Riding a motorcycle is not just about fun and freedom, it’s thrilling also. When you ride through mountains you can feel the thrill and face fears every single moment. With the proper riding technique and skills, you can successfully navigate through mountains and experience a thrilling and enjoyable journey. Otherwise, it will become a nightmare for you. Here are some tips for making your mountain ride easier.
1. Prepare yourself and your motorcycle
By wearing the right gear, and learning the techniques and skills prepare yourself for mountain riding. Set your mind to face any kind of difficulties. Before going for a mountain check your motorcycle thoroughly and make sure your motorcycle parts and components are on point and functioning properly.
2. Plan your route
Fix your destination where you want to go. Research the place very well, and get a bunch of ideas about the place including the environment. Plan a route and study the map very well and don’t forget to mark steep inclines, sharp turns, and potential hazards to ensure smooth and safe riding. Because it is very important to know what lies ahead to prepare mentally and physically. Also don’t forget to mark the fuel refill stations.
3. Hill riding technique
For hill riding you need heightened awareness. While riding, always be focused and look forward to avoiding potential hazards and anticipated changes in the road.
Uphill: Accelerate the throttle in a steady and controlled way. Avoid abrupt acceleration or deceleration otherwise, your motorcycle can lose traction. When you climb a hill, keep your body weight forward and don’t accelerate abruptly. Raise the power according to your needs. Moreover, the front wheel of your motorcycle will be in the air and your motorcycle will be flipped over. Stand up on the foot page, bend your knees, lean slightly forward, grip your motorcycle tank with your knees, and keep a steady throttle when you’re climbing on hills. If your body mass is not in the right position and you suddenly reduce your acceleration too much you will fall off with your motorcycle. Sometimes it is necessary to break and balance the motorcycle at the same time. Due to balancing sometimes it is not possible to use the foot brake. In that case, you have to use your middle and index finger to press the brake lever and by using your thumb and other fingers keep the throttle steady and controlled. While riding uphill always keep your motorcycle in second gear or if needed more power to climb up shift to the first gear.
Downhill: For going downhill Shift your weight slightly back to the rear wheel. Keep your body weight slightly opposite the direction your motorcycle is going. It will help you to stay close to the mountain wall and fall off from the hill. Press the front and rear brakes simultaneously, especially putting a bit more pressure on the rear brake than the front brake. If you use the front and rear brakes individually you will lose traction and fall off. Use low acceleration and also use the brakes wisely.
Cornering: Most of the hill turns are sharp and unpredictable and there are some turns that you don’t even know what’s on the other side of the turn. Slow down your motorcycle while turning, lean along with the motorcycle but not too much. Loose and broken stones lying on the road can cause you to fall while turning. Observe the intersection well from a safe distance, be predictable about the turn curve always be prepared for sudden changes in the road, and handle any obstacle wisely. Avoid braking suddenly when approaching a turn.
4. Weather consideration
Always be prepared for sudden climate changes. Because it is very normal in hilly areas Weather can change anytime. If it suddenly starts raining or fog covers the surroundings the visibility goes low and for the rain roads become slippery. Reduce your motorcycle speed, and avoid sudden braking, accelerating, and turning. Wet roads have less traction and are more likely to fall. Increase your visibility and keep your motorcycle lights on.
5. Safety tips
Ensure adequate safety before and after reaching the mountain. Be known of the place filling stations, rest areas, emergency exit routes, and services. Carry essential supplies such as a toolkit, first aid kit, emergency contact number, GPS location tracker, physical map, ropes, lighter and if possible carry a satellite phone. Always try to ride in a group because it is not safe at all to ride alone in such a remote environment. Take breaks after a while, eat some light food, get your motorcycle and yourself some rest, and drink a bunch of water to always keep your body hydrated.
Navigating through a mountain is all about Indomitable courage and willpower. Practice well and if possible take a course before hitting the mountain. Be well-known about the place and set your mind to face any kind of difficulties on the road. Stay calm and drive safe. Protect the environment, don’t throw your trash. Pack that all to bring with you and drop it off at a designated location.