Now that you've picked out a trip, you need to start planning. After all, if it's a day trip, you'll have to worry about food, water, a good route, where to start from (if you're not starting from home, you'll need to transport your bikes to the starting point), weather, timing and speed, clothing and other gear.
Start with Your Bikes
Are your bikes adequate to the task? Do the brakes work well? Are the tires in good shape? Are they filled with air? Is everybody's bike adjusted properly to his body? Have the bikes been tuned up recently? If something goes wrong with a bike, it's a long way back on foot! Make sure you deal with maintenance and mechanical problems beforehand. Just about any bike can be used for day tripping, but it needs to be in good shape.
Get Fit
You need to be in good shape, too. At least good enough to cover the mileage you've planned. Be realistic about what you can accomplish, and work up to it with shorter rides, if necessary.
Plan A Route
If you've picked a trip from this site, you already have a route. But if you're going to visit your mother-in-law in Delta, you'll want to plan a route that is safe, pleasant and within your capability for the time you've allotted. A good asset for this is the DeLorme Ohio Atlas & Gazetteer (you may want to get one for Michigan, too, while you're at it). This shows you all the county roads in the state. You'll want to pick back roads which have less traffic, but you'll also want smooth pavement and/or nice, wide, clean berms. If the traffic is light enough, you won't really need berms. You might want to draw out a map or make a list of directions to take with you just in case. You can copy the appropriate page from the gazeteer and take that. You can also use Bikely or Map My Ride to plot a route.
Transporting Your Bikes
You may live in an urban area and not want to bike through congested city streets right away. If so, you can transport your bikes to a good starting point where you can get started on quieter streets and park your car until you return. By removing the front wheel (and maybe the back, as well) you may be able to get your bikes in whatever vehicle you are planning to use. You could also tie your bikes to a roof rack. If this doesn't work, you may have to think about getting a bike carrier. Here are several examples.
Timing
How much time are you allowing for this trip? Will you be able to get back by dark? How many miles are you planning to ride? How fast do you ride? Will there be kids on the ride? Do you have a cyclocomputer which will tell you how fast you are riding and how far you have gone? Ten miles per hour (less with kids, depending on age) is probably a practical assumption for your likely speed, but give yourself plenty of 
time - often tourists get a late start back. Do you want to make any stops or side trips along the way? Leave time for this as well.
Weather
What is the forecast for the day? Check the morning of the ride. A good place to check is the internet. The local TV stations all have live radar streaming from their sites, so you should be able to see precipitation on the way (usually big green patches). You'll need to match your clothing and gear to the needs of the weather, hot, cold, rain or shine.
Clothing
Layers are always the best way to dress. Remember to wear bright colors as the top layer and sweat wic
king fabric on the inner layer. Shorts are almost always better than long pants. Add or remove layers as necessary. Don't hesitate to do this as frequently as is comfortable - there's no need to get cold or sweat excessively. If you'll be coming back in dusk or dark, don't forget it will be cooler then. Gloves are a good option for long rides. Always wear your helmets, but take along a cap for when you stop - you might need sun protection and you'll probably have helmet hair. You might consider an extra shirt if being in sweaty clothes would make you uncomfortable or selfconscious at your destination. Take appropriate additional clothing (e.g. swimming trunks) as needed for your planned activities.
Food & Water
Are you going to need food on the trip? You can pack it or plan to buy it along the way. If you buy, just make sure there are restaurants or grocery stores open on your route. Don't forget money. If you're packing lunch, don't forget paper plates, eating utensils, paper towels, tablecloth, towelettes, baggies. Pick food which won't spoil or spill easily, and don't forget to try to keep the weight down. Take at least a 
full water bottle for each rider - you'll find yourself getting thirsty more frequently when you ride. You can always refill along the route at a store or home (I've never been refused when I had to ask for water at a farm or home along the way). A good tip: if it's hot out, fill the bottles with ice, then water, and let them sit in the freezer or refrigerator for a little while - that way you'll have cold water for at least the first part of the trip. A few snacks like candy bars, fruit or peanut butter crackers (or your own favorites) are a good idea for an energy boost along the way.
Carrying Luggage
Hopefully, at least one bike has a rack for carrying luggage. Your gear, extra clothing and food can go in just about any container that can be strapped to the bike. Bungee cords are good for this. You can always carry a pack on your back, but that can get uncomfortable on a long ride, particularly if it's warm.
Maps
Aside from a map of your route, it's a very wise move to have a state or regional road map in your bag at all times. This is most handy when you get off your route and your route map isn't adequate to get you back on track.
Miscellaneous
You definitely need your ID and any medications you or your partners take. You should consider taking sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellant, extra bungee cords, swiss army knife. Think about what you're planning to do at your destination and add gear accordingly.
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