Know The Facts: Bike Safety During The Summer

Posted on: Apr 18, 2022 | | Written by:

Know The Facts: Bike Safety During The Summer

The summer months are a great time to be out and about. From trips to the beach to weekend campouts, there's a lot of time in front of you to enjoy better weather. Nothing spells adventure like going on a bike adventure. Get yourself ready with these tips designed to ensure safety and comfort while riding during hot summer days.

However, please note that bike accessories are not enough. You need to get a proper bike insurance policy. The policy will provide you with peace of mind knowing that you have a financial backup plan for the worst thing that can happen on the road.

1. Hydrate more often:

Imagine yourself far, far away from the city, in a small lush jungle. All you hear is the sound of chirping birds and the occasional rustle of leaves by the light wind. The sun is bright, but not too hot. Taking a hike is supposed to be fun and stress relieving. The last thing you want is something that'll ruin this experience. Water is one of the most important things we consume as humans, and also one of the most taken for granted. Dehydration symptoms include dizziness, nausea, lethargy, headache, disorientation, and dark urine. The trouble is that by the moment one of these signs appears, chances are it is already too late. Lack of planning is the main reason campers end up dehydrated and thirsty. If you're out for a long trip, your water supply can run dry disastrously quickly. There are a few good ways to ensure that doesn't happen to you. Our recommendation is to get a high-quality hydro back that can contain at least 1.5 litres of water. You should try to refill it whenever you have the opportunity to do so. Otherwise, bring a large bottle of water with you.

2. Bring Necessary Bike Gear:

Riding in full gear might seem like a hassle at first, but it's the safest way to ride a bike. Not only do you get a lot of visibility, but you'll also be able to ride while carrying valuable items — unlike if you'd be bare-faced. Not to mention, wearing full gear comes with the bonus of protecting your skin from sunburns and dehydration.

As a rider, you must dress appropriately so that you are not uncomfortable while riding. This will make it simpler for you to manoeuvre the bike. Wearing far too much gear might cause you to sweat, and wearing non-breathable clothes will only get you tired sooner. It is important to consider the fabric of clothes when selecting the best attire for your journey. Cooling attires are a fantastic complement to mesh pants and jackets. These vests are useful because they provide constant cooling in diverse body areas. This allows for easy adjustment of the heat of that specific body region rather than modifying the heat of the entire vest or the liner fabric frequently.

3. Take Regular Breaks:

Every motorcycle rider wants to press the speedometer needle to the upper right and let the bike fly. This is even more accurate in summer when your favourite road is relatively traffic-free. But that’s not healthy. Just like a motor engine, your body also works best within a certain range, which is optimal and supreme. That's all fine and dandy, as long you don't have to go anywhere when the sun is directly on you. If you are out for a longer ride and want to avoid the intense heat, set off early in the morning or late in the evening. Make sure to take a rest from time to time. Divide your travel into 100-kilometre segments. Allow yourself some time to calm down, and allow your motorcycle to do so as well, especially if you'll be riding for hours. Focus on enjoying the ride rather than counting the kilometres passed, after all. Sometimes it can feel like you're not getting anywhere when riding in a circle, but rest assured, this is normal! Talk to other bikers, have a bite and learn something new about their bikes.

4. Cool your Bike Naturally:

Many people have a bad habit of splashing water on their motorcycle engines to cool them down after a ride. The thinking behind that is that splashing water on one's motorcycle would help lower its temperature. But for those of you who know the scientific principle behind heat exchange, I'm sure you'd understand why the above action is no more than just a myth.

Heated steel and cold tap water do not get along. According to basic physics, when metal is heated, it expands and then shrinks back to its former size when cooled down. Thus, metal parts can be damaged if exposed to sudden high temperatures. Therefore, the next occasion your motorcycle becomes hot in the sun, allow it a few minutes to cool off before grabbing that bucket of tap water.

5. Examine Tyre Pressure:

Safety is paramount, and this means checking and maintaining your tyre pressure before every ride. This is going to help your tyres keep their shape and perform the way they’re supposed to, thus guaranteeing a good grip on the asphalt along with high resistance to punctures. Note that great tyres are only as good as their upkeep, so inspect for tyre wearing and fractures - if they do not seem to be in a good shape, it is preferable to replace them. That way, you'll have some solid rubber to handle the asphalt with for the duration of the season.

Conclusion:

Riding a bike is all about confidence. You're going to want to be completely comfortable on your bike before taking on a long ride, and knowing how to solve problems quickly is the best way to do that. If you follow these tips and remain confident on your bike, you'll be able to cruise this summer like you never have before.

It is important to make sure that you have good bike insurance, this way you are covered in case of theft, or if you encounter any problems while riding, even if they are self-inflicted. With good bike insurance, you will be able to enjoy the freedom of being able to ride your bike without being held back by the fear that something might happen.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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