Riding by yourself puts as many miles on you as it does on your bike
They say there is strength in numbers, but if you’re passionate to achieve something that gives you joy, you can do it alone as well. You simply set the pace and everything falls into place. That’s pretty much what riding solo is all about.
For some reason, I find near death experiences entertaining. Adventures such as bungee jumping, rollercoasters and wingsuit flying are fun. However, when it comes to riding solo, the experience is more of a marathon, compared to which something like a sky diving is short lived, more like 100m and 200m races.
I am reminded of this time a college friend went solo riding to Ladakh and ran out of petrol somewhere on the way, luckily for him another college friend was posted in the region who saw him pushing his RE Bullet 500cc on the way and helped him get petrol. Man, God is good!
As for me, I love riding solo for the most part. I have travelled solo to Goa twice, to Nashik once for the Sula Fest, to Pune twice, Malsej Ghat once, Igatpuri a couple of times, Khandala and Lonavala many a times.
A Solo Ride to Goa
On my first trip to Goa for instance, my phone did a factory reset all by itself, leaving me without access to Google Maps, and I was left asking people for directions. Some part of my journey thereon was on a kaccha road through a jungle. It was drizzling, dark, and no lights except for some ambient moonlight and lightening to light up the road for hundreds of meters in front of me, straight out of a horror film, but it was as exciting, riding through all puddles on a bumpy road, with a jungle on either side.
As I have said, the excitement from most of these rides comes from such precarious situations that have seasoned and made me a better man. However, if you want to try riding solo, here’s checklist to follow:
A reliable big capacity motorcycle
I ride a RE Interceptor 650 Twin, but if you’re interested in riding solo long distance, you need a bike that is at least 300cc. Having a Royal Enfield is somewhat of an advantage because their service centres are all across India. Scooters are not preferred, since their engines are generally smaller capacity and their smaller wheels give you more feedback from the road, which is not comfortable for long rides.
Helmet with a clear visor
A helmet is a must for your safety, it should be a snug fit, it should wobble on your head neither should it be so tight that it leaves marks on your skin. The visor is important, to keep the wind and insects from hitting your face when riding fast, which isnt very comfortable.
Face wipes
We are aamchi mati aamchi manse agreed but you needn’t carrying all that dust on your face from one place to another. Face wipes helps you keep your skin clean, so you can enjoy feeling the air on your skin again.
Riding Gear
Some of the basics in riding gear that are must haves: a jacket, boots (not shoes), gloves, jeans if not riding pants, two mobile holders (one to hold your mobile and show you maps and the other to hold a power bank to keep your mobile running longer) and most importantly, a hydration pack that holds about 1.5 to 2L of water for you to sip and drink along the way.
Bike Check
Make sure your bike has no issues, fuel is topped up and air is filled as required.
Back To Basics
When you start off, try riding to places that are just 100km from where you stay and drive during the day as far as possible.
Make sure you have all the documents handy: license, RC card, insurance, and Aadhar card if you need to stay over in a hotel.
Riding on the highway is very different from riding the city. Also, do not stop to help people lying on the road, as there may be people waiting to ambush and rob you.
If you feel sleepy, stop at local coffee shop and enjoy some coffee and snacks till you are feeling better.
Share your Google location with your trusted people. This is a good practice for solo riders.
Riding solo somehow makes you bold and mature you unlike anything else, it almost like it puts a lot of miles on you, just as it does on your bike. If this adventure has been on your mind, take a leap of faith and you might like it.
P.S. For those who enjoy the camaraderie and security of riding in groups, you can join the Cause Riders Group, with whom I’ve been on several clean up drives and breakfast rides. This could get your started on your riding adventure. Feel free to contact Parag Rawool – 9870722030 for the same.
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