Tag Archives: Travel advice

How eBikes (& PEVs in General) Are Changing Personal Transportation

Over the last few years, we’ve seen a monumental transformation in the personal transportation space. Automobile and powersport manufacturers have made significant strides in making electric vehicles their top priority, with some even announcing that they will cease producing internal combustion engines soon. Certain European countries have also decided to stop the sales of non-zero emission vehicles by 2030.

As this transition occurs, another supporting aspect of personal transportation has also seen tremendous growth — last-mile transportation. These include electric bikes, scooters, and mopeds, that plug the voids that a larger electric vehicle can’t fill. 

What Is Micromobility?

Micromobility is commonly referred to as using small PEVs (personal electric vehicles) such as eBikes, electric scooters, or electric skateboards — to commute in an urban environment. While size is more of a deciding factor in whether a particular mode of transport falls into the ‘micromobility’ category, it’s generally agreed upon that these vehicles have a top speed under 15-20 mph.

An image of multiple electric bikes and electric scooters parked side by side.
Source: DrivingChange.org

Using a compact eBike or scooter instead of an electric motorcycle or car is a much quicker mode of getting around a congested city. A report published by McKinsey & Company in 2019 revealed that stakeholders had invested over $5.7 billion dollars in micromobility start-ups since 2015, with 85% of that targeting China. This isn’t surprising considering that the people of the world’s most densely populated country rely heavily on micromobility to commute daily. A report by the World Economic Forum revealed that a substantial 73% of China’s population uses micromobility in their daily commute.

Are PEVs Getting More Popular?

There’s no question that Personal Electrical Vehicles (PEVs) are becoming increasingly popular. In July 2021, the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility conducted a study that found that 70% of its participants were open to using micromobility vehicles for commuting. The pandemic was a key factor contributing to this rise in interest in micromobility. When the initial restrictions were lifted, people were still quite apprehensive about using public transport, and the only workaround was to invest in a mode of personal transportation. 

A man and a woman on electric scooters share the bike lane with a woman on a normal bicycle.
Source: Digi.com

A car or motorcycle makes more sense if you’re traveling long distances. Still, an electric bike will be significantly easier to use for a shorter commute. Bike-sharing companies that allow you to lease a PEV for short durations saw a sharp rise in usage post the easing of the pandmeic restrictions.

A PEV is also quieter, less cumbersome, and emits zero emissions, so it’s not surprising that the environmentally conscious are enthusiastically adopting it. 

What Changes Are PEVs Bringing to Transportation Trends?

PEVs and other forms of transportation that can be considered micromobility are changing the way we think about car or motorcycle ownership. The McKinsey & Company study from 2019 also found that all passenger trips of less than 5 miles account for 50-60% of total passenger miles traveled in China, Europe, and the United States. Think about it, and you’ll probably find that most of your travel falls under this category, too; your commute to work or your weekly grocery run likely comprises just a few miles, for which a PEV would be perfect. 

A woman rides a CitiBike in New York city while several other eBikes are parked in the background.
Source: GreenBiz.com

A Stanford study predicts that private car ownership will drop by a whopping 80% by 2030 in the United States. As a result, the number of passenger vehicles on American roads is expected to drop from 247 million in 2020 to 44 million in 2030. However, people will still have to get around, and that’s where PEVs and micromobility come in. Ride-sharing apps will make it easier and much more affordable to commute when compared to owning a car. 

Are PEVs the Future of Personal Transportation?

It’s hard to say if PEVs will be the future of personal transportation, as they can’t completely replace the long-distance connectivity that more conventional modes of transportation currently provide. A solution to counteract this would be to find a balance between the two. For example, using a PEV to commute a short distance to somewhere, you can use a mode of public transportation, like a bus stop.

Micromobility is no longer a “buzzword,” and micromobility trends suggest the continued adoption of PEVs as a replacement for “last mile” transportation options. As cities get more populated, it will fall upon PEVs to reduce traffic congestion and keep things in order. A projected two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, so reducing transportation’s impact on the environment will be crucial. 

Electric scooters from a ride-sharing company are parked in a spot that's designated for micromobility vehicles.
Source: Stan Parkford / Twitter

That said, there is still a lot of work that has to be done before micromobility is a more sustainable mode of transportation. For instance, ride-sharing aggregators will need the space to park their eBikes or eScooters, with the ability to charge them or their batteries. Plus, countries across the globe will have to accommodate PEVs with dedicated bike lanes and secure parking solutions. 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Italy is back on the motorcycle tour calendar

With international borders slowly opening up, riders are preparing to head overseas for motorcycle tours.

