Who can participate?
Anyone with a street-legal motorcycle is welcome that can cover 120 miles between fuel stops! You can ride for the entire week, a few days, or even just a single day.
Because Long Reach Long Riders covers hundreds of miles each day and includes group riding, we like to have a conversation with first-time participants about their riding experience and comfort level. This isn’t a test or an interview. It’s simply a chance to answer questions, explain how we ride, and make sure you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you’re new to group riding, we may recommend joining a local group ride before the event to become familiar with riding in formation and group communication. We’re happy to offer guidance and resources to help you prepare.
Our goal isn’t to turn people away. It’s to make sure every rider feels confident, comfortable, and ready to enjoy an incredible week on the road.
Do I have to ride the entire route?
Not at all! Many riders join for only part of the journey. You’re welcome to participate for whatever portion fits your schedule.
What types of motorcycles are allowed?
All makes and models are welcome. The only requirement is that your motorcycle is roadworthy and capable of comfortably going 120 miles between fuel stops
How much fundraising is required?
Each rider is asked to raise a minimum fundraising amount (currently $1,000). Every dollar supports the Behind the Scenes Charity.
How many miles will we ride each day?
Most riding days range from 180 to 300 miles, depending on the terrain, the technicality of the roads, and the area’s attractions.
Our routes are designed to be enjoyable, not endurance contests. Day 1 is intentionally one of our easiest days, giving everyone a chance to get comfortable with the group, settle into the rhythm of the ride, and shake off any first-day jitters.
We generally aim to leave the hotel between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. and arrive at the next hotel by approximately 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. This schedule gives us plenty of time to enjoy the ride while also allowing for fuel stops, sightseeing, lunch, photo opportunities, construction delays, or the occasional unexpected adventure, without feeling rushed.
Our routes are also planned with flexibility in mind. If you decide you’d like to take a day off from riding, it’s usually easy to spend a relaxing day exploring the local area or enjoying the hotel before rejoining the group the following day.
What does my registration fee cover?
Your rider registration fee helps cover the costs of organizing the ride and includes:
- An official Long Reach Long Riders event T-shirt
- Website hosting and registration system costs
- Our signature LRLR kazoo swag that we hand out at our stops (because a group of motorcycles arriving is memorable, but a chorus of kazoos is unforgettable!)
- Please note: Rider registration fees do not cover hotels, fuel, meals, or other personal travel expenses. Riders are responsible for those costs and are also asked to meet the annual fundraising minimum to support the Behind the Scenes Charity.
How are hotels handled?
Hotels are booked by LRLR using a master credit card so everyone stays together. Riders are invoiced after the ride for their hotel costs.
Can I pay my hotel invoice with a credit card?
Yes. Credit card payments are accepted, though a processing fee applies. You can always pay by check to avoid that fee.
I’ve never ridden in a large group. What should I expect?
Don’t worry! Many riders are new to organized group riding, and we’ll review our riding procedures before we hit the road.
Some of our standard practices include:
- Riding in a staggered formation whenever conditions allow.
- Maintaining approximately a 2-second following distance to the motorcycle directly ahead of you.
- Following the lead rider’s hand signals for turns, hazards, fuel stops, and other route information.
- Coordinating lane changes as a group. Communication flows between the lead rider, sweep rider, and chase vehicle to ensure everyone moves safely together.
- Riding at a pace that’s safe and comfortable for the group. No one is expected to exceed their comfort level.
Will everyone ride at the same pace?
Safety and enjoyment are our priorities. While we often ride together as a group, there are times, especially on more technical or twisty roads, when we’ll split into smaller groups based on riding style and pace.
Faster riders may head out ahead while others enjoy a more relaxed pace. We always have a plan to regroup, typically at the next scheduled fuel stop or rest break. No one is expected to ride faster than they’re comfortable with, and no one is left behind.
Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the ride at their own pace while still sharing the experience together.
Do I need a radio?
We use GMRS radios to communicate between riders, the lead bike, and the chase vehicle.
A radio is not required, but if you already own a GMRS radio, we encourage you to bring it. It makes communication about traffic, road hazards, fuel stops, and route changes much easier.
What support is available during the ride?
We currently have two support vehicles following the ride:
- Chase 1 pulls a trailer (though we hope it spends the entire week empty!). It also carries an extensive trauma first aid kit, generously donated by former Long Reach Long Rider Chris Dopher.
- Caboose (our affectionately named second chase vehicle) brings up the rear of the group.
Both chase vehicles carry water, Gatorade, and other basic supplies to help keep riders comfortable throughout the day.
If you need to pull over for any reason, our sweep rider and at least one of the chase vehicles will stop with you. Whether it’s a mechanical issue, a flat tire, a rider needing a break, or another unexpected situation, you won’t be left on your own.
If you’re simply stopping to adjust your gear, take a photo, or enjoy the scenery and don’t need assistance, just give us a thumbs up as we pass. That’s our signal that you’re okay and we’ll continue to the next regroup point.
Our goal is simple: everyone starts together, everyone finishes together, and we look out for one another every mile of the journey.