SAFETY MEASURES(SAFE RIDE)

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Keeping a track of your budget will help you go a long way. Both, literally and figuratively. Set a daily budget for your motorbiking trip and stick to it. The main expenses on the road will be fuel, food, and shelter. Divide your budget into 3 parts in a ratio of 2:1:1, 2 parts for fuel, 1 part each for food and shelter or a ratio that suits your ride.

Cut expenses wherever possible but do not go to extremes of putting yourself in discomfort to save a few bucks. Eat at local food joints. Avoid buying packaged drinking water and instead, ask the staff at the place where you eat to fill your water bottle with hot water. If you are a part of riding community or groups, a fellow rider would be eager to help by sharing a place to crash or inviting you for a meal. Accept that and be grateful to them!

Carry all the paperwork

Make 2 copies of your insurance, registration, driving license and any other documents that you may need. Usually, most bikes have a small compartment where you can tuck the papers, first aid, and small tools. Put the first set of copies on the bike and the second with your daypack. If you’re riding to some remote areas which require a permit, research all the info about how to get that permit. And carry that too.

I’ve always experienced that when on a long distance motorcycling tour, I get pulled over more often than usual. I think it’s more because of curiosity than anything else. And cops have usually been very friendly once they’re done inspecting the paperwork. They want to know about my ride and always have advice about how the road conditions are ahead. But if I wouldn’t have had the paperwork, I’m highly doubtful they’d have been so helpful

Avoid riding at night

Riding at night can be fun. I’ve done it and I’ve enjoyed those rides a lot. However, I also know when to avoid it. If I’m riding solo, I never ride after the sun goes down. Riding at night becomes very difficult, especially because the number of people who don’t know how to use their headlight. The number of people using high beam lights on the highways is staggering. And when you have those beams hitting you right in the face, it becomes almost impossible to see anything.

Another thing to think about. It’s 2 in the morning and you’re on some dark and lonely highway. And unfortunately, you have a flat tyre. What do you do?. I’m not saying, it’s impossible to get the situation sorted. But it definitely makes the situation a lot more complicated than you expect.

Take regular breaks

Taking regular breaks is essential to avoid fatigue and injury as well. The frequency and the duration of the breaks will, of course, depend on your endurance, road conditions, and the weather as well. Usually,  I  take a 5-minute break every 60km or every hour of riding. Whichever is earlier. I get off the bike, drink some water, stretch my body and walk a few paces before hitting the road again.

And not just breaks while riding, you should plan for days of no riding at all. I take at least a day of no riding at all for every 3 days of riding. But you can suit yourself based on your ride plan.

Eat and drink right

Riding motorbikes for long periods of time can be exhausting. It might feel like you’re just sitting but trust me, at the end of the day you’re quite tired. Therefore keeping yourself healthy, nourished and hydrated is extremely important. While riding, I avoid foods that I know will lead me to food coma  ;). Usually, I just have a light lunch instead of full sit down multi-course meal.

And though I drink lots of water and juices through the day, I avoid alcohol when I know I have to ride the next morning. I can’t even imagine let alone ride with a  hangover. And needless to say, don’t drink and ride.

Be prepared for weather

While planning for a ride, do take into account the weather along the route that you’ll be. The skies have a mysterious and unfunny way of spoiling your plans when you’re least expecting it. Better keep an eye out. If you’re gonna be riding in the rain, make sure you have the gear to protect you and your pack. Also, remember weather is more inconsistent in hilly areas. While the valley might be nice and sunny when you start at foothills, by the time you’re close to the top of a mountain pass, the visibility might be down to a few meters.

Have enough cash

Although, it is inconvenient to carry cash, have enough of it. Some stores, restaurants or hotels might not accept the particular card you’re carrying. Also in some parts of the world, cards are still not a popular form of payment. Or some are too remote for any kind of internet or telephone connectivity.