Motorcycle Explorer October 2014 Issue 2 | Page 59

Two's Company
Take Extra Training.
5
Attend an advanced riding course or a police ‘safe rider’ scheme –
together. No matter how much experience you have you’ll always
learn new tricks and adopting the same strategies when dealing
with dodgy driving and rubbish roads could make the difference
between a happy trek and a medevac.
The training courses we took when Viv started riding late in life
were a revelation to me too. They undoubtedly kept us alive when
the mother of all storms broke on top of the crackpot driving
Stop Often.
6
Take regular comfort breaks and stop for food and drinks several
times a day too. Dehydration and hunger can be a real danger,
leading to loss of concentration and poor decision making. Snacks
and light meals will keep blood sugars balanced but high-calorie
lunches may cause drowsiness.
You don’t need me to tell you that bikes and booze don’t mix, so
save your main meal and that refreshing pint of beer / glass of
wine for the end of the day when the bikes are parked up for the
night.
Don’t Ride After Dark.
7
Strange roads, even stranger drivers, unlit hazards and tiredness
are a few of the many reasons to ride in daylight only. Get on the
road early and stop early too. We find 8am to 4pm usually gives
us the best of the light, least traffic and the sharpest brain cells to
deal with it all and enjoy it best.
Getting to your hotel or campsite early for a shower and a
leisurely meal make for a relaxing end to a day’s riding. There will
also be time to wash your undies, lube your chain, relive the day’s