10 Things you must have before you go on a Bike Trip post COVID-19
Are you planning a bike trip in India? Here are some important tips to take while you are on your next bike trip post COVID-19 situation
Longing to get back on the road and feel your bike roar beneath you? A lot many of us are unsure of how travel will be post-COVID-19. Life and the world as we know it has altered drastically and things that we could never have imagined in our wildest dreams have become the new norm.
But we can trust humans to adapt to even the gravest of situations and come out of it at the other end as better, optimistic individuals. With that in mind, let's dream about a bike trip and the essentials you would need while you embark on that much-needed break after this pandemic.
Read more : 15 Best Road Trips in India to enjoy with your buddies1. Important documents to carry
Before starting your journey, you must carry these important documents and their backup copies with you:2. Bike Insurance
Bike insurance is another important document that is both a necessity and a mandatory document to have with you. If you are caught without an insurance policy, you are liable to pay a fine of Rs.2000 for a first-time offence and Rs.4000 for subsequent offences. But beyond that, an insurance policy will come in as a saviour to release you off of financial strain if you ever land in an accident. An insurance policy will cover for damages caused to third-party in an accident as well as damages caused to you and your vehicle, depending on the type of policy you opt for.
If you don't have a policy, you can easily buy an online bike insurance within a matter of minutes.3. Good helmet
Another mandatory gear for bike riders, a good solid helmet that covers your head and chins can make the difference between life and death. Be sure to buckle it in while driving, else it will not make much difference. A transparent shield guard in the front can also help you fend off insects that rush to your eyes.4. Face masks
The era after COVID-19 brings with it a lot of uncertainties. Since we are still in the grips of this pandemic, we can only theorise what the "post COVID-19" period will look like. However, a lot of countries that were previously hit hard are now re-opening their economy and even allowing travel. Taking leaves from their book of experience, masks would be a definite item to carry in your travels. There could be places that mandate wearing a mask. It is safe to wear it if you are visiting crowded places. Keep a stack of one-time usable masks so that you will not have to go through the hassle of cleaning it while you are on the move.5. Hand Sanitisers
Hand sanitisers were popular among travellers even before the onset of COVID-19. The fact that it cleans your hand without water makes it a handy product to carry while travelling to unknown places where you are unsure of water availability. COVID-19 further exacerbated the usefulness of hand sanitiser. Since now they come bottled up in all shapes and sizes, carry a few compact ones along with you.6. Hand wash products
Even though hand sanitiser would be the ideal companion for your travel, carrying at least one hand-wash product will do you good. The combination of soap and water is the ultimate lethal weapon against viruses, bacteria and dirt. Keep a handy hand wash product in your backpack.7. Weatherproof jacket
A weatherproof jacket can keep you warm when cold winds blow mercilessly as you speed along the highway. It can also keep you dry during rain. It would create a barrier and protect your torso if you skid and fall. Trade it for a less bulky version if you are planning to a rather hot and humid destination. Otherwise, the jacket can aggravate perspiration and lead you to lose more water from your body than necessary.8. First Aid Kit and necessary medications
Your First Aid Kit must be safely stashed away inside the bike or in your backpack. It should at least have bandages, gauze, cotton balls, antiseptic ointment, aspirins and scissors. If you would like to be meticulous and not want to take any risks, read through Red Crosses First Aid Kit essentials and how to administer them. If you take any health-related medications, don't forget to add them too.
Read more: How to Make a First Aid Kit.9. Strong ropes
Ropes are harmless additions that never take up much space, but whose usefulness are manifold. You can use it to secure your bags, for towing vehicles, as rescue lines and is a general travel aid. While you are at it, do some skipping and burn some fat.10. Extra bottles for water
Keeping hydrated is essential while travelling. Have enough backup bottles to carry water for the entire party so that you don't find yourself thirsty in the middle of nowhere. Remind yourself to drink water as and when possible. It is a great shield against a lot of diseases. Make sure you also drink safe and clean water. Prefer boiled hot water in places where you won't get bottled water.
Read more : How to save cost on a budget trip to tourist places?
