Checklist Before a Long Ride
From BikeNomads
1) Please ensure your group has either an experienced mechanic or someone who is technically capable of handling any kind of repairs on the bike. Please ensure that this person is the last person to ride and irrespective of what happens he always stays last. Even if someone stops for a piss or smoke, he has to stop and wait until they have started and left that place. Now, also plan your stops and use these stops not only to relax, smoke and piss but also to regroup. Once everyone has reached the stop, everyone can leave. Ideally the ride leader can schedule a stop every 50 kms or every one hour. It is sensible and good to have a 3-5 minute stop every one hour. Be disciplined about these stops and do not exceed the time limit set. For the seasoned riders you may find this one hour stop weird, but remember you have guys with you who maybe riding so far for the first time. This is a group ride so ride or stop as a group.
2) Ensure your bikes are in top running condition and better get them checked up and serviced by Monday latest. Don't service it in the last moment. If u get it done by Monday then there is time to rectify any problems that may arise.
3) It is best that everyone carries their own spares kit. Make your own kit and when u use something ensure u replace that part immediately in the kit. Here is a list of what u will need:
BIKE CHECKLIST - what I have marked with an * is compulsory for everyone, the others can be collected and kept with the Expert Technician.
1. Tool Kit *
2. Wheel spanner and pliers
3. Bungee Cords and Net Bungees (To Tie your Luggage on to the Bike) *
4. Fuel Can * (for rides like Leh)
5. Cello / Electrician Tape *
6. Spare Oil for Bike * (Especially for Bulls)
7. Helmet *
8. Duplicate Bike Key (Keep Separately) *
9. Bike Papers (Registration, PUC & Insurance) [2 Photocopy sets - Keep one in the bike and the other preferably in your waist pouch or bag] *
10. Valid Driving License - keep a photocopy of the same with your bike papers *
11. Spares (Condenser Point (Bulls), Spark Plug, Clutch/Accelerator Cable, Headlight Bulbs) - Please ensure u pick the right spares.
12. Change your headlight bulb to halogen*
13. Ensure your bike has two rear view mirrors *
14. Spare tube *
15. Puncture kit
PERSONAL CHECKLIST
1. Flashlight and Candle/Matches or lighter *
2. Waist Pouch (Handy for change, small and misc. items) *
3. Camera + Rolls + Batteries
4. Swiss Knife
5. Gloves *
6. Balaclava *
7. Shaving Kit *
8. Towel *
9. Slippers *
10. Shoes * - Use comfortable shoes while riding and ensure the soles are not plain or worn out. Soles with deep grooves are useful
11. Pen, Notepad *
12. Sweaters / Jackets *
13. Tshirts *
14. Swimming Trunks *
15. Casual Shirts *
16. Jeans - don't bring too many jeans however.. they are heavy to carry
17. Track pants - good for riding... with shorts type undies... no v undies...
18. Socks *
19. Toothpaste, Toothbrush *
20. Hair Brush *
21. Shampoo *
22. Soap *
23. Soap Strips (keep it in your wallet or waist pouch) *
24. Deodorant *
25. Sunglasses + Night Riding Glasses (White/Plain) - Ensure your helmet visors are scratch free or you will not be able to ride in the night with them *
26. Water Bottles (Keep Close not in Luggage)+ Snacks *
27. Toilet Paper Roll *
28. Plastic Bags (Believe me, you'll need them) *
29. Binoculars
30. Sleeping Bag *
31. Your Visiting Card + guys get a printout of all the riders’ details. Like contact person and phone no in case of an emergency... allergies and medication info. Ensure that every guy carries a copy of this. *
32. Rain Gear - Waterproof pants and jacket - I also carry my bike cover with me so I wrap my luggage in it to protect it if it rains.
FIRST AID LIST
Carry the kit that comes with the bike, but it is also advisable to carry the following. Or u can pool in some money and make one kit for everybody. Remember if anyone uses anything make sure it is replaced asap.
- Antiseptic Cream - Neosporin/Soframycin
- Gauze - Sterile Pads
- Dettol
- Band Aids
- Cotton Wool
- Crocin (Fever, colds etc)
- Brufen (Anti Inflammatory)
- Moov (Sprains etc)
- Biquinol (Upset Stomach)
- Perinorm (Anti Vomiting)
- Autan or Odomos (Mosquito Repellent)
- Eno (Acidity)
- Small Scissors
- Safety Pins
- Tweezers
- Avomine (Travel Sickness)
- Caladryl (Mosquito bites or Skin Rashes)
- Thermometer
- Benadryl (Cough Syrup)
- Purofil Drops (Water Purification-Available at any Chemist- Rs.20/-)
- Any other personal medication you take
OTHER ADVICE Be cautios on inner roads. As much as possible avoid night riding. In case of any accident or small bang ups with local vehicles do not physically assault the driver/rider of the other vehicle. A public thrashing is the last thing u would like to be in. Talk to the driver/rider calmly and sort the issue out. Carry money in a minimum of 3 separate places No Bags on your backs please... Tie them to the bike. Always have a light lunch, preferably vegetarian or u may sleep while riding which is very, very dangerous.
Finalize your groups hand signals while riding and ensure everyone uses them While overtaking a fellow rider or another vehicle please do it sensibly. Don't be in a hurry. Your bike has 3 braking systems - the front brakes, the back brakes and the gears. Use these 3 in combination to stop in case of an emergency. Around dusk in most places it is time for the cattle to return home... so watch out for them. But stay alert at all times for dogs, goats, cows etc. If any of you carry mobiles, ensure it has roaming facility. It comes very handy when u r lost...
Ride safe, have fun and be disciplined also at the same time. Stay together and respect other riders and drivers on the road. They are also on the road like you and have the same feelings and fears that you have. If another driver or solo rider wants to overtake you, let him go thru