Whether you are crossing a continent or whether you are just crossing a country (which can be the same thing) going by motorcycle is a great way to see your world. Anyone with a motorcycle will tell you that there is an incredible freedom to feel the wind against your skin as you take to the open road. What a lot of people with motorcycles will also tell you is that a lot of safety precautions need to be taken in order to make this trip safely. Here are ways you can effectively and safely travel by motorcycle.
Know How to Pack
Packing for a motorcycle is the exact opposite of packing a car. There is basically no space for anything. You have to be strategic and you have to know exactly what you need when you are packing. The best thing to do is remember you don’t need everything, what you need are the essentials.
Aside from the clothing and toiletries, you need depending on the length of your trip, pack things like rain gear, a tire repair kit, and small snacks while you are traveling. Pack the weight of your stuff evenly so that you don’t throw off the balance of the bike. Take only what you need and you can leave the rest at home.
Tell Someone About Your Trip
Before you leave, tell someone where you are going and leave them your itinerary. When someone else is aware of where you are going to be, they can help if there is ever an emergency. When you plan out what routes you are going to take, you can leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home and with others along the route.
You may not necessarily be staying with these friends, but if you are going to be in the area and make plans to see them, they will know where you are going to be. This helps keep you safe and gives you a backup plan if you need anything while in the area.
Have An Emergency Plan
Know what to do in the event of an emergency. As you plan your route, know where the hospitals and medical centers are in case you are not well. Also, make sure all of your insurance cards and registrations are up to date in the event of an accident. If you can, speak with a skilled motorcycle attorney today and find out what your rights are as a cyclist in the event that you hit something or something hits you, just so that you have some general knowledge.
The more you know what to do right away in case an incident happens the quicker you can act and get back on track especially if you are in another country or part of your country where the rules may be a bit different.
Take Someone With You
A trip is always better when someone comes along with you. What’s better is if that person also has a motorcycle. It may seem like fun to take to the road with your bestie on the back of your bike, but that can get uncomfortable and can be too close for comfort if the ride is long. If another cyclist comes with you, you can have your space and enjoy the trip with someone.
As you drive side by side you can take in all the sites and go as fast or as slow as you want. If someone wants to pull off, the other person can go along or they can go ahead and prepare for the next part of the trip. What’s most important is that if there is a problem, or if there is a crash, the other cycle works and the other person can go for help and you will always have a bike on hand to continue on your trip.
Be Flexible
Roads go out, weather interrupts the schedule, and things will catch your eye. Be flexible while you are on the move. If you make any changes to your itinerary, let your people know so they know where to find you. A lot of apps will allow you to share your location with specific people.
Also, enjoy the ride. Don’t worry too much about timing if you don’t have to. The best adventures in life sneak up on us and you should enjoy them. You are taking this trip because you are in need of some real rest and relaxation. Don’t spoil it.