Getting ready for your first motorbike tour abroad? Read these tips first

Ever since you got your motorbike, you’ve been daydreaming of taking it for a ride on world-famous routes like the Great Ocean Road in Australia or the Troll Ladder in Norway, and experience the rush of adrenaline as breathtaking natural sceneries unfold behind you. We wouldn’t be surprised if the very idea of a tour abroad made you get a motorbike to begin with.

Your first tour will be one of the most important memories you’ll make as a biker so let’s make it pleasant, shall we? Before you grab your gear and hit the road, have a look at these general precautions to stay safe and make the most out of your trip:

Motorbike laws differ around the world
When you studied for the motorbike license test, you learned the local legislation and you probably know it like the back of your hand by now. Before your first tour abroad, however, you must supplement this knowledge and have a look online to check the motorbike laws for each country you’ll be passing through. Don’t discard local variations; just because something is legal in your country, that doesn’t mean you’re allowed to do it everywhere else. It’s better to be safe than sorry and you don’t want to learn the hard way that some countries have some pretty high fines. For example, you’re not allowed to stand up while riding in Alberta, Canada and if you have an accident in Sydney, Australia you could be fined about $400 for negligent riding even if you weren’t to blame.

Find out if you’ll be passing through motorbike-unfriendly cities
Since this is your first motorbike tour abroad, you’re probably excited to get to your destination but remember that it’s also about the journey. And if your journey takes you through some of the worst cities for bikers, then you have to prepare as much as possible. For example, cities like Dallas, where construction projects are sprawling everywhere, can be very difficult to traverse by motorbike. Meanwhile, small European cities that don’t have a strong biker culture may lack the infrastructure and can also be impractical for bikers. Carefully check the route in advance, talk to more experienced bikers, go on forums, and see if you can take an alternative route. Although it might be longer, you’ll enjoy the experience more.

Prepare your body for riding long distances
Even if you think you’re prepared for this, riding long distances for the first time can be a shock for your body so you have to know how to dose your energy. If you’re tempted to push through and ride for hours on end without stopping, think again. Your muscles will feel sore and stiff and you’ll experience cramping. Take it slow, research the best riding techniques for long distances, make stretching pauses every couple of hours and don’t forget to rest, eat, and stay hydrated. Respect your body and don’t try to achieve things too fast, too soon. Staying comfortable and well-rested is important if you want to have sharp reflexes and be in top shape.