Planning the Perfect BMX Road Trip: Essentials Checklist

Most BMX riders dream of hitting the road, chasing new spots, and experiencing the thrill of fresh terrain. But here’s the thing—what separates a killer BMX road trip from a total disaster isn’t just the spots you ride. It’s how well you prepare. Forget a critical tool or miss one small detail, and your trip can go from epic to frustrating in no time.

A BMX road trip isn’t just about throwing your bike in the car and hitting the gas. It’s about being smart with packing, knowing how to keep the crew pumped, and making sure you’re ready for whatever the road throws at you. Let’s get into it.

The Ride: Bike and Gear Essentials

Your bike is your lifeline on this trip. Treat it like one. You don’t want to be the person constantly borrowing tools or struggling with avoidable bike problems.

Must-Have Tools and Spare Parts

A busted chain or a loose headset in the middle of nowhere can ruin your session. Bring the essentials:

• Allen keys – At least a 5mm and 6mm, but a full set is even better
• Adjustable wrench – For any unexpected bolt sizes
• Spare chain links – Chains snap when you least expect it
• Tire levers and spare tubes – Even if you ride tubeless, have a backup
• Pump or CO2 inflator – You don’t want to be stranded
• Spokes and spoke wrench – A busted wheel shouldn’t end your trip
• Extra pegs – If you grind a lot, those things wear down

If you’re bringing a whole crew, consider splitting some of the bulkier tools between everyone. No need for five people to bring chain whips and bottom bracket tools.

Keeping Your Bike Solid on the Road

Vibration from long drives can shake things loose. Before heading out, go over your bike:

• Tighten everything – Bars, cranks, headset, spokes—check it all
• Lubricate your chain and bearings – Dry bearings sound terrible and slow you down
• Pack your bike properly – If you’re flying, take pedals off, bars sideways, and pad everything

The Setup: Car, Sleeping, and Comfort

A BMX road trip means a lot of time in the car. The more thought you put into comfort, the better the trip will be.

Packing the Car Right

Space is limited, so pack smart:

• Bikes first – If possible, remove the front wheels to save space
• Stack heavy gear low – Keeps the car balanced and easier to unload
• Emergency gear within reach – First aid, rain gear, snacks—keep them handy
• Organize small essentials – Use small bins or bags for tools, cables, and chargers

Sleeping Arrangements

Not every night will be at a hotel or a friend’s house. Plan for rough nights:

• Sleeping bag and inflatable pad – Car seats are not fun to sleep on
• Tarp or tent – In case you have to crash outside
• Earplugs and eye mask – Someone will snore, and streetlights are annoying

The Crew: Picking the Right People

A good BMX trip is only as good as the people on it. The right mix of personalities keeps things fun, while the wrong mix leads to drama.

Who’s Coming With You?

• Reliable riders – If someone flakes last minute, it messes with the whole trip
• Drivers who can handle long stretches – Road trips aren’t fun when only one person is doing all the driving
• People with similar riding styles – If everyone rides street but one person insists on dirt spots, tension builds
• No constant complainers – Every trip has setbacks; the last thing you need is someone making it worse

Keeping the Vibes Right

• Rotate who controls the music – Avoid music fights by taking turns
• Set expectations for spending – Not everyone can drop cash on restaurants every day
• Respect sleep schedules – Some people can party all night; others need rest for morning sessions

The Spots: Planning Where to Ride

You could just wing it, but that usually leads to wasted time and missed opportunities.

How to Find the Best Spots

• Check local riders’ social media – Instagram clips often show the best current spots
• Google Earth is your friend – Spot perfect rails, banks, and plazas from satellite views
• Skatepark directories – Some parks don’t allow bikes, so check ahead

Avoiding Busts

Nothing kills a session like cops or security shutting you down too soon. Minimize issues by:

• Hitting spots early – Less foot traffic, fewer complaints
• Avoiding school grounds during school hours – Instant ticket
• Being low-key – Don’t blast music or act reckless before you even start riding

The Survival Kit: Non-Bike Necessities

Sometimes it’s the random stuff you pack that saves the trip.

Food and Hydration

• Reusable water bottle – Gas stations get expensive
• Protein bars and snacks – For when food options suck
• Small cooler – Even if it’s just for keeping drinks cold, it’s worth it

Safety and Health

• First aid kit – You’ll need it at some point
• Painkillers and muscle rub – BMX wrecks take a toll
• Sunscreen and lip balm – Windburn and sunburn suck
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes – Gas stations aren’t the cleanest

Keeping the Memories: Filming and Photos

If you’re hitting new spots, you’ll want to document it.

What to Bring

• GoPro or DSLR – Phones work, but better cameras make clips stand out
• Extra batteries and chargers – Filming kills batteries fast
• Hard drive for backups – Losing footage to a corrupted SD card is heartbreaking

Handling the Unexpected

Even with perfect planning, stuff will go wrong. Your best bet is being ready to adapt.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

• Flat tire but no spare? Check local bike shops or grab an old tube from a skatepark trash can
• Car trouble? Have roadside assistance or at least jumper cables
• Spot got shut down? Have backup spots ready or just cruise around and find something fresh

Final Thoughts

A BMX road trip is one of the best ways to experience new spots, push your riding, and make lifelong memories. But a little planning goes a long way in making sure things don’t fall apart halfway through. Pack smart, bring the right people, and stay flexible when things don’t go as planned. When you’re prepared, you can focus on what really matters—riding, having fun, and stacking clips with your crew.