Travel Tips for Beyond Tarmac's Thrilling Motorcycle Adventures
NORTH INDIA
Road tripping: The road can be your best friend or your worst enemy, so
we advise you to always ride
keeping in mind your safety, and of other people travelling with you. It is best to stick to your side of
the road, avoid overtaking, keep in pace with the group and follow hand signals from the road captain. The
terrain gamut goes from excellent tarmac to dirt, large stream crossings, steep inclines and declines,
sand, gravel, one lane paths, mountain passes, and loads of dust, but all this is not without its own fun.
High Altitude: Elevations range from 3300 metres at its lowest (Leh) to
4000 + metres at most parts so it
is safe to say you will be riding and staying at high attitudes. The possibility of AMS or Acute Mountain
Sickness is something you must prepare for. We recommend consulting your doctor with regards to any
allergies you may have to medication used for AMS. Avoid physical activity on Day 1 and monitor your body
for any signs of discomfort. Avoid drinking alcohol on the trip as it aggravates underlying symptoms of
AMS. Getting a good night’s rest every night, eating garlic with your food or raw and staying well
hydrated are requisite to keep AMS at bay.
Facilities: We will be spending our nights in comfortable hotels and
nature camps for the duration of the
trip. Power cuts are not very uncommon and connectivity to phone and internet are sketchy to non-existent
in some parts. Whilst we provide all meals, snacks, beverages, and alcohol during the trip are on your
tab. Make sure all your electronic devices are charged and maybe a spare battery and data cards for your
camera are good idea.
Temperature: Average day time temperature would be between 15- 25 Deg C
with bright sunshine and
crystal-clear blue skies. Though the weather can change unexpectedly on this route. Night time
temperatures will plummet 15 deg to about 5 – 6 Deg C. just before dawn.
Kit List
- HELMET (ESSENTIAL) A helmet must be always worn when on the bike.
- JACKET (ESSENTIAL) A riding jacket that features a removable lining is highly recommended. This is ideal as it allows adjustment of kit according to temperature changes during the day.
- BOOTS (RECOMMENDED) Sturdy, over the ankle, boots are good. Off-road boots are highly recommended as they offer the best lower leg protection due to a sturdier construction.
- GLOVES (ESSENTIAL)
- SUNGLASSES (ESSENTIAL)
- BASIC FIRST AID KIT (ESSENTIAL) Include a sufficient supply of any personal medication. Items that may be very useful include rehydration salt sachets, paracetamol, pain killers, antiseptic cream, and sticking plasters.
- SUN BLOCK (ESSENTIAL) A high factor is strongly recommended.
- SCARF / BANDANA (RECOMMENDED)
- FLEECE / PULLOVER (RECOMMENDED)
- THERMAL BASE-LAYER (RECOMMENDED) Basically, thermal underwear! It is worth purchasing a base layer specifically designed for outdoor pursuits as it will have properties built in to keep moisture away from the body and keep the wearer dry and warm. Separate top and bottoms rather than an all-in-one suit are recommended.
- WATERPROOFS (ESSENTIAL) The changeable conditions in the Himalayas mean that there is the very real possibility of rain or even snow during the tour. A lightweight waterproof suit serves a dual purpose – it keeps the rain out but can also act as an extra insulation against wind and cold. Suits are available as either a one or a two-piece, both of which have their advantages. For example, the one-piece is more watertight, whereas the two-piece can be worn as separate items and is easier to put on and remove.
- HYDRATION PACK (RECOMMENDED) This is the best way to carry drinking water; the pack is carried in a purpose-made rucksack and the water fed through a drinking tube. This enables the rider to keep hydrated without the need to remove the helmet. The rucksack can also be used to carry small items of kit.
- TOWEL
- TRAINERS OR SANDALS
- T-SHIRTS
- TROUSERS
- SWIMWEAR
- TORCH (A head torch is very useful.)
- WASH BAG (for soiled/wet clothes)
