Long distance biking – Romantic?. Review on Planning a Road Trip

When you prepare for a long trip on bikes you sure must know the things to enjoy and things to take care.

Select a route

First and foremost select a route. Our ultimate aim would be not only to enjoy at destination but also enjoy the means to get there. The route you have selected should have the following

Fear of highway burglary

The route should be safe. This is very relevant in India where Highway safety is a joke. There is no point in we playing a hero and trying to fight thugs. The roads should not be completely deserted. We would be considered prudent on asking our friends about the route.

Nice scenery

If the route has not much of scenery compelling you to stop and enjoy beauty of Mother Nature, there is no point in taking a drive. You may as well travel in a bus. Utilize the freedom of stopping anywhere and no-hassle parking of the bike along the highway to take breaks from journey and enjoy.

Check out weather

I tell you don’t try to fiddle nature. Nature is all powerful. Take care to get a detailed weather forecast. There is no point riding in a thunderstorm though a drizzle may be welcomed by many. Many places usually have heavy winds associated with rains. You may lose balance with roads as such becoming slippery.

Choose your bike

This is very important. You should have completely gotten used to your bike. There is no point taking a new bike (which you are yet to be fully used to) for a long ride as concentration levels required may be high and reduce the biking enjoyment.

Fill her up

Though highway mileage is typically 25 to 30% more than city mileage you are used to, take minimal chances. Get yourself informed of petrol pumps enroute and do not hesitate to ask the pump chap about the next petrol pump and mechanic on the highway.

Tool Set

Do not forget to take the minimal toolset that comes along when you buy a bike. Manufacturers are careful in selecting the tools such that you can open up any nut and bolt on the bike using the tool set. You may have forgotten that you had removed them while servicing the bike.

If you know, get a tube of puncture solution, some spare rubber patches and a mini pump (driven by the exhaust) if you know to fix punctures. If you are a bike enthusiast, you will know this minimal procedure. The kit is available in the market for a couple of thousand rupees. I never got to use the ones I bought 3 years back.

Air pressure

Make sure air pressure in tires are optimum. Usually, 3 or 4 psi more than what is recommended by manufacturers is sufficient. Slightly reducing this would help if you are going on rides on rough or no roads. It minimizes jerk. Take care not to inflate on afternoons or when it is hot. Always fix the tire pressure a couple of days before you travel.

Know your bike

This is very important. Learn to listen to subtle changes in response and engine vibrations as it goes on. The operating heat should be identifiable by placing the hands about 5 cm from engine surface. Sometimes climatic conditions and traffic scene will make the engine heat up faster than usual. Suppose you ride for 2 hours and spend next 30 min negotiating traffic in a congested road through a town, be known that 0.5 hours of traffic will be equal to 2 hours of cruise.

The type of bike also influences. 2-stroke bikes tend to get heated much faster than 4-stroke bikes. Cruisers (bullet, eliminator) generally will not show any strains visibly. It is your responsibility to love your bike and give them adequate rest.

There is no rule of thumb. You should talk to your mechanic and decide depending on various factors an optimum distance before taking rest.

Don’t strain your body

Your body is as important as your bike. Your reflex depends on your health. I am not sounding like a hypochondriac but if you experience persistent muscle pain, stop, take rest, allow your companion (if any) to drive and you should recharge your body for more action.

Don’t drink and drive

You know too well what I mean. Drinking enhances fatigue and imposes great strain on your body. I can drive after 2 pegs of whisky normally. But after fatigue in driving for couple of hours continuously, one small peg will give me the same effect. You are a danger to yourself and others if you mix driving with your pegs. Enjoy drinking and driving separately. Both are capable of giving you a thrilling experience.