I’ve searched many times online on how to travel long distances safely with your bike. Every two to four months, my family and I visit grandparents in our hometown, about three hours away. Despite my wife making fun of me, I love to travel with my bike. It’s like another member of the family. I also just love waking up early in the morning and cycling.

If I were traveling shorter distances, I would simply rack the bike on the hitch bike rack. But I’ll never rack my precious baby for the long rides. I’m not taking the chance of damaging the bike. Fortunately, I found the perfect solution.

Low and behold comes the Yakima EXO Hitch System. This hitch system is perfect for small SUVs and cars. It turns your smaller vehicle into a pickup. I place my bike in the car and all of our gear in the Yakima GearLocker and on the EXO GearWarrior.

Since I wax the bike chain, there has been no mess, and life is good. To hold the chain in place, I use the Chain Keeper by Feedback Sports and place the wheels in two old wheel bags that I got for free. Everything is well-protected and organized.

As a bonus, the modular Yakima EXO Hitch System can also work for other sports and activities. I love how I can switch out parts of the racking system for skiing and camping.

If you have a smaller vehicle, frequently travel long distances, and want to pocket your precious two-wheeled baby, take a look at the Yakima EXO Hitch System.