A wise man once said - anything that gets your blood racing is probably worth doing. And I'm sure every ardent motorcyclist swears by these words. Whether you are knee down on a racetrack, carving a wooded trail or just cruising down the highway, a motorcycle will ensure that you have your head high and smile wide. But, all said and done, the ultimate sense of freedom comes only from a long solo trip on your motorcycle. It's a chance to experience adventure in your own way, without obliging with others' plans or itinerary. But, it's also important to plan in advance to keep safe and have a hassle-free trip. So, here we list a few tips and tricks to help you plan a successful solo trip with your motorcycle.
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Know your wellness
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A solo bike ride demands long hours on the saddle while being completely immersed in the world around you. Hence, it's important to know your fitness level, stamina and state of mind before starting a motorcycle trip all by yourself.
Know your motorcycle's wellness
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In addition to your own wellness, you need to ensure the wellness of the motorcycle. Your vehicle should be capable of traversing on your planned route without any hiccups. Make sure you visit the mechanic a week before you plan to set out and get the motorcycle checked and serviced.
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Map your route
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With the advent of technology, it's a piece of cake to map your route on GPS well in advance and also be forewarned about any interruptions and diversions along the way. Solo riders should very well take advantage of it as it's an excellent way of knowing which route works best for your destination and also plan stop-overs.
Plan your breaks
Besides planning your route, it's also important to plan your breaks. Motorcyclists require more rest stops while on a road trip as compared to car drivers. Know your body's limit and decide upon your breaks accordingly. However, one must avoid going overboard with it as it will only lengthen your trip.
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Pack Smart
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There are several motorcycle-compatible bags available in the market. Among those, saddle bags are the best bet as it can easily be fixed at the sides or back of your motorcycle. Make sure you pack light so that you don't have to carry a huge load on your motorcycle as this can hamper your ride quality. Only pack stuff that's really important and go for fabrics that bind up small.
Carry spare parts
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Once you're done packing for yourself, you need to start packing for your motorcycle too. Keep a set of handy spares of those parts that might conk off by wear. Accelerator wire, clutch wire and tyre tubes are some parts that you should definitely include.
Make a list of emergency contacts
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Since you are setting out all by yourself, make a list of emergency contacts and keep it handy. The list should include numbers of close family, one back-up friend, local mechanics, ambulance and road side assistance in case your bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Also make sure you have it on a piece of paper in case your phone dies on you.
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Gear up
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This might be the last on the list but it is the most important factor to consider before you head out for your fun ride. You must have appropriate gear for your safety along the journey. This includes riding jacket, riding pants, a good quality full-face helmet, ankle-length boots and riding gloves. Also carry rain protective gear for yourself and your luggage in case it rains out of the blue.
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All said and done, solo motorcycle rides are the epitome of fun and with the right planning, it will be the experience of a lifetime
