#touringtips

Turning 50 often means Time to explore more,  you have more time to experience with more resources to enjoy motorcycle touring. At this stage of life many riders can pick routes carefully, take longer trips, and feel confident exploring at their own pace.

Touring Tips for 50+ Riders

Choose a bike for comfort with terrain – Pick a motorcycle that fits your body offers a comfortable riding position and suits the roads you will travel.

Get proper gear – Use a good quality helmet, gloves, jacket, boots with protective clothing to make ride safe and comfortable.

Focus on breaks – Stop often to rest or stretch and drink water. This usually helps avoid stiffness and fatigue.

Plan sensible routes and pace – Plan rides that match your energy level and the local terrain.

Stay flexible – Be ready to change plans if  there is a change in weather or road conditions change. Pack accordingly.

Embarking on your first tour as a musician is an exciting milestone, but it can also be daunting if you’re not prepared. Touring involves more than just playing gigs; it requires careful planning, adaptability, and stamina. Whether you’re hitting the road for a few local shows or embarking on a cross-country adventure, these beginner touring tips will help you navigate the challenges of touring and make the most of your experience.

1. **Plan Your Route Wisely**

One of the most important aspects of touring is planning your route. Consider the geography of your tour stops to minimize travel time and expenses. Try to book gigs in a logical sequence, moving from one city to the next without unnecessary backtracking. Use mapping tools and apps to plan the most efficient routes, and be sure to account for factors like traffic and road conditions.

2. **Budget for All Expenses**

Touring can be expensive, so it’s crucial to create a detailed budget before you hit the road. Factor in costs for gas, accommodations, food, equipment maintenance, and any unforeseen expenses. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency fund in case something unexpected happens. Keep track of your spending throughout the tour to stay within your budget.

3. **Pack Smart and Light**

Space is often limited when touring, especially if you’re traveling in a van or a small vehicle. Pack only the essentials, including your instruments, gear, merchandise, and personal items. Make sure your equipment is in good working order and pack spare strings, batteries, cables, and other necessities. Use packing cubes or organizers to keep things tidy and easily accessible.

4. **Prioritize Self-Care**

Touring can be physically and mentally demanding, so it’s important to prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up. Take breaks during long drives to stretch and rest. Also, make time for relaxation and downtime to recharge between performances.

5. **Promote Your Shows**

Promotion is key to a successful tour. Use social media, email newsletters, and your website to announce your tour dates and encourage fans to attend. Collaborate with local musicians or influencers in each city to help spread the word. Consider reaching out to local press for coverage or radio interviews to boost visibility.

6. **Build Relationships with Venues and Promoters**

The relationships you build with venues and promoters can have a lasting impact on your touring career. Be professional, punctual, and communicative. Show appreciation for the staff and promoters, and always fulfill your commitments. Building a reputation as a reliable and easy-to-work-with artist can lead to future opportunities.

7. **Engage with Fans**

Touring is a great opportunity to connect with your fans in person. Take the time to meet and interact with them before and after your shows. Sign merchandise, take photos, and express your gratitude for their support. Building strong relationships with your fans can lead to a more loyal following and better turnouts at future shows.

8. **Stay Organized**

Touring involves juggling a lot of details, from show times to accommodation arrangements. Use a tour itinerary or a mobile app to keep track of important information like load-in times, set times, addresses, and contact details. Staying organized will help reduce stress and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

9. **Be Prepared for the Unexpected**

No matter how well you plan, things don’t always go according to schedule. Equipment might break, gigs might get canceled, or you might face bad weather. Stay flexible and be ready to adapt to unexpected challenges. Having a positive attitude and a backup plan can help you navigate these situations with ease.

10. **Document Your Tour**

Documenting your tour is not only a way to create lasting memories but also a valuable tool for connecting with your fans. Take photos, record videos, and share behind-the-scenes moments on social media. Consider keeping a tour diary or blog to share your experiences with your audience. This content can also be used for future promotional materials.

11. **Learn from Each Experience**

Every tour is a learning experience. After each show, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Gather feedback from your bandmates, crew, and fans to help refine your performance and logistics. Continuous improvement will make future tours even more successful.

Final Thoughts

Epic Proportions Tour is going to be doing BIG, EPIC things at SXSW. If you are in the area make sure to come and check us out! 

Not only are we going to be performing at SXSW at various shows AND panels, but we will be having free shows to the public.

On Wednesday, March 18 we will be performing @ Amped - Lineup: 6pm: Far Away Stables, 7pm: Captain Squeegee, 8pm: Gabe Kubanda's CD RELEASE SHOW. Remember these shows are open to the public so come and check us out.

Also on Wednesday we will be hosting our Touring Tips and Tricks of the Trade panel at 3:30pm. You don’t want to miss all the wisdom that Peter Sotos (Owner of EPT) has to offer.

On Friday, March 20th gabekubanda will be hosting a mentoring session at 2:00pm. see the link here -->  http://schedule.sxsw.com/2015/events/event_MP991261