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PLAN THE MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!

14/12/2011
  1. Look at the local weather conditions and research the native seasons to make sure you are there for the best riding. Remember that on the opposite side of the world, summer and winter are reversed and, in many places, there are extreme wet and dry seasons to be aware of.

  2. Plan your daily mileages with consideration for the terrain you will be riding through. Gravel roads or mountain passes will take longer than motorways and paved roads – and will require more energy.

  3. Don’t plan to see too much, less is more. This will give you time for the wonderful (and occasionally difficult) unexpected things that happen when you’re travelling and give time to interact with locals, explore more of the world and truly enjoy the experience.

  4. Give your bike a good service before leaving and replace any worn parts. These can be kept for use upon your return, but it is best to start with a fully serviced bike with new tyres and, less obviously, one of the most important things is to ensure that your suspension is in tip top condition.

  5. Have a good packing system, remember less is more. We tend to accumulate things as we travel and if you can barely squeeze in your entire luggage in ideal conditions at home, it’ll be a real pain a month later in the middle of nowhere!

  6. Check all your documents and make sure they will be valid for the full length of the journey and then some extra. Have paper photocopies on hand (but stored separately from the originals) and e-mail yourself digital scans, too.

  7. Take some training before leaving. A bit of time spent improving your confidence, learning new skills, brushing up on your first aid before you leave will pay you back many times over on the road.

  8. Avoid riding in the dark and plan to get to your end destination between 4 and 5 pm. This gives you some down time and allows you to reflect on the day and enjoy your trip more. Rushing is not ideal.

  9. If your day involves border crossings, allow for significantly more travel time and plan overnight stays near the border on each side to assist in any delays. Border crossings can take an awful long time.

  10. Smile, even when the day is not going well, and remember that any bad day spent riding on your bike is far better than any day spent in the office!

 Kevin Sanders has been riding since he was seventeen and has done everything from despatch riding to round-the-world record attempts. When not travelling the world, Kevin's other role is as the Chief Instructor & Director for BMW Rider Training. He has taught thousands of riders over the past 16 years and holds the highest qualifications for advanced motorcycling.