Going for a long trip to meet your friend who lives in the neighboring town? Or you want to have some fun riding your newly bought liter bike in the long run? There are various reasons why someone would want to take a long trip. However, remember that long trips test the patience of the rider. A rider needs to be mentally prepared to go out for a long ride as motorcycle riding can take an extreme toll on the body of a rider during this period.
There are certain precautions which every rider needs to follow before going on a long trip. The list will not end once you start riding as you need to take care of yourself during the journey as well. Staying focused is the key to having a long safe trip. Accidents have become more normal nowadays. Mainly, during long rides, riders lose their focus which leads towards uncertain outcomes. To avoid these circumstances, a rider must know few things before going on a long trip.
Follow these tips If you are Planning a Long Motorcycle Ride
This guide will cover some basic but essential tips for motorcycle riders. Have a safe fun trip following these tips.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Before running the wheels on the road, plan when you should opt for a long ride. You should know the temperature as well as the weather of the places. Cold conditions may make your feel unwell. On the other hand, hot conditions will exhaust your body. So target a day where the weather is moderate.
Try to not ride during 3 PM to 7 PM and midnight to 4 AM as most accident cases are experienced during this period. This makes timing your trip one of the essential parts of long rides. Don’t take routes with heavy traffic either.
CHECK YOUR BIKE BEFORE THE RIDE
You should ensure if your bike is ready to run on roads. Long trips can take a toll on your body as well as the body of the motorcycle. If there is any issue with motorcycle parts, fix them. Your bike should be in best conditions before the ride. Also, take care of the fuel part. Fill your tank completely. Carry a bottle of fuel in case of emergency as well.
Take your bike for servicing before long rides. This is the best way to securing a perfect trip. You don’t want to face a halt in between your long ride and ask for a lift in an isolated area.
REST BEFORE ACTION
Make sure that you have given enough comfort to your body before going out on the road. You can simply stay composed and lie on the bed. Before every trip, your body should be well balanced. Don’t opt for a long ride if you are ill. Long trips are tiring and may take a significant toll on your body. This fact apparently makes this tip the most basic as well as the important tip in the list.
Every adult should sleep for at least eight to ten hours. Get proper sleep before the ride is going to make you more active during the trip. Most causes of accidents are cases of lack of sleep. Resting your body may lower your chances of facing a disaster and aid you in having a safe ride. Sleep well and stay away from alcohols before a long trip.
TAKE BREAKS DURING THE RIDE
Yeah, we are asking you to make your longer ride a bit longer, but this is going to be worth it. It is recommended to take short 15 to 20-minute breaks during the ride. You can take these breaks every hour. This way you can keep your body well and stay active during the trip.
Also, if you are traveling the whole day, then you must need food to fuel up your body. Take lunch breaks during the ride. Make sure that this break is longer than the previously mentioned short breaks. Fuel up your tank, eat food, drink water and get ready. You can take an hour-long break if you want. A lunch break between 1 to 3 PM would work well.
STAY ACTIVE
As it is mentioned in the previous two points, you need to stay active during the ride. It is the most vital element of having a safe trip. Your mind should be active throughout the ride. There are various ways to do. It includes reading signboards which appear during the journey. However, staying active does not mean you can hinder your focus.
You can also sing while riding. Keep checking vehicles around you. Check your brakes. Take a look at a mirror. Also, try to take the harder route instead of an easy path. Reason: Your mind will stay active because of turns. However, this is strictly limited for pro bikers. Make your trip a fun ride!
What We Learned
As it is mentioned in the start, these tips are basic. However, they carry a lot of importance. Many riders ignore these fundamental steps and face accidents. On average, 40% of riders face accident and death on a regular basis due to being careless. You have been warned once already. Don’t commit any mistake. We wish you a safe ride ahead!
My partner’s looking into purchasing a motorcycle to use on a road trip, and I want to make sure that he sets his mind on the safety precautions before he looks at motorcycles for sale. Thanks for your tip on staying active throughout the ride as it is the most vital element of having a safe trip. I’ll definitely tell him to read signboards which appear during the journey, without hindering his focus. Thanks!
I learned the hard way that you need to pretty physically fit while taking on a long ride. I covered a journey of about 350 miles in a single day, almost non stop but I couldn’t enjoy myself when I got there because I was in so much pain. I wish I had read this blog post before I got started on that journey, would have saved me a lot of pain. Really great article. Thanks for sharing.
I think it’s really important to not ride when you’re sick, like you were saying. This would be especially difficult, as your balance could be a little shaky. That can make for a dangerous situation when on the road. Thanks for the great tips to help us stay safe!
Never drive if you are not a licensed motorcycle driver. This is first, and foremost in my list of safe motorcycle riding practices. You see, when you are a licensed driver, one way or the other, you must have gone through the necessary trainings and tests to ensure that you are qualified to drive a motorcycle.
I really like your tip to take a longer path so your brain stays alert! My wife and I have been thinking of getting a new motorcycle so we can take a cross-country trip, and I would never want to drive tired! I will be sure to suggest to my wife that we take some longer paths so we stay alert!
I am glad you mentioned checking your bike before the ride. I have a motorcycle that I am taking on vacation soon. Thanks for the tips on taking long motorcycle rides.
Nice to follow. These tips are good for riders to learn in order to stay safe and healthy. Thanks. I should bookmark in order to use later.
It got me when you said that the mind needs to be active all throughout the ride to make sure that the driver does not miss any sign and stay safe. I will keep this in mind since I will be buying a new motorcycle in the near future. This tip got me the most since the road I am usually passing has a lot of curves and signs that I need to pay attention to.
Thank you for the recognition of our work. It is good to see that you are following our advice and implementing in your riding. Please let us know if you have any anything in your mind. We would be happy to answer.
Thanks for pointing out how people should take short 15 to 20-minute breaks to keep their body well and active. My son likes going on long drives with his friends to visit the country’s top tourist spots. I will be sure to share this bit with them so that they can be as safe as they can be on the road.