Of all the countries I have visited and ridden in, perhaps Italy is the best for riders for so many reasons.

Apart from the food, the scenery, the history and the culture, the people love motorcycles and they have some of the best riding roads in the world.

And the best way to see it is with a local motorcycle guide who knows the non-tourist areas, the best roads and the best places to eat!

In 2018, I toured the beautiful Tuscany region with Hear the Road Motorcycle Tours who have just announced that they are back in 2022 after being closed down by the pandemic.

Tour owner Enrico Grassi is a keen motorcyclist who knows all the best rad s… and the best places to sample the local food and wine.

Enrico Grassi local tour guide Hear the Road Motorcycle Tours Italy
Enrico Grassi

His Tours for 2022 have a range from 8-12 riding days in an effort to suit everyone’s wish to ride the best scenic Italian roads, visiting destinations such as Amalfi Coast, Alps, Dolomites, Tuscany, Chianti, Sardinia, Corsica, riding a Ducati Panigale on a MotoGP World Circuit, or watching the MotoGp Race at Mugello and Misano circuits.

Enrico plans every detail of his tours, spending the winter months in his studio outside of Rome, road maps spread over the desk, exploring new routes, finding out about local events, country fêtes, interesting exhibitions and tasty food-venues.

Hear The Road Motorcycle Tours Italy provides motorcycle rental, accommodations in 3 or 4 stars hotel with local flavour, luggage transportation and transfer from and to the airport.

Tours are on a choice of Italian Ducati and Moto Guzzi motorcycles, but also BMWs and Harley-Davidsons.

Tours run from April to October and include a free night in Rome if you book by the end of January 2022.

Hear the Road Tours also caters to those who can’t meet the calendared tour dates with self-guided, customised and/or private tours.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Throw your leg over with rider guide book

Once the pandemic lockouts finish in Australia, we’re all going to need a good travel guide book and one of the best places to start is with the guides from Bridget Hallam and Alan Cox (pictured).

The third Australian rider guide book is now available with the second edition of their first book Throw Your Leg Over South East Queensland & Northern New South Wales. Their second book was a guide to Tasmania.

The second edition of their South east Queensland and northern New South Wales guidebook has 29 ride routes.

It comes with maps, directions and navigation waypoints for every ride and beautiful images of the roads and scenery.

“We’re excited to share even more of our favourite rides in this amazing part of the world with other riders,” says Alan. 

“We’ve added more videos of rides in Edition 2, so you can view the actual rides by scanning the QR codes in the book – and we have GPX and ITN (TomTom) navigation files for every ride, free for anyone who buys the book.

Bridget Hallam and Alan Cox
Bridget Hallam and Alan Cox

“We’ve also included a section on preparing for your adventures, with handy information on everything from self-care to packing for weekend rides,” Bridget added.

After selling out of two print runs of the original edition, and with motorcycle sales in Australia surging by 22.2% in 2020, Bridget and Alan know that motorcyclists are keen to explore regional areas.

Motorcyclists are generous, too. “Motorcycle tourism makes an important contribution to regional economies because we travel light and spend money locally on food, fuel and accommodation,” Bridget explained.

About the authors 

Bridget Hallam and Alan Cox
Bridget Hallam and Alan Cox

Avid motorcyclists and adventurers, Alan and Bridget ride two-up on Beauty, their 2008 model BMW 1200 GS.

“Beauty has over 120,000km on her odometer and we’re just getting started,” says Alan. 

“We’ve ridden many roads in Australia and Europe on her and when the world opens up again, we’ll ride many more.”

Alan navigates the routes and Bridget videos and photographs from the pillion position.

The second edition of Throw Your Leg Over South East Queensland & Northern New South Wales and Throw Your Leg Over Tasmania plus their Throw Your Leg Over Europe are available online at throwyourlegover.com.au and 60+ stockists throughout Australia (see website for locations).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

4 Most Dangerous Motorcycle Routes in The World

Contributed post (Image: Pamir Highway, Tajikistan)

Any two-wheeled journey needs to be treated with care. We all know the truism that statistically you are most likely to have an accident within a few miles of home. That said, some roads in the world need to be treated with much more respect than your mum on Mother’s Day. 

