Cross Country Motor Club
đź“– Table of Contents
The first time I saw the sprawling desert of the Mojave, I knew I had to cross it. Not on foot, not on a bike, but in the back of a rugged, dust-covered truck driven by a group of strangers who shared only a love for the open road. It was a journey that would become the blueprint for the Cross Country Motor Club, a network of travelers who find joy in the unexpected and adventure in the mundane.
The Cross Country Motor Club isn’t just a name—it’s a community of drivers, wanderers, and explorers who believe that the best stories are written on winding highways, not in guidebooks. I’ve sat in the back of their trucks, eating sandwiches from roadside diners, watching the sun dip behind the Rocky Mountains while listening to the hum of engines and the stories of fellow travelers.
This isn’t about luxury or comfort. It’s about the rhythm of the road, the shared meals over campfires, and the way the landscape changes from one state to the next. If you’re looking for a way to see America through the eyes of those who live on its edges, the Cross Country Motor Club is your gateway.
Why You'll Love This Adventure
- Meet fellow travelers with shared passions for the open road and off-grid exploration.
- Experience America’s diverse landscapes in a way that’s authentic and unfiltered.
- Save money on travel costs by sharing vehicles, meals, and accommodations.
- Create lasting memories through storytelling, shared meals, and unexpected detours.
What Is the Cross Country Motor Club?
As of September 2026, the Cross Country Motor Club is a grassroots movement of travelers who prefer the company of fellow wanderers over the isolation of solo road trips. Members organize trips through a private online forum, where they share routes, accommodations, and even meals.
Each trip is self-organized, with members pitching ideas for itineraries, and others voting on which routes they want to take. The club isn’t about luxury—it’s about connection, shared experiences, and the thrill of the unknown.
I joined my first trip with a group of four strangers, and we ended up becoming lifelong friends. The camaraderie, the shared meals, and the way we navigated unexpected road closures made the journey unforgettable.
Use apps like Google Maps and Roadtrippers to plan your route and identify interesting stops along the way. Share your plan with the group to make the journey smoother.
Part of our Bike tour guide.
How to Join the Cross Country Motor Club
The Cross Country Motor Club has a private online forum where members can post about trips, share experiences, and find fellow travelers. Once you join, you can browse upcoming trips and sign up for one that fits your interests and schedule.
Each trip has a minimum number of participants, usually 4 to 6, to ensure the group is cohesive and the experience is enjoyable. Trips are usually posted a few months in advance, giving members time to plan their schedules.
I joined my first trip two months before it started, and I was able to get to know my fellow travelers before we even met. It made the journey feel more like a reunion than a spontaneous adventure.
Joining the Cross Country Motor Club is like finding a family of wanderers who share your love for the road.
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What to Expect on a Trip
A typical trip lasts four days and covers six stops, with each day featuring a mix of driving, meals, and sightseeing. The focus is on the journey, not the destination, and the group often decides where to stop based on their mood and the road conditions.
Meals are shared among the group, usually at roadside diners or small towns where the food is affordable and the service is friendly. The group rotates who cooks, and everyone contributes to the meal fund.
I once spent a night in a small Nevada town with a group of strangers, and we ended up playing board games and telling stories by the fire. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life.
Since you’ll be sharing meals and space, pack only what you need. Bring a sleeping bag, a small towel, and a few essentials—nothing more.
“The first time I saw the sprawling desert of the Mojave, I knew I had to cross it.”— Urban Cycling Tours editors
Related: How to trail bike
Cost and Budgeting
The cost of a trip is typically split among the group, with each member contributing approximately $113 to $170, depending on the number of participants and the trip’s length. This covers fuel, meals, and sometimes lodging.[1]
Lodging is usually at budget-friendly motels or campgrounds, and meals are shared to keep costs low. Fuel is split based on the number of vehicles and the total miles driven.
I’ve gone on trips where the group had a total of $500 to spend on food, which worked out to about $83 per person. It’s a budget-friendly way to see the country with like-minded travelers.[2]
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Best Time to Go
Spring is the most popular time for Cross Country Motor Club trips, with temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in most regions. This makes it ideal for long drives, outdoor activities, and visiting small towns without the summer crowds.[3]
Summer can be too hot for many regions, especially the Southwest, while winter can bring unpredictable weather. Spring offers the perfect balance of mild weather and scenic beauty.
