1. Ride often! 2. Increase your stamina by increasing time in the saddle - work up to 75 miles before having to stop 3. Ride in all weather conditions: hot, cold, rain 4. Get experience riding in your full weather gear.  A long trip is not the time to break in new gear. 5. Know your bike.  How far can you go on a tank of gas?  How long will your reserve last? 6. Practice riding in closed ranks with other experienced DRZ riders 7. Get experience riding at speeds greater than 55.  Be prepared for Thruway driving 8. Ride with your bike packed with bags of gear, get familiar with the weight 9. Practice short stops, rider communications, passing vehicles on 2 lane roads, gravel roads