Below we are going to look at four of the most dangerous motorcycle routes in the world. Not the roads that are statistically most dangerous but the ones that that will reward you with life-changing views and experiences but could also lead to life-ending injuries should you get things slightly wrong.

The Canning Stock Route, Australia

Canning Stock Route dangerousCanning Stock Route

Stretching for 1,850 km from Wiluna to Hall’s Creek in the Kimberley Region, the Canning Stock route follows the historic trial of what was once the longest cattle driving route in the world. 

If you’re imaging cowboys driving cattle along dusty trails, then you have it exactly right. The Canning Stock route remains exactly that, only without the cattle or cowboys. It’s now just a dirt track through some of the most barren and unforgiving terrain Australia has to offer. 

Over two to three weeks of hard riding, the route passes through not one, but three, deserts, the Gibson, Little and Great Sandy. Don’t expect any roadside cafes on the way, the most you can hope for is that the century-old wells you need for survival won’t be dry when you arrive. 

With stretches without fuel as long as 665km this is not a route to tackle solo and not a route for the faint-hearted. It not only requires incredible bike-handling skills, but it also demands in-depth mechanical knowledge, a great deal of logistically nouse, a hell of a lot of mental fortitude and cojones, big ones.  

The Pamir Highway – Afghanistan, Tajikistan & Kyrgystan

Known officially as the M41, and colloquially as the “heroin highway”, the location of this road should be a bit of a giveaway as to why it’s so dangerous. Any road that weaves its merry way through Afghanistan and Tajikistan isn’t going to a walk in the park. And while kidnap, robbery and corrupt police and army officials are a big problem on the Pamir Highway, the biggest danger is the road itself.

The road has its roots in the millennia-old silk road that linked ancient China with Central Asia. It is the second-highest altitude international highway in the world, but calling it a “highway” probably gives it more credit than it’s due, for most of the route it is more pothole than road. 

This is definitely not one for beginner drivers, you guys have enough to worry about and these motorcycle safety tips can help you. 

Landslides, erosion, earthquakes and extreme cold are all factors any brave rider will have to contend with on the Pamir Highway. In return, however, motorcyclists are treated with some of the most mind-boggling vistas the world has to offer and the chances of meeting other tourists are almost zero.

North Yunguas Road, Bolivia 

Chances are you may know this road already or at least seen it on tv. It’s often referred to by the far catching and dramatic title of the “Bolivian Death Road”.

The North Yungas road connects the world’s highest capital city, La Paz (3,660 metres in altitude) with the low-lying Yungas region of the Amazonian Rainforest. The route itself is less than 70km long but by some estimates in its heyday it was claiming up to 300 lives a year. Eek! 

The road was build in the 1930s by Paraguayan prisoners of war and is a feat of spectacular engineering. The route, which at some points is only 3 metres wide, is cut into sheer rockface with drops of over 600metres into the rainforest below. If you suffer from even the slightest vertigo, this is one to avoid.

A newer, and thankfully safer highway was now been build that sees most of the regular Peruvian traffic but the Death Road is still open for any brave two-wheeled adventurer who wants to put their skills against one of the most notorious routes in the world. 

Manali-Leh Highway, IndiaRoyal Enfield Himalayan on test in the Himalayas

Open for just four months a year when the melted snow allows it, the Manali-Leh highway connects the historic capital of India’s Ladakh province with the state of Himachal Pradesh. Stretching for 490km the route can be tackled in as little as two or three days.

However, like the Pamir Highway, one of the unforeseen risks to many riders taking on the route to Leh is rapid changes in altitude. Going up and down too quickly when you are at an average altitude of 3,000 metres plus can lead to increased chances of altitude sickness. And feeling drowsy and struggling to breath whilst trying to drive a motorbike is no fun whatsoever. 

Road conditions vary from good to not so good, to very very not good. And getting a hang of the road surface is the ever-present danger of overloaded Indian buses and their less than orthodox driving style, which often involves overtaking on blind hairpin bends. 

Well, there you have it adrenaline fans, four of the most dangerous and rewarding motorcycle routes in the world. If you have conquered one of these roads then you can truly call yourself motorcycle adventurer. Enjoy and good luck!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Riding motorcycles makes you happy

Riding a motorcycle not makes you so happy some women can even orgasm while riding.

