Tips for planning the perfect motorcycle ride

No matter where you live in this beautiful country, chances are good you can easily find a stretch of road that would be perfect for a motorcycle ride.

Florida has A-1-A which takes you right past the ocean in many places. The Pacific Coast Highway in California boasts some of the prettiest scenery in the entire country. North Carolina has the Blue Ridge Parkway and the windy roads of the Smoky Mountains National Park. From the ocean to the mountains, New England features some truly spectacular scenic drives as well. Just log on to www.motorcycleroads.com for suggestions on a route in the state you'd like to explore.

Whether you're planning to travel a well-known route, or one of those off-the-beaten-path rides that only the locals know about, it's important that you are prepared in case of a mishap during your trip. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which represents the state highway safety offices nationwide, 4,762 people died in motorcycle accidents in the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2009. Tens of thousands more riders were injured.

You may not be able to prevent an accident, but if one does happen, you want to make sure the insurance you are carrying is adequate. You can do this by seeking a motorcycle insurance quote today.

Motorcycle insurance is a lot like automotive insurance, only a lot less expensive. According to an article posted on FinancialWeb.com, it costs just $20 - $300 per month depending on your coverage. Among the motorcycle insurance coverage options available: comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, personal injury protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage.

Insurance can help you out not just in case of a mishap, but also with problems suffered along the way. Sometimes riders may find themselves broken down in the middle of nowhere while making their way across the country. When this happens, towing coverage is invaluable.

And because you never know when a breakdown is going to happen, it's critical that you pack an emergency kit every time you hit the road. It should include a cell phone, road flares and a first-aid kit, as well as provisions in case you have to rough it in the wilderness for the night. Food and water is critical. So is a blanket, and if you're traveling in the wintertime, boots, gloves, hand and foot warmers and a hand shovel are a good idea as well.

Courtesy of ARAcontent