Category: Tourism & Travel

1. What to Pack for a Long Motorcycle Road Trip

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 7th Sep 2022

   A motorcycle road trip is an enjoyable experience that all motorbike lovers should have at least once in their lives. You get to enjoy long rides and visit different scenic locations. To make things easier for you, it is crucial to bring some essential supplies. To help you out, we have put together a list of essential and optional items to bring on your road trip.

   Motorcycle Clothing

   The first things you should set aside to bring on the road trip are your motorcycle clothing. These will include your helmet, trouser, jackets and gloves. You will also need some riding boots and socks and earplugs. As you purchase these items, make sure they are breathable and comfortable because you will be wearing them for long stretches.

   A Tool Kit

   You never know what will happen on the road trip, and this is why you need to bring your tool kit. You might not have the option to visit the nearest store to get what you need or to have your bike repaired so you may need to do it yourself.

   Some essentials to bring include a repair kit for flat tyres, a socket and wrench kit, screwdrivers, jumper cables, spare parts, an air compressor and wheel removal tools. You can also include other tools as you see fit.

   A Selection of Electronics

   It is reasonable to assume that if you are going on a long road trip, you will stop somewhere for a night or two to rest and recharge. To avoid getting bored during these downtimes, it would be a good idea to carry a selection of electronics with you.

   You will need your phone to stay in touch with your loved ones and to navigate when travelling through new locations. It is also a good idea to bring a tablet or laptop to have some entertainment when sleeping in a hotel or motel. Your selection of a tablet or laptop is a highly personal and subjective decision. Any of the modern Apple tablets should be fine, and you need a laptop that provides a great video viewing experience.

   Choosing one can be challenging, especially since you need an affordable one with long battery life and great performance. Laptops with Intel Arc graphics perform well without consuming too much power and thus give you the long battery life you will need. Check out this guide on Intel Arc graphics provided by Lenovo to see why this option would be great for you.

   Other electronics to consider include power banks, memory cards, a camera, a GPS tracker and a USB with backups of your important information.

   Hygiene Items

   You should also pack some toiletry and hygiene items. These include sunscreen, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shaving kit and bug spray. As with the tools, you can also include other hygiene items as you see fit.

   Safety Items Safety is crucial, especially if you will be riding alone. You will need a torch and extra batteries, a location tracker (you can use your GPS), a spare key, bike lock, protein bars in case you are stranded and a cover for the bike and other items.

   Packing a bag for a motorcycle road trip will depend on what you need, but there are some essentials you should not leave behind. Some will make your stay at a hotel more comfortable, while some will save you should you become stranded or lost.

    

    

    

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2. Classic ‘80s Rock Songs to Amp Up Your Next Bike Trip

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 29th Aug 2022

   The open road is calling your name. You have your bike all packed up and ready to go. But wait, what about the soundtrack to your journey? Every great adventure needs an epic playlist, and we’ve got just the thing.   

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   Did you know that music can actually improve your biking performance? It’s true! The right tunes can help you power through a difficult hill climb or keep your energy up during a long stretch of flat road.

   Here are classic 80s rock songs to amp up your next bike trip. If you’re an expert on ‘80s rock music, you’re bound to recognize a few tunes.
   
   1. Bon Jovi - Wanted Dead or Alive

   Released in 1986, this Bon Jovi classic is the perfect song to get you pumped up for a day of biking. The energetic guitars and catchy lyrics will keep you motivated all day long.

   2. Guns N’ Roses - Paradise City

   This high-octane rock anthem is sure to get your heart racing. Let loose and enjoy the wind in your hair as you bike to this 1987 classic.

   3. Queen - Another One Bites the Dust

   If you need a pick-me-up, this is the song for you. The catchy beat and upbeat lyrics will instantly put a smile on your face. And who doesn’t love a little bit of Queen?

   4. Journey - Don’t Stop Believin’

   This feel-good anthem is the perfect way to end your bike trip. Let the music wash away all your fatigue and worries as you reflect on an incredible journey.

   5. AC/DC - Back in Black

   This is the perfect song to rock out to as you cruise down the open road. Turn it up loud and enjoy the ride!

   6. Europe - The Final Countdown

   If you’re looking for an motivational song, this is it. The opening keyboard riff will give you chills as you prepare for an epic adventure. Released in 1986, this song is sure to get you pumped up for a great bike trip.

   7. Van Halen - Jump

   This 1984 classic is the perfect song to get you moving. The fast tempo and upbeat lyrics will keep your energy up all day long.