With the Black Dog 1 Dayer rides for depression awareness on 15 March 2020 and International Day of Happiness on 20 March, psychologist and reborn rider Sharon Ledger suggests going for a ride to feel happy.

She says it’s all got to do with chemicals in the brain.

“There are more than 10,000 chemical reactions going on in the brain every second,” she says.

“The chemicals that make you feel happy – oxytocin, dopamine, endorphin and serotonin – are produced by the endocrine system.

“Not all of these chemicals are released at the same time and each has a different outcome.

“However, more of these chemicals are produced when we look forward to doing something we enjoy, we get up early, we go outside in the sunshine and fresh air, we challenge ourselves, we meditate, we concentrate on an activity that requires skill and generally do things that motivate us.

“That pretty much sounds like motorcycling to me,” she says.

Sharon Ledger - divorce - born - happySharon Ledger

Happy signals

“So when you get up early anticipating a good ride, already dopamine is starting to send happy signals to the brain.”

Different combinations of the chemicals come into play as you ride, she says.

“Add a bit of adrenalin and it’s like a happy cocktail for the brain.”

Sharon says an increase in serotonin can also reduce depression.

“You can increase your serotonin levels with fresh air, mild exercise and even morning sunlight, all of which you get on a ride.

“It won’t cure depression, but will help people cope.”

Riding can not only make men and women happy, but also make women feel sexy.

Sex on wheels

- powerHarley-Davidson Forty-Eight - power - happySex on wheels?

American dating service, BikerKiss, says Harleys, in particular, can even give women an orgasm!

The Southern California online dating service asked about 3000 members (1900 men and 1100 women) “is Harley your favourite motorcycle brand” and 31% of women said yes, compared with 19% men.

The most common answer to the question was that Harley motorcycles are “gorgeous and expensive”. One dating club member said: ”I love it when I am on a Harley. It gives you all the attention you want.” Another said: “it’s not about being pretentious or anything, or like I’m doing it out of vanity. I just love it deep down.”

But here’s the thing that Harley-Davidson and makers of big-twin motorcycles will love the most: some women are able to orgasm while riding a bike with a big twin-cylinder engine because of the bike and seat vibrations.

Could you be any happier?

Black Dog Ride 1 DayerSunshine Coast Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer

The annual Black Dog Ride’s iconic annual 1 Dayer on 15 March aims to start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention.

Click here to register for one of the 38 rides in all states and territories.

Black Dog Ride claim one in five Australians experience a mental health condition each year; three million Australians live with depression or anxiety and eight Australians take their lives each day.

The ride aims to build a community culture of awareness, inclusion, acceptance and breaking down the barrier of silence around mental illness.

If you are experiencing mental issues, we suggest going for a ride, joining the Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer, or calling Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline Australia on 131114.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

World’s most Instagrammed road trips

Australia’s Great Ocean Road is the second-most Instagrammed road trip in the world behind the famous Route 66, according to new UK research.

Click4reg.co.uk collected 15 of the best-known roads and journeys around the world and analysed the number of hashtags for each road trip with #name and #name + road trip.

Route 66 and the GOR were the only road trips to have over a million tags.

Instagrammed road trips

Road Trip

Location

Tags

Route 66

USA

1,708,620

Great Ocean Road

Australia

1,291,178

Pacific Coast Highway

USA

325,917

Valley of Fire

USA

219,333

Ring Road

Iceland

154,230

Ruta 40

Argentina

108,666

North Coast 500

Scotland

88,315

Trollstigen

Norway

85,933

Cabot Trail

Canada

76,840

Death Road

Bolivia

44,587

Causeway Coastal Route

Northern Ireland

35,423

Romantic Road

Germany

28,369

Route 62

South Africa

28,234

Atlantic Road

Norway

28,008

Snake Pass

England

12,343

While these may be the most Instagrammed road trips, they are not necessarily the best motorcycle road trips.

For example, Route 66 really no longer exists and where it does it’s in disrepair. It is also largely flat and straight as it was designed so cars could travel from Chicago to LA without having to go over the Rocky Mountains.

While the Great Ocean Road is a wonderfully twisty road with spectacular ocean scenery, it has largely been ruined by reduced speed limits and heavy police patrols.

And then there are the international tourists who dawdle, drive on the wrong side of the road and stop in dangerous places to take photos.

