Tips to follow during riding

Although motorbiking is a great activity and improves your reflexes, alertness, and posture, it also has its dangers.

I remember my first motorbiking accident.

It was raining, and even though experienced club members told me not to Overspeed, my youthful instincts took over, and I ended up skidding on a freeway. My riding jacket and helmet saved my skin, and from then I never rode without any safety measures in place or recklessly.

Reckless riding will cost not only you but may also cost your family or club. Even a slip might prove fatal to a rider, especially in hilly areas and mountain roads. To prevent worst-case scenarios and visits to hospitals, a rider must always follow specific rules and protocols to avoid any disasters and travel safely.

1. Gear up properly: Wear padded leather jackets and always carry your helmet. These are the only things that will save you from road rash.

2. Get your fit: See to it that your bike fits you properly. This means your feet can rest easily on the ground from the seat.

3. Inspect your ride: Always inspect your ride for any problems that may bite your back later.

4. Stay Alert: Even though there are rearview mirrors, sometimes other riders will not be as cautious as you. You need to be aware of your surroundings.

5. Watch the roads: If the roads are uneven and full of potholes, drive over them carefully. Some highways are slippery, so make sure you don't speed on them.

6. Mind your mood: This is a given. Never ride when you are prone to being reckless. Though your mood will get better, you should remember to exercise caution always.

7. Weather: This is for long rides. Always check the forecast so that you won't be trapped in blizzards or any other conditions.

8. Carrying passengers: Everyone wants to ride with their friends, but never carry more than one person on your ride, even if you are an expert, and make sure the person you carry also is covered in protective gear.

9. Driving under the influence: If you are drunk, or high, or anything other than sober or alert, and you are riding, the chances of you getting killed or endangering people around you is always more than 50 percent. Never drive in those situations. If you have any urgency and are alone, many companies provide escort services.

10. Mods: Everyone does this. To a certain extent, that is fine, but removing headlights and modifying the seating to make the ride look cooler, will make it unsafe. Motorcycles are designed with the weight-to-power ratio in mind, and if it is not maintained, the bike will become unstable and hard to control.

11. Documents: Always carry your driving license, and the required documents like passports if you are on a cross-country tour. These may save you from trouble with authorities.

You follow these rules, and the chances of you enjoying and being safe increase a hundredfold. I don't think all these are a burden. You are doing yourself and the people around you a favor.

That's about the safety procedure to be followed while riding guys. Keep riding and stay safe!