   8. REO Speedwagon - Can’t Fight This Feeling

   If you’re looking for a slower-paced song to enjoy, this ballad from 1984 is perfect. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your journey and appreciate the scenery around you.

   9. Pat Benatar - Hit Me With Your Best Shot

   This 1980 anthem is perfect for anyone who loves to rock out while they bike. The high-energy guitars and powerful vocals will keep you motivated all day long.

   10. Cheap Trick - I Want You to Want Me

   This 1979 classic is a great song to sing at the top of your lungs while you bike. The catchy chorus is sure to stay stuck in your head all day long.

   11. Foreigner - Juke Box Hero

   This song is all about living life to the fullest and taking chances. What better way to do that than by going on a bike trip? Let the music inspire you to seize the day!

   12. George Thorogood & The Destroyers - Bad to the Bone

   This song is the perfect way to show off your badass biking skills. The heavy guitars and tough lyrics will make you feel like a rockstar.

   13. ZZ Top - Sharp Dressed Man

   If you’re looking to add a little country flair to your playlist, this song is perfect. The slide guitar and laid-back vocals will make you feel right at home on the open road.

   14. Survivor - Eye of the Tiger

   This song is sure to get your blood pumping. It’s the perfect anthem for anyone who wants to conquer their next biking challenge.

   15. Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me

   This sexy little number is perfect for anyone who wants to have a little fun on their bike trip. Turn up the volume and let loose!

   16. Bon Jovi - Livin’ On a Prayer

   This classic Bon Jovi tune is the perfect song to sing at the top of your lungs. The inspirational lyrics will keep you going when the going gets tough.

   17. Van Halen - Panama

   This high-energy rock song is sure to get your heart racing. Let the fast tempo motivate you to push yourself to the limit on your next biking adventure.

   18. AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long

   This 1980 anthem is the perfect way to get pumped up for a long day of biking. The catchy chorus and upbeat tempo will keep you moving all day long.

   19. Pat Benatar - Love Is a Battlefield

   This powerful ballad is the perfect way to reflect on your journey. The emotional lyrics will stay with you long after the bike trip is over.

   20. Journey - Any Way You Want It

   This feel-good anthem is the perfect way to end your bike trip. Let the music wash away all your fatigue and worries as you reflect on an incredible journey.

   So there you have it, a classic 80s rock playlist to help you amp up your next bike trip. Now all that’s left to do is hit the open road and enjoy the ride!

    

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3. Australia’s first nationwide motorcycle rental and tour company launches – BikeRoundOz.

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 1st Aug 2022

   The merging of three of Australia’s largest tour and rental operators means that ‘Down Under’ two-wheeled explorers have a single source for pre-ride advice, rental bikes, tours and support no matter where they roam across Oz.
   
   BikeRoundOz has been serving the region for 14 years. By joining forces with the Australian division of worldwide tour operator Compass Expeditions and Bikescape, who are Sydney’s largest rental and tour company, the new organization has a central booking office with collection and drop off depots in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns and Adelaide.

   “The key things that ensure fellow riders enjoy their time in Australia are high quality advice from real people that have ridden the routes many times, expertly prepared bikes, attention to detail and fast support no matter where you are in the country” says Selena Thurbon, the new MD of BikeRoundOz. “The country is vast and without good knowledgeable advice you can miss all the good stuff. Our daily focus is to ensure clients make the most of their time here whether it’s a day trip from the city or a cross continent, gravel road epic!”, continues Selena.
   
   The merging of these experienced rental, self-guided and guided tour operators provides riders a seamless one stop shop no matter which part of Australia you are exploring and type of trip you’d like. Choose from a simple rental, on or off road, over 60 self-guided tours and both sealed and enduro guided trips.
   
   The extremely popular “Outback Ready” bikes will be available out of all depots and as the name suggests are equipped with everything you’ll need to venture into Australia’s iconic outback.

   The national fleet is focused around BMWs and Harleys but Japanese bikes are on the list and even scooters for zipping around Sydney.  

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   For more information visit www.bikeroundoz.com
   
   

    

    

    

    

    

    

   
   
   Article supplied - 2015

4. Motorcycle routes in Europe that are a must

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 30th Jul 2022

   One great thing about Europe is the diversity in scenery within a relatively small area. One day you can be motorbiking through the Alps and the next day you are cruising along the coast. The winding European roads are a lot of fun to drive, so if you’re looking for the next big route, you need to check out the ones on this list.

