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Many motorcyclists like going on road trips in groups because it is safer. The main drawback with riding as a group is that you may not always agree on stopovers or routes, making solo road trips an option for some.
If you had planned a solo road trip this year, there is never a better time than this summer. But before taking your bike on the road, you may want to prepare beforehand to make your trip the safest possible.
Below are some simple tips for riding solo you may want to know.
Plan Your Route Beforehand
One advantage of touring solo is that it allows for spontaneity. However, it is always important to plan a route and stay on it as much as possible. It is okay to make slight deviations if there is something you have to see along the trip but always make sure that you get back to your original route.
Also, avoid back roads or less-traveled roads. In case of an emergency on a less traveled road, getting help might be challenging, and you do not want to be stranded in a remote location.
Inform Someone of Your Intentions
Going on a solo trip doesn’t necessarily mean keeping your road trip a secret. So you may need to inform a friend or family member about your intentions and expected hours of communication.
This helps your friends and family keep track of your movements and stay updated throughout your trip. If anything happens on the road, your loved ones could use your communication to track you to the most likely location.
Run Through Key Safety Checks Before Setting Off
If you are going for a long road trip, it is important to ensure your ride is in its best shape. So you may need to give it an oil change and check for any loose nuts and bolts. Other things you may want to look at include tire pressure, conditions of the rear view mirrors, etc.
Not all bikes are designed for the road. If you want to learn more about choosing a bike for your road trip, this article on selecting the safest motorcycle is a must-read if you are buying a motorcycle for the first time and not sure how to go about it.
Gear Up
In case of an accident, the rider’s body bears the full brunt of the impact, which often results in severe injuries or death. Getting the right riding gear is an excellent way to add a safety layer to your ride.
The most important riding gear is a helmet protecting a rider’s head against injuries. The best helmet is a DOT-approved full-face helmet. You will also need to invest in rider-grade leather or denim riding suits, boots, gloves, and protective glasses.
Avoid Riding in Low Visibility
Motorcycles are relatively smaller than cars, making them difficult to spot on the road. Therefore, it is essential to improve your visibility by wearing brightly colored clothes and riding with your headlight on even during the day.
The problem with poor visibility for riders becomes wise at night. Therefore, if you have no reason to be out in the dark, stop and rest till morning when you can get back on the road.
Avoid Alcohol
Riding a motorcycle requires good judgment and balance, which you won’t find in an intoxicated rider. The legal BAC limit for motorcycle riding is 0.08%. But you could be intoxicated long before reaching the legal BAC limit.
So it is always best to avoid alcohol while riding. If you must drink during the night and ensure you get adequate rest before getting back on the road the following day.