A holiday abroad this year may not be feasible for all of us, due to having to factor in time off work, cost and just generally finding the time. However, taking a weekend break on your motorbike is a great opportunity to get away for a few days and explore new places.
Safety first
Even if you are an avid motorcyclist, being out on the road can be dangerous. Bikers are 63 times more likely to be seriously injured than car drivers so you should be sure to take all the precautions necessary to reduce the risk of accidents. You should make sure that you are wearing all the correct gear including a helmet and bike jeans, jackets and boots as well as something high-vis to ensure that you can be seen by other road users.
If you do get into an accident on your motorbike, you may be able to claim compensation which can help to give you peace of mind if you need time off work due to the injury.
Pack Light
Not overpacking is important when taking your motorbike as you won’t have all the space that a car does. You can get saddlebags that clip onto your bike to carry everything you need for your weekend away. Be sure to pack all of your heavier items first to keep the weight distribution as low as possible and ensure that any loose ends are tucked away securely. It’s always a good idea to go for a little spin before setting off to check that the load is stable and everything is secure.
Where to?
While you can get a dedicated motorbike sat-nav, they are very expensive so may not be feasible for all riders. Instead, opt for a charger that you can fit onto your bike to keep your phone charged up so that you can use maps on there. You may also consider taking a paper map and fully planning your trip which allows you to experience the trip a little more, rather than blindly following the arrows on your phone.
You should be realistic with your distances if you’re only heading away for the weekend. You are likely to be stopping for photos and trying to enjoy the view rather than racing down the motorway, so planning a 300-mile trip may not be the best idea. Rather, take this time as a break to enjoy the outdoors instead of seeing how far you can ride before getting saddle sores!
When riding, be sure to take regular breaks to reduce the risk of dehydration, particularly when the weather is hot, as well as fatigue and carelessness later in the day as this is usually when accidents happen.
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