Planning a Long Ride? Here are 5 Important Things You Must Know

Long-distance rides are one of the most enjoyable experiences which you must try at least once in your life! Many people prefer to go on long rides solo, while many people love being a component by a partner so that they can share their experiences. Howsoever, you decide to go on the long road trip, here are 5 important things that you must know before heading out on the road. Always Wear Helmets & Safety Gears

Never compromise on your safety! Make sure to invest in good quality branded motorcycle helmet along with other riding safety gear such as clubs and riding boots to keep yourself completely protected against the dangers of the road. If your helmet has been used for several years now, it might be time to replace it with a modern helmet that comes with all the bells and whistles and state-of-the-art safety features that will keep you safe throughout your ride. Also, if you are going on a ride accompanied by other riders in their own motorcycles, communicating with them during the trip can be a hassle if you do not have Bluetooth connectivity in your helmet. Check for helmets that provide Bluetooth connectivity inbuilt as a future. A word of caution here, do not listen to music in high volume when you're riding a motorcycle because it can decrease your situational awareness of the traffic around you.

Pack light, pack smart

When you're traveling by motorcycle, you have to work around the limitation of luggage space on a motorcycle. Consider investing inside luggage boxes and top boxes to carry your luggage instead of piling everything up in a backpack call attaching the load on the pillion seat with bungee cords! Make sure to check the weather you are heading into, and pack your bags accordingly. A good way to tour on a motorcycle during winter is to pack multiple layers of thin winter clothing instead of stuffing large-sized quotes which takes up a lot of space and makes a difficult for you to regulate body temperature when the sun starts to warm up during mid-day. Keep additional power bank to keep the mobile phone charged up under all conditions because if you are planning to use the GPS application on your mobile phone for Maps, the battery will drain very fast and you can prevent the mobile phone from dying by using a power bank to keep it juiced-up even during the ride. For that, you might have to invest in a fuel tank bag where you can place both the mobile phone and the power bank together even when you're riding.

Remember to Take Breaks

Many first-time riders make the mistake of not taking enough breaks in between their rides. There is a common misconception that taking breaks will create unnecessary delays in reaching the destination, but the human body is not made to be on a motorcycle for extended periods of time without break. If you fail to relax in between the rides it can lead to severe back pain and fatigue which will completely throw your itinerary out of whack! Take small breaks of 10 to 15 minutes after every 200 kilometers, and drink a cup of warm tea or coffee during the winters, and drink electrolyte infused water during the summers to stay hydrated. Taking breaks will also give you the time to get in touch with people back home and give them updates on your whereabouts and where you will be in the time to come. This will give them peace of mind, and all the necessary information that you are missing out on during the trip. Manage Your Expenses

Keeping money in your pocket during a trip is crucial for your own safety and Wellness. In addition to having a comprehensive vacation insurance plan, it is always a good idea to carry a little bit of cash (and leave most of it in the bank, so that you can withdraw using an ATM), For unforeseen expenses. Many people usually end up spending a lot of money buying gifts for people back home, which should not be a priority. If you have to buy gifts do not do that at a tourist hotspot where prices are likely to be very high and inflated. Right, the motorcycle sensibly so that you get the best mileage out of it. Take care not to ride aggressively so that you don't get in unnecessary accidents which can be a huge money expense. avoid hiring travel guides, instead of doing your research well before going on the trip because travel guides usually cost a lot and do not return any value for investment! While eating at the destination, avoid posh restaurants, instead, go to places where locals visit frequently. This will not only give you an opportunity to explore the local cuisine and lifestyle, but also save you a lot of money. Book your hotel accommodation in advance to get the best deals on your hotel rooms. If you are visiting a place that is camper friendly, consider carrying your own tents which can save you a lot of money on your accommodations.

Take Care of Your Bike

keeping the bike in its peak performing order cannot only be crucial in ensuring a trouble-free trip, but it will also save you a lot of money in the way of mechanical failures. Make sure to take the motorcycle for regular upkeep and maintenance before heading out on the road. Check the tires and find out if they are appropriate for the destination you're heading to. Consider upgrading the headlight, and installing aftermarket headlights if you plan on traveling to rural areas with badly lit roads.