7 Tips to Help Make Your Long Bike Journey Comfortable
7 Tips to Help Make Your Long Bike Journey Comfortable
When going on a long two-wheeler ride, it is important to be physically and mentally strong. While your bike needs to be sturdy and in the best condition, you too need to be healthy to avoid getting fatigued and worn out during the journey. Get a good comprehensive bike insurance plan to cover your bike and get into a good fitness regime to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.
Take a look at this article to get some handy tips on how this can be done
1. Get comfortable on the bike:
First and foremost, you need to be comfortable with the vehicle that you plan to ride on the long journey. It is advisable for you to take a vehicle that you own and are comfortable riding. If you do plan on taking a new vehicle along, ensure you ride it a few times to know where the controls lie. Every bike is different and you need to get comfortable with the configuration. Take it out for small rides or practice regularly on it so that on the long journey you don't face any hiccups or challenges. If you plan on using someone else's vehicle, then ride it a few times before you go on the trip to ensure you know how exactly it works.
2. Break up the journey in chunks:
It is a very good idea to break a long journey up into parts. For example, if you wish to cover a distance of 400 KM in a day, take a break after 200 KM. Stop and get some refreshments. Stretch and walk around a bit as your muscles will get sore from riding so much. It is unrealistic to expect that your body can sustain such a long journey without a few breaks in between. The bike will also require a bit of rest after a hectic ride of many miles. Ensure you have the best bike insurance plan when you are on a long journey. If the vehicle breaks down, you can call your insurance provider and use the roadside assistance cover at such times.
3. Wear the right riding gear:
Wind resistance causes more damage to you and your bike than you can imagine. This is why it is crucial for you to invest in the proper riding gear that includes aerodynamic helmets. These are absolutely essential as they block the wind and help you to move ahead with more ease. Also, invest in a proper riding jacket and riding pants. Unless you have the correct riding gear, it will become very difficult for you to move ahead while riding for long hours. This apart, also consider installing an aerodynamic windshield on the bike. This will cut out the friction caused by the wind and keep your bike protected in the long run.
4. Gradually build up your riding stamina:
Going on a long road trip on your bike requires practice and preparation. You simply can't wake up one day and decide to go on the journey! Proper preparation is important and for this, you need to practise riding your bike on a regular basis, before commencing the journey. Gradually increase the length of your practice journeys. Start with a small, 20 KM stretch, then ride at a stretch for 50 KM and then perhaps for 100 KM. When your body gets used to riding for long journeys, you will be able to overcome the challenges and ride with less effort, as compared to when you ride without preparation.
5. Stay healthy:
The best way to ensure a tough and long bike journey is by staying healthy. If you are physically unfit, completing the journey will become stressful. Hence, keep yourself in the best shape. Eat a balanced meal, exercise, stay hydrated and get proper rest. If you have any pre-existing health problems, get them addressed before the journey so that no form of physical uneasiness holds you back when riding. If you feel unwell you will have to take frequent breaks and that will hold up your trip unnecessarily. It can also pose a danger, as riding when feeling uneasy can lead to accidents. So take good care of your health and travel only when you feel one hundred per cent.
6. Plan for the least fatiguing route:
When you stop often, you need to put your feet down and alter your sitting position. Doing this at regular intervals can hamper your posture and make the muscles in your back sore. Excessive traffic forces you to stop frequently, so avoid being on the roads when there is congestion. Choose a route that is relatively empty or has fewer traffic interjections. Alternatively, you could also plan your journey in such a way that you avoid being on the main city roads during peak office hours.
7. Ride with a partner:
And last but not the least, look to ride with a partner. There are several benefits of doing so, especially when you plan to go on a long bike trip. Monotony creeps in when you travel solo on your bike for long periods of time. This makes you physically and mentally fatigued and you lose focus very quickly. This is why you should look to go on such trips either with a few other bikers or ask a close friend to ride a pillion with you. Having a companion greatly helps and keeps your spirits up, something that is crucial for a successful road trip.
Before you embark on your long-distance bike journey, make sure your bike is protected with the right insurance for Long Distance Bike Rides.
Conclusion
As you can clearly see from the points mentioned above, going on a long bike trip requires preparation. While your skills as a motorcycle rider do come in handy, following the techniques mentioned above makes the trip smoother for you. If you are about to commence on such a journey soon, ensure you have a good bike insurance plan to protect your vehicle from any problem that may come up. Also, keep your health and spirits in check to ensure that you can deal with any challenges that come your way.
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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