Introduction
It is almost here, it is almost here! Yes, we are talking about India Bike Week 2016 which is just three days away! This is about the time everyone begins to make their way to Goa to participate in the festival and we have decided to put together some basic tips for riders before they make their exodus.
Great migration to Goa
The organisers have decided to take a special initiative to ensure that the ‘Great Migration to Goa’ won’t be a lonely one. Over 300 biking clubs across the country have been networked to help contact and manage riders interested in heading to Goa. Solo and club riders scattered across cities in India will be able to journey down through highlighted feeder roads and link up on highways as they ride to their ultimate destination.
As always, the safety of its riders is of paramount concern to the organisers, who have established the Ride to IBW: three main feeder routes to Goa (Delhi via Mumbai and Pune, Chennai via Bangalore, and from Hyderabad) to be listed on the IBW website with each city’s start dates, marshalling by experienced Road Captains, and an ICU Ambulance support en route to the festival.
A healthy bike is a wealthy experience
Make sure your motorcycle is in full working condition. This means get it serviced from an authorised service centre. In case you have got your bike serviced recently, then a second check on parts like the brakes, headlamps, engine oil levels, carburettor, coolant levels (if your bike has it) should be mandatory. Also ensure you are carrying the tools that came with the bike, all official documents related to the vehicle, spare headlamp bulb and a puncture repair kit.
All gear all the time
Ensure that you have all your riding gear in fully functional condition and when on the bike are wearing it at all times. This riding gear list should include helmet, riding jacket and pants, boots, gloves, balaclava and a high visibility vest.
Also keep on your person an ICE (in case of emergency) document which should have listed name, address, emergency contacts, blood group and any allergies that you may have. An optional extra is a Camelbak to keep you hydrated on the go. It has been found that adding electrol or any other energy drinks mix to the water in the Camelbak will keep you going for longer.
The law of the land is the final rule
Follow all the rules of the road and ensure that you are not breaking any laws. It is a known fact that India’s roads are quite chaotic and it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are travelling in a large convoy ensure that everyone in the group is aware of the hand signals being used.
Carry sufficient hard cash
We may be undergoing a technological and communication revolution but ATMs are still sparse outside cities and a lot of places outside of major urban centres are still behind on the times when it comes to card machines. This means calculate your expenses and keep your cash in two different places for the sake of safety.
Keep the spirit of unity and leave no bike behind
Infused deep within the experience of riding motorcycles is the spirit of brotherhood/sisterhood. Ride together and if another member of your convoy breaks down, stop and help them. At the end of everything, IBW is all about having a good time with fellow bikers and enthusiasts so come on in and join the fun!
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