine long-distance cruising with scenic detours, winding roads, and hard-to-reach viewpoints. 
When mapping out your route, make sure you have the right auto insurance for your route, especially if you’re planning on crossing borders. You may also need to increase your existing coverage if you’re planning on renting a car or bike.
Include Detours and Day Rides
One of the best parts of road tripping on a bike is the ability to explore places cars can’t reach. When you pick your route, do some extra research into scenic detours or rural trails that are only accessible on two wheels. These side adventures break up long stretches of highway and make your trip a lot more interesting. They also give you the chance to experience hidden gems like quiet viewpoints, small towns, and winding back roads that most travelers miss out on entirely.
Map Out Gas, Food, and Rest Stops
When juggling multiple types of vehicles, logistics is vitally important. Gas stations, safe bike parking areas, and overnight accommodations that cater to both cars and bikes should all be part of your plan. Look for bike-friendly hotels or motels, secure parking, and rest areas that allow cars and bikes.
To avoid getting caught out in remote areas, consider the distance between your gas stops, food options, and overnight accommodations to give yourself plenty of leeway in case there’s a delay.
Pack Smart To Maximize Space
With a car and bike, you can lighten your bike’s load when packing. While you should always have essentials like hydration packs, navigation tools, emergency kits, and rain gear on your bike, everything else can go in the car.
Using the car’s storage for bulkier items like spare gear, food supplies, camping equipment, and tools allows you to ride more comfortably and stay agile on the road.
Prioritize Safety
Riding or driving through unfamiliar areas requires extra caution, and you should check the local motorcycle laws, including helmet requirements and lane-splitting rules that apply to your route.
Also, ensure both your car and bike are in top shape before departure and that you have all the necessary protective gear.
Doing daily safety checks that include your tire pressure, lights, and brakes is crucial, too, especially if you’re driving or riding on rough terrain.
Plan for All Weather and Terrain
On the topic of rough terrain, not every road will be smooth, especially if you’re in the wilderness or mountains during winter.
Weather and road conditions can vary drastically across regions, so you should check forecasts daily and adjust your plans accordingly. Some days, you’ll be safer in your car, so you need to be flexible in your itinerary.
Have A Backup Plan
You can lose GPS signal, it can start to snow, the road you planned on taking is no longer passable, or you shred a tire in the middle of nowhere. In these cases, and every other unexpected event, you need to have a backup plan.
Make sure that you have fully charged smartphones, location-sharing apps, or two-way radios, and always set designated meet-up points if you’re traveling with companions. If you’re solo, make sure someone knows where you are and that you check in at designated times.
Summary
The perfect ride-and-drive adventure may require some thought and strategy, but the resulting adventure is worth it. With a little bit of smart packing and planning, you get to enjoy comfort, freedom, scenery, and a shot of adrenaline.