Big Sur Harley-Davidson touring USA America california rules dead-end route InstagrammedBig Sur

I would prefer the Pacific Coast Highway or “Big Sur” from LA to San Francisco with its similarly spectacular views, smelly sea lions on the beach, smooth road surface, wide pavement for easy overtaking, twisty and challenging contour and light police presence – at least I’ve never seen a cop on that road in the three times I’ve done it.

Europe has been revealed as the continent with the most Instagrammable road trips, claiming seven of the top 15 within the list.

England’s Snake Pass was the lowest tagged road trip with just 12,343 hashtags.

Of course there are many other great road trip routes that could have been included, but may not be Instagrammable.

Hear the Road Tours Stelvio Pass InstagrammedStelvio Pass

For example, the Stelvio Pass from Italy to Switzerland is our favourite road of all. But stopping to take photos for Instagram is a bit difficult because it is so narrow.

What is your most Instagrammed route? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Will coronavirus affect your ride tour?

If you’ve booked an overseas motorcycle tour this year and are thinking of cancelling due to the threat of coronavirus, will your deposit or full tour fee be refunded?

A lot of adventure motorcycle travel is in countries that may not have high levels of hygiene and quarantine procedures to cope with a pandemic.

So we can understand the concern about coronavirus.

However, the media hype needs to be fully studied before making any decisions about cancelling tours as you may end up out of pocket.

Terms and conditionscoronavirus

Most touring companies have terms and conditions that include cancellations, so start by reading that.

It may say that there is a no-refund policy or a part-refund policy and it will usually be restricted to a certain period before the tour starts.

This is because the tour company pays for various things such as accommodation, transfers, etc, a few weeks before the tour starts.

Even then, you may not get the full discount with companies withholding some money for administration costs.

If you decide it’s too risky and still want to cancel, contact your tour company for a friendly chat.

Tour companies want your repeat business. Keeping your deposit in such a situation may not be in their best interests.

So they may suggest you switch to another tour or postpone your tour for a year.

Some may even consider special requests for compassionate reasons, or offer a discount on another tour.

You may also be able to talk a braver friend into taking your spot on the tour.

If the coronavirus threat is real and a government advisory is issued, the travel company may also cancel the tour in which case they should offer a full refund or propose switching tours or dates.

Travel insurance

Most travel companies will require participants to have travel insurance and will need to see evidence before you throw your leg over a bike.

But not all travel insurance is the same. Check out our article here about what is covered for riding and what isn’t. You might be surprised.

Your travel insurance may cover you for cancellation for various reasons, so check the terms and conditions.

If you have booked and secured travel insurance, then the government issues a “Do not Travel” advisory, you should be covered by your policy.

Travel companies

We contacted several travel companies to find out what their policy was.

An Extreme Bike Tours spokeswoman says some of their customers have raised a few concerns and asked about the situation with upcoming tours.

She says last year’s Sir Lanka bombing was a similar situation.Sri Lanka Royal Enfield Classic 350 even tours turban

“This affected all the tourism in the country as well as some of our tours. Luckily, nothing else has happened and Sri Lanka has returned to its normal island life in a very short period,” she says.

“This time we cannot yet say what’s going to happen but we are optimistic and all the 2020/2021 scheduled tours are confirmed.

“These kind of events are unpredictable but if we take a look at the recent global history, there has been precedents that were contained (SARS, MERS, etc).”

Click here to read their full and fair cancellation policy.

Craig Jackson of Compass Expeditions says the industry is in “uncharted waters at the moment” with the coronavirus threat.

Compass Expeditions tours screened on TVCompass Expeditions

He says their terms state that any cancellation within 90 days is non-refundable.

“This isn’t because we simply want to take the money and run but it’s because huge amounts have already been spent pre tour to secure the hotels, buy staff airline tickets and secure the support vehicles and bikes,” he says.

“We certainly don’t get a refund from any cancellations we make.”

If a customer cancels their booking up until 90 days before departure they will receive a refund of all payments less a $200 cancellation fee.

Nomadic Kinghts invites daredevil riders to join their first tour of the Cliffhanger track in the Himalayas (Photo by Iain Crockart)Nomadic Knights Managing Director Alex Pirie says he is very flexible and would consider several options: Offer a full refund; postpone the ride until it’s safe to go and carry the money over; offer a ride in a different part of the world; keep the payment as credit for a later date.

