Whilst many riders contemplate either continued riding during the winter months or even suspending until spring, another alternative for some is to follow the sun. To change location to continue riding in drier and warmer conditions.
Either jumping on a plane to escape for a couple of weeks to a holiday destination or to ride to another location or in some cases to another country or state.
When in ‘holiday mode’ many riders may be lured into thinking that all is well and nothing can go wrong…unfortunately is many cases this sense of freedom and over confidence is the first mistake that can lead to a series of incidents.
In this article I am mainly discussing the process of renting a motorcycle at a holiday destination, but similar considerations should be applied to any riding in an unfamiliar region.
Many renter riders tend not to plan to ride motorcycles before the trip, but tend to decide to do so impulsively when they have arrived at their destination. This being the case, most will not have any protective clothing or equipment with them and in most cases renting outlets will tend to supply helmets only when the law requires them to do so.
So this leads to the first set of circumstances, whereby renter riders are not prepared, both physically & mentally to ride in an unfamiliar region, and many will not have ridden recently..in some cases in many years. The lack of preparation and recent riding experience, married with unfamiliar roads and driving/riding laws and practices create an increasing set of variables that may lead to issues, both in terms of accidents/incidents and abiding of local roads laws.
Now this in itself does not necessarily mean that a rider will indeed come unstuck, but it means that a rider has to be aware of the new variables that may generate hazards for the ride. Those renter riders who have prepared and have taken precautions are much less likely to encounter issues and incidents.
It is a common sight that in warmer climates, many local riders may not be wearing any protective clothing and in some cases not wearing helmets either, regardless of whether the local law requires them to do so. But this is where the renter rider should be cautious and before renting a motorcycle, the rider should get informed what the local laws are and try to follow them because being a ‘tourist’ will not be deemed an acceptable defence by the local law officials.
Local riders will be at an advantage because they know what the condition of the roads are like, what the traffic density and driving practices and standards are, and where and when they can ‘bend’ the law, but a renter rider will not.
Also keep in mind that in many of these locations, although there may seem to be a more relaxed law regarding motorcycle use, because there are many local riders just wearing some everyday clothes and a smile, it does not mean that these laws are not enforced. In fact in many areas, the laws are becoming more restrictive and even the local riders are being forced to change their attitudes and behaviours, but sometimes the transition is slow and the enforcement is not always consistent.
In many areas, countries and regions, local laws have been introduced to tackle a high accident rate and high injury and fatality rates, and motorcycles and riders are being targeted to address this issue. In many cases both enforcement and initial training and recurrent training is being addressed to improve standards and practices by all road users…but this does not necessarily mean that this is instantly recognisable on the roads.
As a renter rider, the hazards are not always immediately apparent but nonetheless do exist and there is a greater risk…especially when not prepared and not aware of the new conditions.
Unfortunately, whilst renting outlets will not advertise the fact that accidents and injuries occur and also whilst it is true that accidents are still relatively infrequent amongst the renter riders…they do still occur and the injuries can be substantial, largely due to lack of protection rather than excessive speeds.
This, however should not deter anyone from experiencing the adventure of riding in another unfamiliar region, but all that is required is some preparation and increased awareness of what the potential hazards may be and couple this with a modified riding style that is more cautious and defensive.
The potential hazards, however, are not only restricted to accidents and road incidents. The other hazards are less concerning protection from accidents, but more protection from the environmental conditions.
Many renter riders & pillions may rent a motorcycle in the high temperature regions and ride wearing shorts & sandals or bikinis etc. Attire suitable for the beach, but not so suitable for riding motorcycles…especially at higher speeds and on unfamiliar roads. However, whilst most will apply sun protective sprays/creams on the beach…many will forget to apply these when out riding. The cooling airflow will also not indicate that the skin is being damaged and it is a common site for riders and pillions to be returning from a days ride suffering severe sun burn and dehydration.
Whilst I would always say wearing motorcycle protective clothing should be worn in all temperatures and there is suitable clothing for all temperature ranges, I would also say that if none is worn, then the speed should be dramatically reduced and the riding style should be substantially modified. However, I would always advise wearing sun protection and wear at least thin long sleeve shirts and trousers whilst riding, to help block out the sun.
Riding motorcycles in all conditions and, whether in familiar or unfamiliar areas is about taking account of the variables and hazards and modifying your riding practices to suit. Protection can mean many things…from eating regularly and keeping hydrated to applying sun cream…to wearing full motorcycle leathers and full armour.
It is about making the right choices and decisions at the right time, to remain comfortable and these do not have to affect or decrease the enjoyment or thrill of riding.
Wherever you are riding, whether it is your own machine or one that is rented…if a new variable is introduced then this means there is a new potential for hazards which can easily be overcome and or avoided with some prior consideration. This does not mean that every ride has to be planned as if it were an expedition to the South Pole, but all it takes is 5 mins or so to take stock of where you are and what the issues might be.