Today we welcome a collaborative post from a talented contributor. Enjoy, C.
Traveling the world on a motorcycle is a dream for many. It represents absolute freedom, beyond even what you get when you go by car. On a motorbike, you can weave in and out of traffic, park up just about anywhere, and travel down unpaved dirt tracks with relative ease.
However, if you’re going to embark on a motorcycle adventure, you’ll need to do your research. It’s not as easy as you might think. You need to prepare in advance and make sure that you put everything in order first before you set off. Here’s what you need to do.
Ship Your Bike
If you already have a motorcycle, chances are that you are used to its features, and it will be the safest mode of transportation for your trip.
Figure Out How You’re Going To Feed Yourself
First, you’ll want to work out how you’re going to feed yourself. While bikes have some storage space, you’re going to be on the move for several days, so keeping sandwiches in a plastic container probably isn’t going to work. Fortunately, most parts of the world have eateries nearby. If you’re motorbiking through Vietnam, for instance, you’ll come across plenty of restaurants.
If that’s not the case and you’re out in the wilderness, you’ll need to think more carefully about food. The best approach is to treat it more like camping. Take a burner with you and some dried food items, and a water filter. Then if you’re unable to find water nearby, you can filter water from local sources and use it in your meal prep.
Plan For Bad Weather
The weather can sometimes be bad. And that means that you’ll need to prepare if you’re planning on traveling by motorbike. Unlike when you ride in a car, you expose yourself to the elements on a motorcycle. Prepare as best as you can, depending on the season. If you’re going to a tropical county, you’ll want to rethink traditional riding suits. They’re just too hot for the summer. Likewise, if you’re going abroad during the winter months, prepare yourself for the cold and rain. Make sure that you wear something with both insulation and waterproofing. You’ll need it.
Wet weather isn’t so bad in countries with high heat. In fact, it can sometimes be refreshing. However, you’ll want to check that the temperatures won’t dip too much at night. Anything under about 21 C, and you’re liable to feel cold if you are soaked through.
Find A Good Rental Company
Most people touring the world on motorcycles rent their bikes from outlets, and they don’t take them with them. Unfortunately, not all motorcycle companies are reputable. Many will look for ways to rip you off. Before setting off on a rented motorcycle, make sure that you take pictures of it for any signs of damage. The rental company may ask you to cover these when you return the vehicle, even if you didn’t cause them. You’ll also want to make sure that the company provides adequate insurance coverage for your needs. Sometimes, it won’t.
If you can, look for rental brands you recognize from back home. Many are international and provide the same high level of service. Don’t just choose the first company that comes up in Google search results, particularly if the brand is paying for an ad. Take your time finding rental firms with customer-friendly business models and aren’t just trying to make a quick buck.
Pack Light
You’ll also want to pack light if you’re traveling on a motorcycle. You don’t want to have to lug any more than about 20 kg with you. Most bikes have two side cases that can accommodate a reasonable quantity of luggage. You’ll also want to be minimalist. Only take the things that you absolutely need for your trip. Don’t overload yourself with paraphernalia that probably isn’t going to come in handy. Use your phone for as many things as possible, including navigation, payments, hotel bookings, and music.
Get Ready For Surprises
As qualified motorcycle accident attorneys will tell you, anything can happen out on the road. It’s never as straightforward as you imagine. The trick here is to prepare yourself for surprises. Things are going to unfold in unexpected ways. Always take a raincoat with you wherever you go. Make sure that you wear appropriate footwear. And carry cash so that you can buy the things you need as you travel.
Meet New Folks
Lastly, make a habit of meeting new folks and getting to know them. People will often be more than happy to talk to you and educate you about what to do in the local area. This way, you can get important information that makes your trip better.