For a limited time, they are offering a $US500 discount on their two-week “Rode to Everest” from Kathmandu, Nepal, on 9 May 2021 if booked by 31 March 2020, using the code EVEREST500.

Denise Ferris of World on Wheels says it is not an issue because they haven’t received any cancellations, not even from people going to Nepal/Bhutan next week with her husband, Mike.“But this is precisely why we insist people take out comprehensive travel insurance, so that they’re covered,” she says.

“If the destination country is declared a high-risk area by our government, the clients would then have a bona fide reason to cancel, and lodge an insurance claim for reimbursement.”

Ferris Wheels travel insuranceMike and Denise Ferris

Coronavirus media hype

Craig of Compass Expeditions points out that the media hype does not match reality.

For example, their African trip is some 8500km from the only case of coronavirus in the entire African continent.

“In most countries outside of China it is business as usual in regards to the impact of Caronavirus on our tours,” he says.

“The one exception is our latest major expedition, the 100-day Asian Overland Expedition that departed from Singapore last week and will be heading through Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and hopefully into China and Tibet.

“The group are in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands at the moment and contrary to the media’s reporting South East Asia has not been devastated by the virus.

Compass ExpeditionsCompass Expeditions

“The issues will hit once we arrive at the Chinese border around the end of March. It is possible that the border with Laos, which we intend to cross will be closed or that the Australian Government will still be warning against travel in China, which is certainly possible.

“At that stage, if either of those things happen we will have to instigate a ‘Plan B’ which includes returning to Bangkok via Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. 

“So at this stage we have two massive tours planned and payed for and only one will be used. The original 100 day itinerary has taken over two years to plan and the financial cost to the company is huge even if we do get to complete the original itinerary. But that pales in significance to the damage our reputation would take if we pulled the pin on a major Expedition, so we push on.

“The hype around the Virus has also seen a number of cancellations for our Central Asian destinations like Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Siberia, none of which have even reported a single case of Caronavirus.” 

He says some customers have switched to one of their Australian tours, but international reports of the bushfires and recent flooding have also not helped.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

It’s about the journey, not the destination

(Contributed post for our North American readers)

Of course, you have heard this statement before; it’s not the destination, but the journey. Whether you’re a serious adventurer or a more relaxed kind of biker, you can choose the motorcycle trip customized to your level and the type of experience you are looking for. From the Himalayas to Mongolia, from a rugged raid to a smooth cruise everything is possible to suit every taste.

Bike travel gives you heaps of freedom and offers a more intimate connection with the people of the places you pass through. There are several scenic roads around the world, yet the best rides are spiced by the rush of twists where motorcyclists can wrench open the throttle.

A motorcycle trip requires extensive pre-trip planning and research, and there are many factors to keep in mind while planning the trip. The following are a few tips that you need to know before you jump on a bike and take a trip.

  • Selection of right bike:

Picking the ideal motorcycle is one of the most significant parts of going by bike. And your bike needs to be in accordance with the demands of your trip. Your checklist for choosing the right bike should focus on aspects like mileage, low maintenance and most importantly, a comfortable seating position so that you don’t strain your neck and/or back over the course of a long journey.

  • Have right accessories:

It’s important that you equip yourself with the right accessories so that you stay safe throughout your journey. While sporting a biker’s jacket and gloves will help you fight the heat and avoid dehydration, always ensure you wear a good-quality helmet as this might be the difference between life and death.

Ensure you wear biker boots to protect your feet and keep a decent grip on the brake pedal. Other important accessories include biker gloves and a traveling backpack. The proper bike gear is essential to ensure a safe and adventurous bike road trip.

  • Get ready for the long journey:

Preparing your motorbike involves cleaning it thoroughly and getting it serviced when required. You have to fix any issues you notice while cleaning or riding.

Ensure that your bike has dual sport tires so that you have no problem tackling both smooth surfaces and unpaved roads. Also, get your motorcycle serviced by a respectable mechanic to guarantee it’s in top condition before you hit the road.

  • Get prepared for a breakdown:

Breaking down on the roadside can be an upsetting and unsettling experience. If you’re riding a motorbike, you’re more likely to be on your own with no passengers to help and keep you company.

