Planning A Motorcycling Holiday

Your mindset is important. I once had to cover 2000 kilometres in two days so I thought of this adventure as a short vacation.

And even though I had made this exact same trip many times in numerous different cars, there was a special excitement about the notion of doing it on two wheels. But equally, it required more planning.

A paradox at the heart of motorcycling is that while it is more spontaneous and liberated than driving, it requires even fiercer concentration to do it safely. What could be a minor whoops in a car can be fatal on a motorcycle. Let me give you an example of what I mean. Imagine it's a drizzly kind of night with poor visibility. You're cruising at 110 km/h on low beam because there is a steady stream of oncoming traffic. A large dead kangaroo lies in wait for you, occupying most of your lane. By the time you see the dark humped shape, there's neither time nor road enough to avoid running over it. In a car this would be uncomfortable and you might do some damage. On a bike you could easily die. Around town, hitting a dog can be equally damaging to both parties.

Wildlife is one reason why you should think twice before covering long distances under difficult conditions after dark. But sometimes you can't avoid it. Keep your speed down to 85-90 km/h unless you can run on high beam.

Your bike will be absolutely roadworthy or you won't go, right?

Don't pack stuff you don't need. On my trip I was fortunate to be able to camp under the stars. I had a two-man tent but a lightweight motorcycling swag would have been even better. If the weather turns you can choose the motel option instead. Don't forget to take plenty of water.

My Yamaha XJR 1300 was equipped with a rack, so all I needed was octopus straps. If you have to wear a backpack make it really light. It's the same principle as carrying luggage on the roof of your car. Keep the centre of gravity as low as possible.

It is a good idea to have water where you can access it quickly. Ditto a couple of pieces of fruit. And don't forget to take your fully charged mobile.

I was forewarned that anything more than about 1000 kilometres in a day on a bike is a long haul and more tiring than the same distance covered in a car. But I reckon that depends on your attitude, how you feel about your motorcycle and the nature of the trip.

You can often find good camping spots within a few kilometres of the highway. Choose somewhere not too far off your course but far enough away for the noise of trucks not to worry your sleep.

It makes a great start to the day to ride into the dawn. But if time is not of the essence, just sleep in. Your bike and the road will be ready when you are.

By H.D. Young