A Solo Ride

Taking to the highway on a road trip is something everyone should do at least once in their life. And taking to the highway on a motorcycle will even trump that.  And upping that once more is taking this trip solo.

Now, riding solo doesn’t mean you’re not going to throw caution to the wind, but safety is even more critical when you are riding solo rather than with a group.  Since you’re less visible, taking every step to ensure your safety on your journey is the first step.

Nowadays, they make an app for everything…you know Apple’s saying, “there’s an app for that”, well, there truly is.  There are apps to help you prepare your route and stay off most people’s radar, which you are leaving behind at home.  These apps come complete with wind variation, precipitation prediction, accidents on the route, and information on the nearest gas station and rest stops.

Adequately Equipped Bike

Next, ensure your bike is adequately equipped for the road.  Tires are good enough to get you back home or at least to your destination without having to be changed.  The bike is fully serviced and mechanically sound.  Equipped for the type of weather you are riding in.  Ensure you have the necessary tools on board to fix most minor breakdowns on the road.

Gear up your bike to ensure your equipment and items are safe and secure during your ride.  This may include saddle bags, adding of a rack and pillion, a swing bar bag. Other useful tools include a GPS unit, a USB outlet, or both.

You’re ready, then, to gear yourself up.  Remember, if you’re going on the road, the weather is going to change; it’s inevitable, and you can’t stop it.  Being prepared for all weather conditions is a must.  Raingear is going to happen, folks…it doesn’t matter how much you hate it… You’re going to hunker down and buy it eventually, so you might as well do it sooner rather than later.  Usually, if it’s later, it’s cheap (bad quality), expensive stuff.

Rain Gear

Raingear can come in one of three types of gear…Three-season gear, waterproof leather, or just rain gear.  Three-season gear is exactly what it sounds like; it’s suitable for all seasons you ride your bike: cool weather, hot weather, and wet weather. Typically, three-season gear is waterproof, windproof, and breathable.  You can tell if your gear is truly waterproof because it will have a flap that goes over your zipper, making the zipper impermeable to water.  If you have a naked zipper, you do not have a waterproof jacket, and you will get wet. And then rain gear is just that… It’s a gear designed to be worn over the gear you are already wearing.

So, you have the basics, and you are ready to embark on your solo trip.  Don’t forget the basics of travel: make sure you have all your passports, ID, insurance, and proof of registration with you at all times. Ensure you have locks to secure your bike and helmet.  And for extra security, a video camera.

Riding your first solo trip is going to be great, and at times lonely, but significant nonetheless.  This is a time when you’ll discover what you can handle and what you can’t.  This might also be a time to learn about what type of rider you truly are…traveler, weekend warrior, commuter, sport adventurer, cruiser, or enduro.  It will also help you determine if your bike is fitted to you, if not already.

Stay Hydrated

If you’re riding for a duration, make sure you stop for bathroom breaks and water.  Hydration on a bike is one of the most important things.  Avoid caffeine, as it can increase the frequency of bathroom breaks. Since you need to stay hydrated, this is already a concern, especially if you’re riding a bike with slightly more vibration than others.  Protein, it’s essential! Nuts, salt, and you will lose a lot of weight while riding. You’ll need to restock your supply: beef jerky, dried fruits, trail mix, and granola bars.  Try to avoid big meals. The smaller your meals are when you’re riding a bike, the better you will feel overall.  Eat more often if you have to…but heavy food will slow you down, make you sluggish, and you will feel tired before you should.

Enjoy Your Trip

Most important of all, enjoy your trip.  Stop often to take in the beauty of the ride.  Take pictures, you want to have more than just a memory you can’t touch. Take your time, don’t rush it.  Watch the people around you, the city life, the countryside, and the road set before you.  Take in the gifts this land has placed before you. And remember, this is why we ride.