Riding Rules
We try to keep rules and regulations to the minimum unless when necessary for the harmony and safety of the individual or group. However we expect the few that we have, should be followed very strictly, failing which we may exclude that particular participant from the rest of the trip.
Intoxication: we do not tolerate any form of intoxication when on the bike. Disregard for this will result in immediate expulsion. Remember drinking and riding does not mix at all.
Conduct: participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that preserves their dignity and others around them, including other participants, support staff and locals of the region
Environmental responsibility: we must try and ensure that we maintain the sanctity of the region we are passing through and will not tolerate any form of littering or other damaging actions
Medical advice: if you are under medical treatment we expect you to follow the medical advice very strictly. Disregard for this will result in immediate expulsion
Riding Rules | Hotel Rules | Riding Gears | Injury Protection | Weather Protection | Group Riding
Riding Rules
Rider and Pillion must always wear a full face helmet while riding. Flip open helmets with movable jaw are not permitted
Riding gear consisting of ankle length boots, full sleeves riding jacket preferably with protectors, gloves and knee guards are mandatory at all times while riding. Rainwear / Waterproof gear is also a must as we shall be riding through the rains also.
Please carry additional water proof gear in case riding jacket itself cannot withstand rains
Rider should have a valid driving license for riding motorcycle with gear in India. Riders must always carry their driving license
The motorcycle should have valid registration, insurance and PUC certificate and the originals should always be carried on person while riding
Riders must keep adequate distance from other riders and close overtaking is prohibited
All riders must ride with at least one more fellow rider at all times. No participant should be riding alone on this route.
All riders are expected to ride ahead of the backup vehicle and should ensure that they do not prolong stops enroute to further delay the backup vehicle
At the end of the day’s ride, every rider should first inspect their motorcycle and report any issues to the service staff. Rider must always be with their motorcycle while the service crew works on it. Unaccompanied bikes will not be attended to
While passing through inhabited areas rider should slow down to give right of way to the local residents and pedestrians
Hotel Accommodation Rules
Participants should avoid walking bare footed, even inside the hotel accommodation. However while strolling on the beach without footwear stay clear of objects which may cause foot injuries.
Identification card, Wallet and Torch should be carried on person at all times
Punctuality: During the Tour we will start early every morning and all participants must adhere to the timings given by the organizers.
Any conduct found compromising your individual or group safety will not be tolerated.
Riding Gear
Any riding gear has to serve the following functions:
Protection – from a fall (abrasion and impact) and from weather
Comfort – in fit and function
Style – an entirely personal subject
Injury Protection
This has to be built in the outer layer of the garment both in terms of the material and the stitching. Currently leather is the best bet and many of the top brands feature good stitching, go in for at least double or triple stitched garments. The fit of the jacket/pants is very important as well.
Weather Protection
Cold impairs body functions and it’s as good or bad as being drunk or sleepy on the bike. However cold is easily overcome by wearing additional layers of clothing, but you have to be careful to see that it does not bind or inhibit their movement. Another problem for a motorcyclist is getting wet; once wet, the cold is bound to follow. Waterproofing can be integrated into the garment, like a waterproof riding jacket or waterproof riding pant or can be fulfilled by a dedicated garment over the standard riding kit. For example, a leather riding jacket and pants and a one or two piece raincoat that you wear only if it starts to rain.
Group Riding
This has more to do with your mental attitude than your riding skill, this is not a race but neither do we have unlimited time on our hands. The ride is structured so as to allow you ample time to enjoy the beauty while at the pace according to your comfort. You are absolutely free to choose your own riding style, buddies and pace.
A steady rider will cover the given distances in 8 hours which translates to an average speed of 50 km/hr at the longest stretch and 18km/hr at the shortest. We do this for multiple reasons:
To ensure that in case of a contingency we still have ample time and daylight to reach our destination.
You have ample time to relax, recover, explore the destination and prepare for the next day’s ride.
The only time we expect to ever ride in close formation (almost like a procession) is while entering and leaving a city so that no one gets lost. This shall be in a tight double formation. This serves to guide the group on an intended path in a grand and cohesive manner. The feeling one gets while riding together as a single unit each thump resonating with the other can only be felt not described and sometimes becomes an unwritten doctrine on such rides.
The most important thing to keep in mind while riding in a group is communication both on and off the bike. Communication should be crisp and clear with least ambiguity. Every morning before we start there will be a briefing as to how the group will proceed and the details of the stops and destinations etc. Given below are some of the points that will ensure a good ride:
Keep safe & comfortable distance between the rider in front and you. Do not come too close to the rider in front that will make him nervous.
Try to stay with the leading pack
Do not overtake and come between riders who are riding together (maintaining constant distance between themselves)
You should be ready and prepared to ride when the group starts, don’t waste time preparing (wearing helmet and gloves) when the group is ready to ride. Kit up before everyone kick-starts their bikes.
Whenever you stop, give first priority to the reason for stopping whether it is taking photographs, ordering food, taking a leak, checking the bike etc... Don’t just loiter around and then act busy when everyone else is ready. In short try to ensure that people do not have to wait for you
Overtake without causing discomfort to anyone. Honk and catch the attention of the rider being overtaken.
Indicate before overtaking or suddenly changing lanes
Never overtake from both sides. Let one person overtake at a time.
Never stop without warning
Do not show fancy hand signals
Make sure your brake light is working
Check your bike constantly for any sign of concern
Don’t be aggressive or over smart on the road, it could lead to dangerous incidents for you or for someone else in the group
If there is a difficult stretch (like a steep climb, descent or a water crossing), wait till the person ahead of you has cleared it before embarking on it yourself
Try to ensure that you can see more of the road i.e. get yourself slightly offset from the rider in front to get a better view
Try not to stay in another person’s blind spot
Do not park uncomfortably close to another bike
You must be aware of your headlight and indicators being ON; do not ride with Headlamps ON. Also after you negotiate a turn, switch off your indicators to avoid misleading people behind you.
In case you notice something unusual or dangerous do bring it to the notice of the group leader
Do not overtake when the person is braking; he could be braking for a hazard and you could rush right into it