Not only that, if the weather is unpleasant or it’s late at night and dark, you’re exposed to the elements. In a car, you can sit inside in relative warmth and comfort while you wait for help. With a motorcycle, you don’t have a lot of choices but to remain alongside it until help shows up.

No matter where you are when an emergency happens, Commercial Roadside Assistance Company allows you to call one phone number and get help right away.

In the end, motorbike travel is one of the best ways to explore. It’s the ultimate thrill; the feeling of total freedom, of immersing yourself in the scenery, the breeze rushing by and the buzz it offers is indescribable.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

What You Need to Consider Before Setting Off on a Long Distance Rides Abroad

(Contributed article)

When headed out on a long distance trip in another country, there is quite a bit of excitement involved. However, before you get to the good stuff, there are a number of important considerations that you must make first. Being aware of certain details ahead of time can help you to stay safer and happier on your extended ride. So, without further ado, here are the things that you should be paying attention to before you set out…

Be Aware of Differing Laws

You are naturally aware that the motorcycle riding laws in other countries are different from what you are used to. Nonetheless, you also need to understand that these laws can differ from one region to another as well. Let’s consider DUI laws as an example.  If you are riding through Canada, for instance, a Milton DUI lawyer will tell you that the intoxicated while driving laws are the same across the board.

However, if you were to cross the border into the USA, then the laws can differ from one state to another. Thus, you have an entirely different set of rules to contend with. So, how can you keep track of all of these laws? Well, doing a little bit of research beforehand certainly can’t hurt. At the same time, make sure that you have a few local legal contacts as well. For instance, if you will be spending quite a lot of time in Canada, know who to call for DUI assistance in Toronto.

Identify the Least Motorcycle Friendly Cities

Believe it or not, there are cities that have been identified as being the “least motorcycle-friendly cities”. Now, there are several reasons for this title. It could be that certain areas don’t experience a great deal of motorcycle traffic and are, thus, unaccommodating. Or, it could mean that those places have an exceptionally high rate of motorcycle accidents.

Regardless, you must be able to identify these cities. You can then be even more cautious in these areas, cutting down on the risk of getting into accidents. Not to mention, you will also find it easier to get on with the locals, especially if they aren’t used to riders passing through their town.

Ride Like You Are Invisible

Following up on the above point, it is best to ride like people in cars are unaware of your existence. As mentioned, motorcycles may not be all that common in certain parts of the world. Due to this, the average driver may not think to look out for you, especially in congested spots.

As a result, your safety will be in your own hands. So, when you are on your motorcycle, don’t execute any sudden movements. Instead, make sure that you are plainly visible to all drivers and make it a point to signal what you are about to do.

Sure, there are a few points to remember when going on a long distance ride in a foreign country. However, as long as you make a note of these, your ride is sure to go a lot smoother so take them to heart.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Bali motorcycle crash is a lesson for all

A British rider who crashed while riding without a helmet in Bali now faces medical bills estimated to be almost $A100,000.

It’s a good lesson in not doing as the locals do — not wearing a helmet when riding — and in getting relevant travel insurance.

Reuben Armstrong, 27, was riding a motorcycle in Denpasar when he lost control on a corner and ran into a wall.

He was not wearing a helmet, so his travel insurance company has refused to pay for his medical bills.

Bali
Reuben in Bali

Reuben suffered a fracture to the left side of his skull which could affect his speech.

Doctors had refused to operate until £12,000 in medical bills were paid.

So his family set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to pay his medical bills which they estimate to be almost $100,000.

Click here to help Reuben.

They have raised more than half already from more than 400 supporters.

Riding in Bali

Bali is a popular place for Brits and Aussies to holiday and a fantastic place to ride a motorcycle as most of the population do.

However, one Aussie tourist dies every nine days in Bali, typically in a drunken scooter crashes. Reuben was not drunk at the time of his crash.

While most locals don’t wear helmets when riding, it is an offence to ride without a helmet in Bali and offenders can cop an on-the-spot fine.

Bali scooter crash
Bali is a beautiful place to ride … but dangerous

If you try to bribe an officer, you could cop an extra fine.

Yet many tourists choose to flout the law and run the risk.

We suggest that all riders heading overseas take extra care to acclimatise to the traffic and learn the roads and the road rules.

Road rules and traffic behaviour can be radically different to what you would be used to.

Riders should also ensure they have adequate travel insurance to cover them in case of an unfortunate accident.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com