Tips for a long ride

 A long ride on a Motorcycle is a thing filled with thrill and excitement.

How much long is 'long'? Should it be defined by distance, time taken, number of breaks or the difficulty level?

I think its a combination of all. Depends on how much time you spend and how much stress you are subjected to.

None-the-less, here are some tips I scribbled.

Before the ride:

1. Research the route. thoroughly. For road conditions, stops, fuel bunks, service and emergency support etc.
2. Estimate timings. Plan the short stops and overnight stay if need be. Book in advance.
3. Research the weather. and prepare for it.
4. Prepare the travel kit. Plan on type of luggage. Plan the weight distribution. Make sure it will be well balanced when on bike.
5. Plan the luggage according to Cabin/check-in concept.
6. Practice some maintenace if you can. e.g. Chain cleaning and lube, puncture removal, minor adjustments and settings. etc.
7. Go for multiple short rides to get used to your bike. You must get used to extended sitting hours.
8. Take 'Making-of-the-ride' photos and videos.
9. Make sure all safety gear is in good condition. Take backup items esp. gloves. Prepare for weather changes.
10. Dry-run the ride mentally!
11. Take family and close-ones in confidence.
12. Plan for extra electronic storage as camera devices may fill up quickly. Also for power backup.
13. Plan for continuous ride-recording.
14. (Be prepared for last minute hick-ups)

Just before the ride:

1. Maintain good health and mental condition. Take good rest even if you are excited.
2. Make sure the machine is in best possible condition. Fill up.
3. Load the luggage. Multiple times if required, until you are fully satisfied. Practice loading and unloading.
4. Make sure you can handle bike with all luggage loaded ( and with all safety gear ON). May be, take a short round-the-corner ride.
5. Prepare identity badge and ICE (In Case of Emergency) list of family and friends' contacts. This should be on a paper, well protected from sun and rain. Easily accessible.
   

During the ride:

1. Be punctual. Stick to your plan. but do not over-speed.
2. Be steady and patient. One starts getting lonely, bored, tired on a long ride. Be mindful of it. Reward yourself for small gains and achievements
3. Do take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
4. Fill-up frequently. Its better to have a tank full instead of worrying later on the way.
5. Have light food before and during the ride. Dinners can be heavy
6. Take pictures, videos
7. During overnight stay, ventilate/quick-clean the riding gear. It starts smelling pretty quickly.
8. Prepare for next day well in advance.
9. Do take time to unwind. Its necessary to unwind before you go to sleep.
10. Send regular updates to family and close-ones. Pre-inform if you cannot give update for longer duration.

After the ride:

1. Clean the bike!
2. Clean the riding gear
3. Take good rest
4. Write a blog
5. Re-live the ride with friends, family and close-ones, multiple times 😀
   
6. Celebrate the achievement
7. Review expenses, bike performance, fuel efficiency and many other parameters if you can
8. Plan for the next ride😊

 

- Aniruddha Raste