Few riders believe that when rain starts pouring down, it’s the right time to park your ride back in your garage. And enjoy the weather from your balcony. Well, what if we tell you that you are missing out on a very exciting and thrilling motorcycling experience. Motorbike riding in the rain is so much fun. Of Course when you are equipped with the right essentials and tips.
Bike riders fully understand the uniqueness and joy of covering the miles on two wheels. It’s way more intimidating compared to cars & fun. Motorbike camping trip takes your relationship with the ride to another level.
Camping is a perfect activity to get fresh air inside you in the wide and open spaces. Going outdoors after a grinding week is itself thrilling and exciting, but sometimes that can leave you stuck in the bad weather conditions. This also means more chances of potentially getting stuck in bad weather. Adequate preparation for camping during the rainy season might leave you miserable and turn your adventure into adversity. Getting to know a few techniques for preparing yourself adequately for the campsite will make your experience desirable. In this article we will unpack the motorcycle camping tips & equipment. Before we get into that make sure you suit yourself with premium quality motorbike rain gear as it would be unsafe to travel without it.
1) Right Clothing for Camping in the Rain
An insulated rain suit along with gloves, boots & perhaps the electric vest will prevent you from getting soaked up. Waterproof gear gives you extra warmth. If it’s the rainy season, wearing layers is the wisest option. Your helmet must be equipped with an anti-fog visor, breathing guard, and a visor with inbuilt electric defrost function. No matter what gear combination you choose, ensure it doesn’t distract your ride.
- Wear layers: Wearing Layering is very critical while you go out for camping, & more in the inclement weather conditions. While we talk regarding clothing that is suitable for rain, right pants are required along with weather-resistant boots, & waterproof jacket with a rain shell.
- Take a poncho: you should never forget to bring the poncho along with you. It helps in covering the pack or standing in case your rain jacket gets damaged, socked or dirtied. A good brimmed hat would be a good option to be carried with you. It will help in keeping the water off the face in a better way than the hood. Tucking the hood into the hat will help in creating a comfortable dry head for you.
- Pack the extra layers: Make sure you pack redundantly, in the base layers & socks. Once the clothes get wet, you must change. For avoiding all conditions like hypothermia, skin irritation & basic discomfort. If you feel comfortable with your outerwear, which is working amazingly in keeping you dry, will make you sweat also, so changing your clothes after appropriate time is adequate.
- Swap the cotton fabric: You must Leave the cotton fabric at your home. It’s very quick to get socked up, and has minimized insulation capability. And once they get wet, they take a good deal of time to dry.
2) Ride smoother & smarter
While riding in the less ideal conditions, your way of handling your motorbike must change. The throttle adjustments must be done smoothly & the small increments; of leaning on to less sharp angles. Then apply the brakes gradually & get the braking done earlier, so in the last bit of the braking zone you’re not forced to stab the brake lever.
3) Be wary of intersections
We might be aware of the fact that oils are present in the pavement surfaces after the rain, but the oil which is already there? Every single spot on the road where vehicles stop has a thicker concentration of slick stuff. Rain can make it worse. One might not be fully able to spot it during the ride, decreasing the speed while approaching the intersections can be the wisest decision. Refrain from running the yellow lights, because you turn or brake quickly the chances for you encountering the traction problems are higher. While stopping at the red light, take a look in the rear mirror of the vehicles. Double follow the distance as precaution.
4) How long have you planned to camp for?
The first and foremost thing you need to think about is the weather and time you’re planning the motorbike camping trip.
It’s the starting point because it directly affects what you pack and what you need to take care of.The durating plays a major role regarding what type of equipment you need. What essentials you must carry on your trip. It will save you from unnecessary burden. And give you a fair timeline of how much you are going to spend on the road. Make sure you carry enough food, that will get you through the trip easily and comfortably. Your license, the bike’s stickers, tags, and the camping arrangements all should be at the proper place. Below we have mentioned the best resources for the motorbike camping tour.
5) Pack Waterproof Bags:
Among different camping tips during the rainy or snowy season, make sure you protect the gear by using the proper weather-resistant or waterproof bags. Do not just rely on using your camping tent or your hiking backpack for water shielding. Make sure that all of the critica essentials stay totally dry while you are camping in the rainy season. The critical gear includes sleeping bag, clothes, food, electronics, all of medical and emergency supplies. You must tuck all of the essentials in the waterproof bag, even if you have left your stuff inside the waterproof tent. Consider using a purpose-built dry bag; it will help a lot.
6) Pack the foods which Do not Require Cooking in Rainy season
Eating the hot camp meal is amazing. You should always try that. However if it is raining cats and dogs then you know a warm super has already gotten off the menu. If you are done packing the dehydrated meals which require hot water, you must keep your culinary jokes going. Carrying ready-to-eat meals, along with healthy hiking snacks is a very wise choice. You often get into the situation where you are unable to build the fire or in the right place to build the camp stove. Therefore it might be wise to carry your portable propane-powered stove with you. This will allow you to quickly and easily cook meals and snacks, without having to build a campfire or worry about running out of fuel. That being said, make sure your stove is functioning properly before packing. Stoves left unused for extended periods may develop issues such as clogged burners and knobs. So, consider having the stove serviced by a professional Appliance Repair expert who can inspect and rectify any issues. Additionally, check the fuel level to ensure the stove is filled to the recommended capacity for a seamless camping experience.
7) Pitch the Tent on the High Grounds
This might appear like a no-brainer, however the list of rain gears & camping tips are complete without any reminder that the water will run downhill. Make sure you do not set your camp right at the bottom. You would love to pitch the tent right at the flattest spot on the ground for comfort while you are sleeping. You should set up the portion of the campsite on the terrain which is slightly sloped. Ground of the hill should not have water pools anywhere, if you are hanging the tarp above some sloped area you are going to use for cooking, maintenance and table games you would want a dry experience.
8) Must be careful on a wet terrain
No matter if you are hiking over the miles of some soggy land or making your way on a campsite, water will find its way towards you. A slippery ground makes you vulnerable to falls. You must plant your feet firmly to avoid all sorts of unwanted experiences. Must choose stable and hard rock for standing and making your way.
