The United Kingdom is a majestic place for a road trip, no matter how many wheels you’re moving on. Home to spectacular landscapes, winding routes, picture-perfect vistas and some excellent roadside pubs ripe for refreshment, the UK is ideally suited to those who love the freedom of the open road.
From the Scottish Highlands to the coasts of Cornwall and Devon, the UK has got you covered for smooth roads and breathtaking views. Which ever region you choose, a little planning and foresight will go a long way. With that in mind, here are 6 essential tips for a motorbike road trip in the UK.
FLEXIBLE PLANNING
First things first, it’s essential to have a plan of attack in place, including a detailed route of the roads you’ll be taking and knowledge of where you’ll be staying if you’re to get the most out of your motorbike road trip.
It’s essential to book stays well in advance; the last thing you want to do is be faffing around trying to find somewhere to rest your weary head after a long journey on the road. Be sure to stay abreast of the weather, too. After all, the only good view of a thunderstorm is in your rear-view mirror.
Hold up, hang on, let’s put this thing in reverse for a moment. Though, come to think of it, we can’t do that on two wheels. Anyway…
Though such meticulous planning offers predictability and comfort, it’s also important to leave a little room for flexibility on your trip. Military precision is all well and good, but it can be a vice, not a virtue, when it comes to a road trip, particularly when you’re on a motorbike chasing that elusive rush of freedom. Bear in mind that weather may change, or you’ll feel a sudden desire to stay in a town for another night, be it to explore or just because you’re tired from driving.
What we’re trying to say is this; when booking accommodation and activities in advance, make sure you click that oft-ignored ‘cancellation insurance’ button and opt for places which allow free cancellation or date and time flexibility wherever possible. All in all, it’s wise to practice ‘flexible planning’ when hitting the open road on two wheels.
INSURANCE AND BREAKDOWN COVER
It’s essential that you protect yourself and your vehicle in the case of an accident or emergency. Whilst we wouldn’t want to put you off your road trip before you’d even revved up the engine, you’re roughly four times more likely to die in a motorbike crash than one involving a car. The danger is most certainly there on two wheels, make no mistake, and it’s best to take every precaution necessary to protect both you and your motorbike on your trip.
Driving on roads that aren’t familiar to you can increase your chances of an accident, so taking out a relevant insurance policy should cover you if the worst happens. What’s more, it’s against the law not to. If you’re travelling with a partner or in convoy as part of a group, you could all benefit from Devitt multi bike cover to save money.
If you are unlucky enough to be stranded on the long winding roads of the Scottish Highlands or in the most rugged and rural corner of Shropshire, you will be glad of breakdown cover if the nearest garage or town is miles away. Knowing you’re covered will give you the chance to truly luxuriate in the freedom of the open road. Only then can you turn the Motorhead up to eleven and really relax into your leathers.
ESSENTIAL CLOTHING
When it comes to packing clothes for your road trip, there’s one rule to follow – pack everything you want to bring, then take two thirds of it away. As most bikers will tell you, “saddlebags can never hold everything you want, but they can hold everything you need’’. Wise words, indeed.
That one third you’re left with, of truly indispensable items, should certainly include something to protect you against Britain’s inclement weather. As such, it’s worth investing in a quality, lightweight, all-weather outfit that’s breathable and, of course, waterproof. Most good quality jackets have removable thermal liners which means your jacket is adaptable to all weather conditions.
As well as functionality, fashion should also be considered, of course; you don’t want to letting the side down with a poorly put together outfit, and combining these two factors makes for the ideal, genuine leather jacket great for motorbiking.
Many riders extol the virtues of El Solitario Mowat Drystar® Sand Jacket X Alpinestars which has a whole load of innovative technology and offers superior impact protection and abrasion resistance.
Of course, men’s biker jeans are a must, both for the protective quality should you (heaven forbid) take a tumble, and the biker aesthetic that’s half the fun.
A merino undergarment which can absorb three times its own weight in moisture and will make for a less sweaty, and more comfortable ride is also a smart purchase. Finally, heated gloves are necessary for autumn/winter rides, especially if you don’t have handlebar heating, are a must.
NAVIGATION & COMMUNICATION
Once you’re out there covering the country, it’s all too easy to assume that you have an affinity with the open road, the compass and the UK’s diverse geography. But you know what they say about people who ‘assume’, right?
As such, a good GPS system is perhaps the single most important piece of equipment a biker can bring with them. A TomTom on the handlebar which is connected both to your smartphone and a Sena communications system (basically a headset which attaches to the inside your helmet) enables you to receive satnav instructions and communicate with your pillion passenger or others in your riding group up to 1.5 miles away, all via Bluetooth.
If you’re touring around the countryside or city with a partner in crime, such an intercom set can make your rides enjoyable and safer, enabling communication between bikes or simply facilitating a breezy chat with your pillion passenger behind you (keep your eyes on the road, mind). Because it’s Bluetooth you can also use it to play music from your phone, too. All together now; ‘’born to be wiiiilllllld’’.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS
Under the saddle of every rider should be a repair kit. The Gear Gremlin Tyre Repair Kit is a popular choice for bikers, with the Barbieri Bike CO2 pump cycle tyre inflator, Presta Schrader 5 x 16g gas cylinders, and a Mikrobo inflater all coming in handy in case of a puncture. You wouldn’t want to be stuck at the side of the road, waiting for assistance in a rural corner of the country; it’ll only eat into the precious hours of your trip!
Equally as important, when riding under helmet and leather can be thirsty work, is a thermos flask containing water or freshly brewed coffee; essential stuff, indeed!
BIKER’S WISDOM
Get advice from other bikers on their trips; the motorbike community is kind, generous and always willing to share their insider tips. You might even find a new riding companion in the process, so do ask around on forums and in biker cafes, too.
The Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum is arguably the best gathering spot for Scottish bikers, in part because it does a mean cooked breakfast but mainly because it marks the gateway to a stunning ride over Glen Coe and the Scottish Highlands. The Squires Cafe in North Yorkshire, Ryka’s in Surrey, Ace Cafe in London, Ponderosa in Wales, the Filling Station in Cumbria, and Route 1066 Cafe in Robertsbridge are some of the most sociable in the UK.
Adventure Bike Rider is an excellent resource for bikers planning a trip, too, if you’re keen to do your socialising from behind a screen.
Finally, bear in mind some well known words of biker wisdom to set you up for your trip:
- Midnight bugs taste best.
- Pie and coffee are as important as petrol.
- If you don’t ride in the rain, you don’t ride.
- Never be afraid to slow down.
- Never do less than forty miles before breakfast.
Good luck!
*Right now, road trips which aren’t for work or other ‘essential’ travel are against the law, to help halt the spread of coronavirus. The tips above are designed to be used only when the government reopens the country for leisure. Keep an eye on the official government coronavirus page for announcements on when that might happen*