Quite often I come across people who asks me why I ride solo, are there no risks involved, don't solo long rides ever get boring..........well before I answer this, you all need to know why I ride and what really motivates me for those long solo rides - so let's get going!
Why Do I Ride - I often ride to explore the unexplored, to see the unseen, to find inner peace and most importantly to find my self that often gets lost in the crazy corporate life. Often in this pursuit of mine, I end up getting lost and ending up in beautiful locations far away from the crazy city life - be more with myself, and the beautiful sights and sounds that places typically have to offer.
Riding takes you to whole different world of ecstasy whether you ride solo or in a group, and words often feel short to describe this feeling. Solo riding is often risky as compared to group riding because you are always on your own, however, I believe that the pros far outweigh the cons and it is a risk that I am always willing to take. Let me quickly run you down through a few points on why I prefer solo riding.
Nirvana
Riding solo allows me to attain my state of Nirvana by being away from the mindless chatter of fellow riders and cleanse my mind of the week's built up of the clutter. I can think about nothing else except experience the wonderful union of the mind and the machine - as it is often said that sometimes you need a full tank of fuel before you can start thinking straight!
You are your Own Boss
I get to plan my own trips, decide my route, decide when to stop and where to stop, how long to stop, chose my own pace - sometimes slow and sometimes racing against the wind, where to eat and what to eat, where to stay and the best part of all - I can detour as much as I want and whenever I want without having to hear any nagging or having to explain to anyone.
Learn to be Independent and Resourceful
I am completely on my own when I do not ride in a group - well that sounds scary initially, but then you learn to become more independent and confident as you keep munching miles. I need to plan and manage my own resources for the ride as there will be no else to support me in case of a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. I learn to optimize things because when I ride solo, I cannot carry the whole house, hence I need to be very particular in what to carry and what not to carry as if someone has put a gun on my head.
Discover the Explorer in You
Groups will typically have a rigid route, fixed timings and stops - this is good but then you never get to discover the offbeat routes and destinations at times. Riding solo allows me to explore the roads less taken, take a different route and sometimes even head up to a dead-end - all these fun with no one to mind you or blame you!
Rediscover Yourself
Last but not the least, this is probably one of the most important reasons that pushes me to ride solo - rediscover myself, time to think about myself and the things that matter to me the most and find my inner peace. I realized that it allows me to take setbacks in lives more positively because when one travels solo, things may not always go as per your plan and I have to be mentally prepared for any such unplanned situations. I also get to see things from a different perspective and start observing every small thing that happens around me.
As I end this blog, I would like to share a bit of advise for all those who want to ride solo based on my experience -
Ensure you get a pre-ride check up of your motorcycle done at an authorized service center at least a week before the ride.
Ensure you carry basic spares - clutch cable, accelerator cable, at least 2 - 3 sets of spare fuse, spark plug, oil filter, headlight bulb, chain link, and tire tubes (in case your motorcycle does not have tubeless tires). I even carry spare indicator bulbs, just in case.
Learn basic maintenance of your motorcycle - chain cleaning and lubing, spark plug cleaning and replacement, fixing punctures specially for tubeless (which is easy as compared to tube tires), engine oil / oil filter change and clutch cable replacement to start off.
In addition to spares, carry a pair of chain cleaner and lube. I typically use Maxima chain maintenance products (https://amzn.to/2FB0TOb), however when I am on tour I prefer Motul as it becomes more cost-effective and you get smaller cans as well which becomes easy to carry (https://amzn.to/35C5KJF).
In case your journey is long (>=5000 kms), I would suggest you to carry engine oil as well as per your motorcycle specifications. I personally use LiquiMoly 10W50 Street Race Fully Synthetic Engine Oil (https://amzn.to/33t6ePP) for my Royal Enfield Himalayan.
In addition to the Tool Kit that comes with your motorcycle, I would suggest you to carry an after-market tool kit as well. I would suggest the Stanley 36 pcs Toolkit set (https://amzn.to/33t8oPi) available at Amazon.
Tube Tyre or Tubeless Tyre, do ensure to carry an Air Compressor Pump - I would recommend the TUSA Digital Air Compressor Pump - https://amzn.to/3hAfhDv
The above is entirely based on my experience of solo riding, and I am quite sure that this can vary based on individual riding experiences, hence please do not consider this as the Holy Grail of Solo Riding.
Last and most importantly, ensure that whichever place you visit, respect the culture of that place and #leaveeverypplacebetter - Happy and Safe Riding!
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