The first time I hit the freeway on a bike, my heart was pounding. Everything felt faster—cars zipping by, wind pushing harder, the noise from trucks. It’s a big shift from riding around town.
That’s why I always tell new riders: take your time. Don’t feel like you have to prove anything. The freeway will still be there tomorrow.
Start with small steps. Practice the basics. Let your confidence build one ride at a time. That’s how you stay in control and actually enjoy the ride.
You don’t need to set out on a 200-mile ride on your first day.
Try this instead:
- Merge onto the highway.
- Ride one exit.
- Take the next off-ramp.
- Repeat.
This lets you practice merging, signaling, lane positioning, and maintaining higher speeds without committing to a long ride. Gradually extend your trips as your comfort level grows.
Look Farther Ahead Than You Do in a Car
Highway riding demands more focus and much farther vision down the road. You’re not protected by a steel cage or air bags—your safety is your awareness.
This means watching:
- The lane ahead
- The shoulder
- Oncoming traffic
- Wildlife movement
- Changes in road surface
- Debris or tire remnants
A real example: Just a few weeks ago, while riding home after dinner, I was cruising at about 85 mph in the dark. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a flash—a deer jumping back into the brush right at the edge of the road. Because I was scanning ahead and to the sides, I had time to react and shift away from the shoulder, avoiding what could’ve been a very serious accident.
These split-second moments are why awareness matters.
Expect the Unexpected
Highway hazards can appear instantly. A blown tire from a vehicle ahead can scatter debris across multiple lanes in seconds. A driver might drift without signaling. Wildlife may emerge onto the shoulder at dusk.
Your training and practice prepare you for these moments. They make the difference between calmly maneuvering and panicking.
Gear Up Every Time You Ride
Most of us have been guilty of riding with minimal gear at least once. But as time goes on, you realize just how important proper equipment really is.
Today’s motorcycle gear is better than ever—lighter, more flexible, and more comfortable. A good DOT-approved helmet, proper gloves, a reinforced jacket, pants, and boots can dramatically reduce injury if you ever do go down.
Your safety, and your passenger’s safety, is worth the extra minute it takes to gear up.
Ride for the Peace It Brings
For many of us, riding is more than transportation—it’s therapy. It’s the quiet, the wind, the sense of freedom that only comes from two wheels and an open road.
Whether you’re cruising over Beartooth Pass, riding around Flathead, or simply commuting to work, those moments of clarity and escape remind us why we ride in the first place.
So take the time to learn your bike, build confidence at your own pace, practice your skills, and gear up. The more prepared you are, the more you’ll be able to truly enjoy every mile of your journey.
Stay safe, ride smart, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
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