It\u2019s one thing to ride a bike for daily commute, but going on a longer bike trip is another thing altogether. Plus it\u2019s one of those things that most of us riders always dream of. The ones who\u2019ve never had the chance to do that dream about it even more so. There is a decent amount of planning and preparation that goes into long distance bike trips. So is biking on your bucket list? Here are a few things to keep in mind.<\/p>\n
Learn as much as you can about the route. More is less. The reason behind that is you shouldn\u2019t have to rely on google maps or any such apps while riding. Reduce your reliance on your phone as much as possible. Purely because it\u2019s a safe practice and a lot more convenient too. Also, research as much as possible about the road conditions. Know what you\u2019re getting into, so you\u2019re not met with any unpleasant surprises you\u2019re not prepared for.<\/p>\n
If you think about it, why would you want anything to interfere with the alone time you\u2019re having with your bike? Imagine riding against the wind on the open road, without having to look at your phone. Sounds amazing, right? It really can be that way with just a little bit of planning. While you\u2019re at it, also research about facilities like restaurants and fuel pumps along the way. Plan properly to make sure nothing interrupts the sanctity of your bike ride.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Bangalore to Hampi Road Trip on Bike<\/a><\/p>\n Now, you have to make sure that you have the right bike for the occasion. The factors you have to consider are the distance, the road conditions and which bike can comfortably endure both those things. At the end of the day, you have to make sure that the bike you choose is comfortable enough for you to ride. But also think about the mileage and other important factors.<\/p>\n You should also assess the condition of your bike. If it\u2019s not in perfect shape, get it serviced. From the horn to the engine and everything else in between, check if everything works properly. Be it the rearview mirror or any indicator, if something is broken or doesn’t work, fix it all beforehand. A good exercise would just be to get a complete servicing of your bike done from a reliable mechanic you know.<\/p>\n See also<\/strong>: Motorcycle Maintenance Tips<\/a><\/p>\n Always pack light. That should be the motto for travelers in general. But it applies even more so for bikers. What you carry would depend on where you\u2019re going. Just make sure that you don\u2019t pack a lot more than the essentials. When it comes to toiletries and cosmetics, stick to tiny bottles, little tubes and sachets. You have to take care of the weight of your luggage. This can often cause problems on the roads but it can be avoided by packing light.<\/p>\n It\u2019s good to invest in a proper bag that\u2019s designed for motorbikes. There are motorcycle trunks, tank bags and saddlebags. Then there are other kinds of hard and soft bags in general. Do factor in the weather and if your bag is waterproof or not. You should also consider how much does just the bag weigh and how easily it can fit in your bike.<\/p>\n What you wear while riding on a long trip makes a huge difference in terms of safety. Beyond the basics like a helmet and gloves, make sure you\u2019re also wearing a proper riding jacket. You can also consider riding pants, knee pads, ankle guards, body armour or biking boots. Wearing so many gears might make you feel uncomfortable if you\u2019re not used to it.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no doubt that you shouldn\u2019t compromise on your safety. But comfort is equally important. So if wearing too many gears will affect your ability to ride properly, you could strategically avoid wearing few of them. The body armour and biking boots can definitely be optional. Rest of the things are definitely important.<\/p>\n See also<\/strong>: Essentials for Multi-Day Bike Trips<\/a><\/p>\n Do a thorough research on any permit needed for a specific type of bike or any other special permit your journey would require in general. Apart from this, make sure all your other documents are in place. This includes your 2-wheeler license, Bike Insurance Policy, PUC Certificate, Bike Registration Certificate (RC Book) and any other proof of ownership. Do check if all these documents are updated too and carry all of this without fail.<\/p>\n For the journey itself, make sure you\u2019re constantly hydrating yourself. This is really important, so carry a bottle of water with you. Keep taking timely breaks for refreshments and just to take care of your nutritional needs. You shouldn\u2019t ride on an empty stomach but don\u2019t have a very heavy meal either. Especially avoid really oily food and eating from places that don\u2019t seem hygienic. Do your best to avoid health concerns on your trip.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also vital that you carry a motorcycle toolkit with you. There\u2019s no way to know how many mechanics you\u2019ll find on the road. And it\u2019s even harder to predict if or when you will need it. So it\u2019s always good to be prepared and self-sufficient in this regard. You should also carry some basic medicines and a first aid kit. Keep this in your bag itself as a precautionary measure. Most importantly, fill your tank up with fuel before hitting the road.<\/p>\nChoose the right bike<\/h2>\n
Get a complete checkup of your bike done<\/h2>\n
Keep your luggage light<\/h2>\n
Wear essential riding gears<\/h2>\n
Documentations & Permits<\/h2>\n
Plan for the journey<\/h2>\n