Planning your trip and escaping the mundane lifestyle can be a very thrilling experience. However, when the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’s important to be prepared and take extra precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Most people plan for the stay and camping in advance and this is a more organized move but the weather prediction will only tell so much. You have to stay ready for all the emergencies and worst-case scenarios. Also, you need to know when you have the time and energy to move forward and if it is the right time to find a good and safe place to stay.
Most experts believe that rather than going forward or moving back, staying is much better. Especially if you have the camping equipment, however, in case you are very close to your destination it is better to keep going so you can find a suitable space to stay and find shelter.
Why Riding a Motorcycle in Rain is Considered Dangerous?
During riding the main issue that most people face are limited visibility and slippery roads. Where other issues like cold or extreme weather consideration also play an important role but they can be manageable if you take a little break. However, when it comes to slippery roads and visibility issues, there is no way to minimize them. If you are a seasonal rider, you will know what to do. You will be carrying things with you that can make your journey easier and safer.
However, if you are just a newbie, the situation can get worse. So, before you visit the place make sure you know about all the routes and the weather conditions on the route. Also, keep an eye on the weather predictability and what you can add to luggage based on the weather conditions. Most routes have a very low predictability rate which means that rain in these regions cannot be predicted. Regions like the equatorial zone, where rains are frequent and prediction is low, must be considered rain zones while packing all the equipment.
9 Useful Tips Will Help You Ride and Camp in the Rain
With the help of this article, we will mainly look at the best tips that are offered by the experts. Here are 9 tips for adventure riding and camping in the rain:
1. Quality Gear Is the Base
Most people never get to have decent gear because of budget limitations. It is important to keep in mind that during travel the conditions cannot be controlled which is the reason you need to stay prepared for the worst. You can be choosy about the things you want to carry and what you should buy, but for your journey, you should get the best gear. This will be considered an investment in your life. You must also carry waterproof jackets, shoes and covers with you.
2. Make Your Motorcycle Ready For the Ride
Your motorcycle will be your home, your travel partner, and your buddy for the whole journey so it is only fair if you invest in the right gear. This should not just be limited to helmets or safety gear but also the actual modification and updates that will make traveling easier. Make sure your motorcycle is equipped with good tires that have plenty of treads. Wet roads can be slippery, and good tires will help you maintain traction.
3. Take Some Time
Speeding up in the rain is the worst mistake you can commit. Most people push the speed because they think that their destination is nearby and if they speed up, they can reach it sooner. However, this is the most deadly mistake you can commit. You need to lower down and increase your following distance. Since the road is slippery, it will take longer for you to press the brake. You need to ensure that the speed is already less so there is no safety hazard.
4. Brakes Are You, Friends
Stepping on the brake can save your life but if you are at high speed, stepping on breaks will make things worse, so go slow and take time to slam the brakes. You need to be gentle and only stop fully when you are slow enough that it will not make you lose control. The base of stepping on the brakes is slow speed and makes sure you have enough space for the brakes.
5. Weather Is Just a Prediction
Most people blindly rely on weather prediction. Eventually, they get themselves into situations where things can go south very easily. The goal is to know where you are going and how often it rains or what the actual climate is. Once you are familiar with climates, check on fellow riders via online social media platforms, this will help you a lot. Eventually, this can help you get ready for the trip. If you know it’s going to rain, consider adjusting your route or delaying your trip until the weather clears up.
6. Waterproofing Is Key
No matter what you buy or where you travel, focus on weatherproofing. The places where you will be camping will usually be a little moist. Your tent should have multiple layers and multiple ventilation sources. This will help you avoid bugs, mosquitos and stay dry even when it is raining. Wet clothes and shoes can be uncomfortable and can lead to hypothermia, so it’s important to have dry options available.
7. Pack Clothes in Ziplock
Zip lock bags will save you if you are traveling to a place where there is a rain prediction and you plan to camp. In a place where camping can be challenging because of the weather conditions and moisture, make sure to pack your things in zip-lock bags. This will save you a lot of hassle and it will also make sure that you can tear wet clothes with dry clothes without thinking too much about getting all the clothes dirty.
8. First Aid Kit
It doesn’t matter where you are going, how much time it will take, or where you will be staying, you need to keep your first aid kit with you. Accidents can happen everywhere and if you are not prepared, this can lead to serious consequences. With rain and slippery roads, you have to be very careful so that in case things go south, you will have your first aid kit.
9. Use More Lights and Keep your Distance
The worst mistake you can commit while riding your motorcycle in rain is to not keep your distance or use limited lights. The visibility is already low and if you do not work on the visibility, there is a high chance that you will end up making things worse for yourself. Keep the lights on and also make sure that you keep a good distance from the rider ahead of you. This will offer you enough time to press the brake and save you from any accidents.
Bottom Line
To sum it all up, the rainy season can be a rider’s worst nightmare. Especially if you like off-road conditions or you are thinking about camping somewhere nice for a few days. The roads are slippery and visibility is often reduced, so it’s crucial to stay alert and ride defensively. However, with the right precautions and a little bit of extra planning, it’s possible to have a safe and enjoyable ride in any weather.
Author:
This Article is suggested by Ann Edwards of Viking Bags.
