Riding Tips

In no particular order, here are some tips for safe riding

  • Look where you are going to go - when turning or manouvering turn your head to look where you want to go (and not at that wall or kerb nearby!)
  • Don`t Crash - pay attention to what is happening all around you.
  • Don`t exceed your abilities - make your own judgments and assessments about the road ahead.
  • Don`t speed - make sure you are not dragged along by other road users.
  • Pay attention - riding in a group is more demanding than riding on your own.
  • Don`t follow like a monkey - the person if front may know less than you.
  • Don`t take up the tow - ensure you have a clear view of the road ahead by maintaining the correct following distance and for slow travelling ensure you are offset or staggered from the rider in front of you.
  • Think about where you are going - before setting off it is useful to have some idea of your route and destination.
  • Do stop and rest before you need to - newer riders should pay attention to their own limits of endurance – typically thirty minutes.
  • Buddy up – if you are travelling in a group then pair up with another rider for fuel, tolls, meals etc
  • Contacts – before travelling share your “who to contact” numbers with your fellow traveller
  • Enjoyment – should be your first aim in riding
  • First Aid Kit – keep it light and relevant – big dressings, no tweezers.
  • Headlights – compulsory in most of the world for m/c`s to have lights on
  • Spare Keys – your spare set should stay at home unless you are travelling
  • Maps – take one small detail map, and one larger scale
  • Daily Mileage - when travelling do`t set your targets too high too soon
  • If you must fall off - try not to leave your legs or feet under the bike
  • First Aid Kit - carry at least a small kit under your seat and know how to use it
  • Tyres - check pressures at the start of every day
  • Sidewinds - can be difficult but try to relax and go with the wind
  • Camera - easy to have a disposable under you seat, you never know when you need it
  • Gloves - carry a disposable pair to use when checking levels or pressures
  • Punctures - very unusual if your pressures are correct, but can be fixed with a repair kit
  • Speed Limits - can be tiresome but exceed them at your peril
  • Following Distance - give yourself space and time to see whats happening ahead
  • Plan Ahead - right gear, right time, right place to negotiate every hazard
  • Zebra Crossings - mind the paint by riding on the black bits
  • Water - if you are touring then take a half litre everywhere with you