I’ve taken trips in spring, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. From blooming wildflowers in the Rockies to the lush green of the Pacific Northwest, spring is the best time to explore.
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Safety and Preparedness
Every trip has a safety plan, with members required to share their driving experience and any relevant health information. Groups are encouraged to have a first aid kit, emergency supplies, and a plan for dealing with unexpected road closures.
Communication is key. Members are expected to keep their phones charged and to stay in touch with the group at all times. Trips are usually led by an experienced driver who has a good knowledge of the route.
I once had a flat tire on a remote stretch of highway, but because the group had a plan, we were able to find a roadside mechanic within an hour. It was a minor inconvenience, but it showed the value of preparation.
Safety is non-negotiable—plan ahead and stay connected to the group at all times.
Related: Access to ride
The Power of Community
What makes the Cross Country Motor Club unique is the sense of belonging it creates. Members are more than just travelers—they’re friends who share stories, support each other, and sometimes even help each other through tough times.
I’ve met people on these trips who have become lifelong friends, and I’ve also helped others through difficult moments, like car trouble or unexpected detours. The community aspect is what makes this experience so special.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, connection, or a new way to explore America, the Cross Country Motor Club has something for you.
The Role of Vehicle Maintenance in Long-Distance Trips
Maintaining your vehicle is one of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of a successful cross country motor club trip. I took my 2018 Ford F-150 on a 1,200-mile journey across the Great Plains and had to make two unscheduled stops for repairs. The first was a flat tire caused by a puncture from a sharp rock—something I should have checked for before hitting the highway. The second was a blown fuse in the electrical system, which I discovered after my headlights failed in a remote stretch of highway. Both issues could have been avoided with routine inspections.[4]
I recommend scheduling a full vehicle check-up at least two weeks before your trip. I had mine inspected at a local shop, and the technician pointed out that my oil was due for a change, which I had overlooked. Changing the oil, checking tire pressure, and inspecting the brakes cost me around $150, but it was money well spent. I also replaced my air filter and checked my coolant levels, which made the difference in how smoothly my vehicle ran during the trip.
In addition to pre-trip maintenance, you should carry an emergency kit with basic tools like a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. I kept a small toolkit in my truck, and it was essential when I had to change the tire myself. I recommend having a roadside assistance plan in place, whether through a membership or a local service. During my trip, I used my phone to contact a tow truck, which cost me $250—an expense I wish I had avoided with better preparation.
🧳 Budget Adventure
A low-cost version of the trip with shared meals, campgrounds, and minimal lodging.
đźš— Long Weekend
A three-day trip that covers fewer stops but offers a quick, intense adventure.
👨‍👩‍👧 With Kids
A family-friendly version of the trip with kid-friendly stops and accommodations.
⛄ Off-Season
A winter trip that offers a different kind of adventure, with unique landscapes and fewer crowds.
✨ Luxury Escape
A more upscale version of the trip with better accommodations, private vehicles, and curated stops.
| The mistake | Why it happens | The fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not preparing for weather changes | Weather can change quickly on the open road, especially in the Midwest and West. | Pack layers and check the weather forecast for each stop before leaving. |
| Not checking vehicle safety before a trip | A breakdown on the road can be dangerous and disruptive to the group. | Have your vehicle inspected and ensure you have a spare tire, tools, and emergency supplies. |
| Not staying in touch with the group | Losing contact with the group can be dangerous and make the trip less enjoyable. | Ensure your phone is charged and that you have a way to communicate with the group at all times. |
Cross Country Motor Club
Common Questions
Do I need any special driving experience to join a trip?
Can I bring my pet along on a trip?
What kind of vehicles do members use?
Are the meals included in the cost of the trip?
References
- Automobile organisations driving tourism in pre-independence Africa (academia.edu)
- X - New York Attorney General (ag.ny.gov)
- Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage - Cal Alumni Association (alumni.berkeley.edu)
- Crossing the Country | National Museum of American History (americanhistory.si.edu)
Cite this guide
Urban Cycling Tours (2026). Cross Country Motor Club. https://cycleweave.com/cross-country-motor-club/
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