| What’s
more pleasant than a well-planned two-day motorcycle ride with good friends,
beautiful roads and great weather? Here are some tips to make that dream come
true:
• Use
your motorcycle tool kit for routine maintenance a few days before leaving
and upgrade it if required. Always carry spare fuses, bulbs, bungee cords,
duct tape, a multi-purpose knife, water to drink (and clean wounds if
needed) and a complete first-aid kit, including a Proviodine bottle
for disinfection. (Believe it or not, it may take a few hours before
you see a doctor.)
•
Flat tire repair kits or cans rarely provide the required air pressure.
A good quality air pump is recommended to complete the job.
• You
risk permanent damage to your ears in the long term if you subject them
to highway-speed wind noise for more than 45 minutes a day. Wearing ear
plugs will bring the noise level down a few decibels and you’ll
still be able to hear someone honking at you, but DON’T YELL AT
THE GAS STATION ATTENDANT!
• The importance
of vision is discussed in How to be a Safer Rider, but it may
be wise to bring eye drops on a two-day ride because the more tired you get,
the less you blink your eyes to lubricate them.
• Roll
your clothes for less wrinkles. Bring only what you really need.
• Pack
everything separately in strong hermetic plastic bags so you can
draw the air out from them and keep the contents dry.
• Put
heavier things on the bottom and make sure you balance the weight on the
left and right. Heavy baggage should not be placed behind the rear wheel
axle. Ensure easy access to your extra sweater and rain gear.
• Attach
all baggage solidly, using tie-downs, bungee cords and elastic spider
webs. Every so often, make sure that every attachment stays in place and
cannot interfere with any component of the motorcycle. (We all know the
‘passenger’s-scarf-in-the-rear-sprocket’ story.) Beware
of too much surface to side winds, which will create disequilibrium. Ensure
your bike’s cosmetic parts, seat and paint are protected from being
damaged by any baggage or attachment. Rear lights, flashers and reflectors
must never be hidden.
• A
tank bag is very practical for light or precious things like your
wallet, phone and glasses. It serves as your handbag when you park at
a restaurant. Magnetic tank bags don’t need straps or buckles to
hold them, but your fuel tank must not be aluminium or plastic. Make sure
your tank bag comes with a shower cap.
• Reset
your trip meter every fuel fill-up and, knowing your reserve capacity,
figure out when your next stop should be. Keep in mind that facing strong
winds with a passenger and baggage can represent a more than 30% increase
in fuel consumption, compared to riding solo with a backwind.
• If
you have to cross borders, make sure to bring every pertinent document.
• A
staggered formation requires special preparation and an understanding
of each person’s responsibility to the group. Establish simple arm
and hand signals and always respect a safe distance between members of
the group, which varies according to speed. The most experienced rider
should be the leader. The least experienced should be second so that
he has the clearest view ahead, with his only riding reference being the
leader. The second most experienced rider should be last, “covering”
the back of the group and dealing with the greatest “elastic effect”
(braking and acceleration necessary to maintain the formation). The more
experience a rider has, the closer to the rear he should ride.
• A
single-file formation becomes appropriate when lanes narrow, on twisty
roads or when passing anywhere other than multi-lane roads.
• Contact
local or provincial tourism organizations when planning your ride. Often, they
can advise of the services available and any unique requirements of which you
should be aware.
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here to download our complete PDF version (304k).
Brought to you bye: Open Road Insurance Program www.openroadprogram.com
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