(Click On Link)
ADV-Moto Magazine Article – Lone Star Loop
Rider Magazine Article – Riding Solo Off-Road
Below is my article as submitted to Rider Magazine. I was really disappointed in the magazine
article as they completely re-wrote what I submitted.
Submitted by Jerry Lewis
A Perspective On Riding Solo Off-Road
I first began to think about this article while riding the Idaho BDR “solo” in 2020. In the past eight years, I had ridden solo for half the TAT, the New Mexico and Colorado BDRs, the OAT, and the Lone Star Loop. Maybe I had some perspective worth sharing. Almost any motorcycle forum you read will have a thread discussing (debating?) the pros and cons of riding solo off-road. All of us who ride motorcycles understand the potential dangers associated with our sport and hopefully learn ways to mitigate those dangers. It doesn’t take a PHD to understand that riding solo off-road will increase those potential dangers. So why do it? What I would like to offer is a rational that explores the benefits of riding solo along with some common-sense precautions.
First the advantage. Riding with a group of likeminded friends is great, but the more riders, the more the logistical problems; work schedules, itinerary, transportation, lodging, etc. Then there’s the ride itself; when to get up, how far to ride, stopping for pictures and bathroom breaks, where to eat, and so on. Obviously, one advantage of a solo ride is its simplicity, you being the only one to consult about any decision. Take a break anytime, take more photos, stop and smell the roses. I could elaborate, but you get the idea.
Another advantage for us older guys is that it beats “not” riding … solo is often a necessity. For me, it has become a matter of riding solo or not riding. Now that I’m 75, most of my friends have quit riding off-road for various reasons. Some would argue that you can’t share the adventure with anyone if you ride alone. My solution is to take lots of pictures and record descriptive audio notes on my smart phone throughout the day. Once back home, I convert these into a printed ride-report to share with “interested” family and friends.
Following are my “common-sense” suggestions for mitigating potential dangers:
- Communicate: You should always let people know where you will be riding, but that’s really not sufficient. The best precaution is to carry an InReach or Spot Tracker that includes two-way messaging. Carry it on your person at all times, since it won’t do you any good if it’s on your bike fifty feet below in a ravine. Establish a periodic check-in routine, via your cell or tracker, with those aware of your ride. Ask someone to periodically check your tracker “share page” with the understanding that if your last track point hasn’t moved in a few hours, and you haven’t messaged, you probably need help. In addition, they should have the appropriate number to reach search and rescue.
- Plan your route: Select routes that are within your skill-set. GPS tracks are great, but in addition, I always carry paper maps with “bail-out” routes. In case of an urgent situation, these bail-outs are the shortest path to pavement or nearby towns. Paper
(Jerry Lewis)
maps also give a helpful “big picture”, so while riding, stop occasionally and figure out exactly where you are.
- The bike: When riding solo, perhaps the most important thing about your bike is to choose one you can pick up by yourself when (not if) you drop it. Most of us are familiar with the proper way of backing up to the bike, grabbing the handle bars and back of the bike while using your bent knees to walk the bike upright. To add to that, I carry a strap which when hooked to the underneath back of the bike, allows me to adjust my lifting position. Obviously, solo riding requires excellent bike maintenance. Tires, chain, brakes, bolt tightness, lights, battery, fuel, cables, etc., need to be regularly checked. Know your bike! Visualize possible problem scenarios. Be able to fix a flat … either patch or swap a tube. Carry a comprehensive tool set, spare tubes, patch kit, air pump, zip-ties, spare bolts, bungees, and so on. Even if you have a range of 200 miles, carry a Roto-Pax or some type of auxiliary fuel container. On a multi-day trip, bring extra oil.
- Personal Protection: Riding solo means ATGATT (all-the-gear-all-the-time). If you’re alone and fall, quality safety gear may determine whether you ride the bike out … or fly out in a helicopter. A good helmet, armored coat and/or armored jersey, armored pants, rain gear, good gloves, and protective boots are necessities. Bring a good first-aid kit and carry a tourniquet “on your person”. Sun-screen, mosquito spray, fire-starting material, a “space-blanket” sleeping bag, a good knife, and a small folding saw. Though it may not be politically correct, if legal, I recommend a handgun.
- Riding the ride: Much of this applies to all off-road riding but is especially important when solo. If you come to section and you hear a warning bell in your head, consider turning around for an alternate track. Get a RIDE-RIGHT sticker from the BDR folks and make it a practice. This habit of riding far right on roadways, over hills and around blind curves, has often saved me. Practice keeping two fingers on the front brake for panic stops. Keep your mind focused on your riding and your speed appropriate for visibility; those hogs and deer are out to get you! Obey the laws, stay off private roads, and slow down around houses and livestock.
- “Stuff” happens (per Forrest Gump): So, what if you get hurt or stranded? What should you do? First of all, don’t panic! Assess and evaluate. Check for injuries, check the bike for rideability, consult your maps, weigh your options. Carefully consider, “do I ride, do I walk, do I wait?”
You may be thinking the solo off-road riding I’ve described is a lot to consider and prepare for. But remember, if you love to ride, if you still hanker for adventure and long to see what’s over the next hill, the extra effort is definitely worth it.
(Jerry Lewis)
The author leaving on the Lone Star Loop
(Jerry Lewis)
Better be able to pick it up if you’re solo!
(Jerry Lewis)
Paper maps are not only handy, they may show the way to safety.
(Jerry Lewis)
The author at the end of the Colorado Back Country Discovery Route.
(Jerry Lewis)
Basic mechanical skills are necessary when riding solo.