Riding in a group can be great but riding solo is soul-satisfying. When you ride solo you don’t have to bother with being left behind, and you can go wherever whenever you want. Also, you get ample ‘me’ time.
It has been a man’s forte until now, but modern time has witnessed many women taking up the courage to hop on a motorcycle and explore the unexplored alone.
According to expert women bikers, females need to be more cautious than males when traveling solo, especially if this is their first trip. Yet after all the difficulties that women riders might experience, they swear by the satisfaction of solo riding and encourage other women to ride solo and gather a lifetime of experience.
If you are one such woman who’s ready to get on the saddle and planning to ride alone, here’s a useful guide for you.
Pack light
It’s very important to minimise your baggage because worrying about your luggage should be the last thing on your mind when you are out in the unknown. Remember you actually don’t need many clothes as mostly you’ll be in your riding gear only. So pack smart.
Start early, finish early
Start your day as early as possible and call it a day at sundown. Not all places are safe to loiter around at night, so its best to be in your safe zone once the sun is about to set. Also traveling with some time at hand is a good idea as any unforeseen situation can be handled effectively in the daytime unlike at night when you are alone and there’s no one to help
Keep your loved ones informed
Although this should be done by male riders also, it’s more important for the female riders to follow this safety protocol. Inform your loved ones about your daily plan- the place where you’ll reach at the end of the day and the time you’ll be checking in. It’s good if someone has your back and worry about you when you fail to check in at the designated time.
Keep paper maps
Although technology is very convenient and in today’s time we majorly rely on GPS but having a paper map handy can save the day when your device battery goes dead or you enter a no network zone. Moreover, GPS is often a distraction if you fiddle with it while riding, and this can cause a dangerous situation for you and other people on the road.
Inspect your bike regularly
Not only is it important for you to get your bike properly serviced before starting your solo ride, but it’s also critical to inspect your bike every now and then especially when you are out on a long distance travel. Make it a point to inspect your bike every day before you hit the road.
Do whatever it takes to stay safe
Safety first! – being a woman rider you must have heard this many times, to be honest, it makes complete sense too. Staying safe doesn’t just mean not lurking out in the dark, but this implies to many more things.
- For starters, you should be capable enough to handle basic maintenance issues of your bike. Like changing your bike’s flat tire.
- Equip your bike with all the essential safety gears and the tools.
- Wear proper riding gear and carry a high visibility vest in case you are planning to ride at night.
- Be sure to carry enough water and some high protein snacks.
- Make your medical information and identity easily accessible in case of emergencies. It’s a good idea to have your name and blood group written on your helmet and bike.
- Lastly, don’t ever get drunk with unknown people at unfamiliar places.
Be confident and alert
You are in a new place and it’s not easy to be confident in an unknown surrounding, but you must put up a confident attitude even when you are not.
For instance, before approaching any public place, say a restaurant, take some time to analyze the place and the people. Nothing is worse than looking lost in an unknown place.
When talking to a stranger look into their eyes and make sure you know what you are talking about. Be alert, learn how to read people. Talk and mingle with people but don’t immediately trust them with your life.
Pay attention to your intuition
Everyone is born with intuition but it takes a little practice to decode it. If anytime you feel weird about a place, person or situation, get out of there immediately. Learn to say a firm NO in difficult situations without bothering about hurting someone’s sentiments. Always listen to your gut, because usually, it’s right. Being safe should be your topmost priority.
In the end, just remember that it takes a lot of courage to ride alone, but once you do it, it’ll surely give you wonderful memories for a lifetime.
