The following motorcycle tips article is discharge note characteristic horsemanThe November 2022 issue is adventure-themed, which also includes the above stories Trans-American Trail, The Trans-Canada Adventure Trailand Trans-Euro Road.
Call me crazy, but over the past decade, I’ve driven solo half of the Trans-American Trail, three Outback Discovery Routes (Colorado, Idaho, and New Mexico), the Oklahoma Adventure Trail, and the Detour Lone Star.
Motorcycle forums often have debate topics about the pros and cons of off-roading alone. Some think it’s stupid; others think it’s the only way to ride. When you are alone in the backcountry, help may not be available if you need it. But solo adventure also has its benefits – as long as you use some common sense.
Advertisement
Riding with like-minded friends is great, but the more riders, the more complicated it is logistically due to different schedules and preferences regarding where and when to stop for meals, accommodation, etc. One of the main advantages of a solo trip is its simplicity. You are the boss. You are the only one who makes the decisions (and has to live with them). Take a break, take more photos, stop and smell the roses – it’s up to you.
Another advantage for our elders is that it beats not riding. For me, I can go alone or not at all. I am 75 years old and most of my friends have given up off-road driving for various reasons. And young men with jobs and families often don’t have enough time to hang out on Tuesdays or take a few weeks off for a long trip.
Some will argue that you cannot share the adventure with anyone if you go it alone. My solution was to take lots of pictures and record descriptive audio notes on my smartphone throughout the day. Once back home, I turn them into printed trip reports to share with family and friends.
Tips for motorbikes when riding off-road alone
Communicate: You should always let everyone know where you’re going to ride, but that’s not enough. You should also bring a Garmin within reach or SPOT . satellite tracker/communicator including two-way text messaging. Always carry it with you because it won’t help if it’s on your bike 50 feet down a ravine. Get in the habit of checking in periodically via your mobile phone or tracking device with people who know about your trip. Ask someone to periodically check your tracker “shares” with the understanding that if your last tracking point hasn’t moved in a few hours and you haven’t texted, you may need help . In addition, they should be in adequate numbers for search and rescue access.
Plan your route: Choose routes that fall within your skill set. GPS routes are great, but paper maps are also good as a backup and to familiarize you with “rescue” routes. In the event of an emergency, such routes provide the shortest route to the sidewalk or neighboring towns. Paper maps also give you the big picture, so during your trip, stop from time to time and pinpoint your exact location.
Suitable cycling: When off-roading alone, it’s important that you be able to pick up your bike yourself when (not if) you drop it. Most of us have seen demonstrations of 100 lb riders picking up 800 lb motorcycles by crouching with their lower backs against the saddle, holding the handlebars and rear fenders, at the same time “bouncing” the vehicle vertically. It’s a valuable technique to know and practice. In off-road situations you may encounter sand, gravel, or some other difficult situation, so I also carry a strap that I can hook to the underbody of my bike to adjust my lift position. When you’re off-road, a lighter motorcycle is always better in terms of maneuverability and handling, which you may have to do more than once.
Your bike also needs to be well maintained in terms of tires, chains, brakes, latch tightness, lights, battery, fuel, cables, etc. Know your bike well and how to fix common problems. Bring a comprehensive toolkit and can repair an apartment. Even if you have a 200-mile range, bring a RotoPax or other auxiliary fuel tank.
Protect yourself: Riding alone means ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time). If you do fall alone, quality safety equipment can decide if you ride out or get taken out by helicopter (at the expense of expensive bike recovery). A good helmet, armored suit, durable gloves, and adventure/terrain boots are essentials. Bring a water pack, extra snacks, sunscreen, first aid kit, and basic emergency supplies.
Smart Riding: Everyone’s self-preservation instincts calibrate differently, but when off-roading alone, it’s better to be cautious about making mistakes. If you come to a stretch of road and hear a warning bell in your head, consider turning around to take another route. Get the “Go Right” sticker from RideBDR.com and make it standard practice. Driving far to the right on dirt roads, over hills and around hidden bends has saved me many times. Cover the front brake lever with at least one finger and practice an emergency stop. Keep your mind focused on your ride and your pace in line with the vision. Obey the rules and laws, stay away from private roads, and slow down around houses and livestock.
What Happens: What Should You Do If You Get Injured or Stuck? Don’t panic! Reviews and reviews. Check for injuries, test your bike’s drivability, consult your map and weigh your options. Consider carefully: “Do I ride, do I walk, or do I wait?”
If you’re hungry for adventure and eager to see what’s on the next hill, a solo off-road trip might be just what you need.
