Preparing for a long ride, whether for charity like The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) or just for leisure, isn’t as simple as purely donning a helmet and riding into the wilderness; although this may sound romantic, most bikers know that a lot more needs to be taken into account, especially your bank account. Aspects such as your route, weather, protective gear, insurance and what should happen if something goes wrong, all need to be considered before setting off.
Looking Dapper En Route
Firstly, finding out where your route begins and where it finishes is a vital – albeit obvious – part of the journey. Researching the area, for example, its terrain, food stops and toilet facilities are necessary in not just having a safe ride but a comfortable one as well. Not having to wonder where the next rest stop is will be a load off your mind when nature strikes. For example, the DGR runs from Fremantle (Clancy’s Fish Pub), meeting between 9am and 9:30am, and ends at The Brown Fox in West Perth. Along the route there are three regroup spots where others can join the riders, as well as a restaurant, Zafferano, along Mounts Bay Road, in case you need to a break.
Dressing up and looking dapper is a fun aspect of any long ride. Be sure to check the dress code on the ride’s main website well before the date. The DMR, for example, requires you and your friends to don your best suits (whilst still remaining safe). If you don’t own a suit and your budget doesn’t allow for such finery, why not check out a thrift shop or rental establishment? That way, you can still look dapper and join in the fun, but for bottom dollar. You can also buy some motorcycle polish for as little as $20 to make sure your bike is looking as slick as you are.
Whatever the Weather
Nearer the ride, consult the weather forecast. If the weather’s hot, the rider will have to take multiple things into consideration, such as hydration; protective leathers make the rider sweat and in hot weather this can be dangerous. Heat cramps can also occur, starting in the legs and working their way up; if this happens, taking a break, drinking water and eating a snack is imperative to keeping your blood pressure at a safe level. These symptoms can also be indicators of heat exhaustion; in situations where the rider believes this to be the case, they should find shade as quickly as possible, loosen clothing and drink water. It’s then recommended that the rider does not continue riding but instead rests for 24 hours afterwards. To help prevent this, purchasing a 2L water bladder that you can put in your rucksack for as little as $20, is an efficient way of transporting enough water to keep hydrated while on the move.
Alternatively, in cold weather, the rider must make sure they’re not going to get cold, as this can effect concentration, as well as health. Wearing the appropriate clothing is crucial in maintaining a moderate body temperature. Special cold weather gloves for around $50 or motorcycle gloves which can set you back around $300; a heated motorcycle jacket, which you can pick up on EBay for around $100 or brand new from $200; and a neck gaiter from $40, all go towards preventing wind chill from getting to your bare skin. A good quality helmet is almost a must, as not only can it shield your face from the wind but it can save your life. Buying a helmet brand new is recommended as just one knock can leave the protective gear weakened. If you’re on a budget, make sure to set aside a decent portion to purchase a quality helmet and be prepared to spend as much as $800 to $1000 to acquire a prime piece of head gear.
Preparing your Ride
The weather can also affect the bike itself. Hot weather can affect the engine by causing pinging, or engine detonation, which sounds like a high pitched rattling, and will need the motorcycle to be tuned. Changing to a synthetic oil and installing an oil cooler can help prevent this.
Wet weather affects your motorcycle the most. Drizzle in particular, or the first hour of rain fall, is the most dangerous as the previous day’s dirt, oil and grease all mix with the rain, making it treacherously slippery. With the number of motorbike fatalities increasing over the last ten years by 17% in Australia, it’s a good idea to invest in some good wet weather tyres, such as Pirelli’s Diablo rain tyres for around $230 each. These special tyres have patterned tread, which displaces the water between the road and rubber, preventing the likelihood of sliding. Other tips such as slow, gentle braking also decrease the chances of the rider having an accident. However, should the worst happen, having a plan in place is always a sensible idea. Making sure the bike is fully covered on its insurance policy is a must; a policy such as multi-bike insurance, which, according to Money.co.uk, covers up to 6 motorcycles and costs around the same as insuring just the one, allowing you take your main bike on the ride, without having to worry about separate policies, whilst keeping your other bikes safe from theft or damage at home while you’re away.
Cold weather can make the fuel mileage decrease with air-cooled bikes, as the oil can’t heat up enough to burn off condensation. It can also affect tyres by making the rubber less flexible and giving the rider less traction with the road, similar to wet weather.
Ultimately, taking part in a long ride isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Many aspects, especially finance and safety, need to be taken into account. Protecting yourself can cost thousands of dollars and is an aspect of riding that can’t be negotiated. Added extras, such as fancy dress and making your bike all sparkly, are just an optional bit of fun.
submitted by Eve Pearce
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