   The Amalfi Coast, Italy     

   What better place to start than southern Italy, arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world with one of the most incredible drives you’ll find anywhere. The trip from Naples to Salerno going around the Amalfi coast is absolutely stunning, and the best part is it can be done in a few hours if you drive straight through. Starting from the chaotic city of Naples, you’ll drive past Pompei and Mt Vesuvius and through the coastal town of Sorrento before arriving at Salerno. There are plenty of great cafes to stop, have a coffee, and take in the sights, so you can choose to take an afternoon, a whole day, or even spread it over a weekend!

   From Cabo de Gata to Granada, Spain

   From southern Italy to southern Spain, our next route takes you from the coastal town of Cabo de Gata to the city of Granada. What’s great about this journey is that you’ve got two choices - depending on what you want to see. You can drive across the southern coast of Spain before heading north and passing the Sierra Nevada mountain range, or you can head north, driving through the beautiful Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada and getting a great view of the mountain range from the other side. Both journeys will take 2-3 hours if you don’t stop, but if you take the coastal route, we recommend stopping at one of the beautiful seafront cafes to take in the view.

   The Cat and Fiddle run, England   

   The next route on our list is often described as the most dangerous road in Britain and is ridden for the challenge rather than for the scenery. That said, it does go through the Peak District, which is a beautiful part of the country, but you’ll be too busy focusing on the road to truly enjoy it. The road is constantly climbing through a series of sharp bends until you reach the Cat and Fiddle Inn at the summit. From there, you begin your descent into Macclesfield through another series of sharp (and often blind) corners. Local motorcyclists often consider the road a gamble, especially in wet conditions, which are common in the UK. For a safer way to spend your time, give an online casino UK site with exciting casino games a go.

   The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

   The last route on our list is one that visitors to Europe often overlook: the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania. This 90km stretch of road snakes up through Romania’s highest mountains, giving you fantastic views of the country. As well as stunning views, it’s also a challenging ride, with sweeping turns, tight hairpins and long dark tunnels to navigate. The best time to take the journey is during the week, as it often gets busy over the weekends. The Highway is generally closed from late October/early November through to June due to the ice and snow at the summit. If you can get over for the summer, it’s a route you won’t want to miss.

   Conclusion

   These routes highlight the variety of journeys you can find across Europe, from treacherous mountain roads in Romania to leisurely coastal drives in the south of Italy. There are plenty more stunning routes around the continent that we haven’t mentioned, including the Furka Pass in Switzerland, the Antrim coast road in Northern Ireland, and Bergen to Geiranger in Norway.

    

    

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5. How to Plan a Bike Road Trip

   Posted on 10:00am Saturday 30th Jul 2022

   The UK is an amazing place to take a road trip no matter how many wheels your vehicle has. This country is home to winding routes, spectacular landscapes, amazing scenery and some of the best roadside pubs and restaurants to stop off at. If you love the freedom of the open road, then the UK is an ideal place to be. From the coasts of Devon and Cornwall all the way to the Scottish Highlands, you can find smooth roads and stunning views. No matter which region you choose to explore, some foresight and planning will help you put together the best trip. With that in mind, here are some of the main tips to keep in mind when you plan a motorbike road trip in the UK.

   Be Flexible with Planning

   First of all, it’s a good idea to have a general plan in place, including a detailed route of any roads that you are going to be taking and where you are going to be staying, so that you can get the most from your trip with a smooth and stress-free experience. If you’re going to be staying on the road overnight, it’s a good idea to book your stays in advance as the last thing that you want is to end up struggling to find somewhere to stay after a long day of riding. It’s also a good idea to check the weather in advance and plan your trip around it, as you will want to avoid getting caught in any storms.

   However, while careful planning is essential for some aspects of your trip, it’s also good to have some room for flexibility. When you’re on a motorbike road trip, it’s good to be able to keep your plans flexible as much as possible as you never know when the weather might change or when you might want to stay somewhere different to where you had originally planned if you’re too tired from driving or have found somewhere else that you like better. Try to book places to stay with free cancellation or amendments.

   Breakdown Cover and Insurance

   Before heading on a motorbike road trip across the UK, it’s important to protect yourself and your bike in the event of an emergency or accident. As a motorbike rider it’s hard to ignore the statistics that prove accidents and fatalities are more common on motorbikes compared to in cars, which is why it is so important to make sure that you are safe and have precautions in place to protect both you and your vehicle. Driving on roads that you are not familiar with can increase the risk of an accident, so make sure that your motorbike insurance is valid and up to date.   

   Along with checking your insurance, you should also make sure that you have valid motorcycle breakdown cover for the duration of your trip. If you are unlucky enough to have your bike break down in a remote location, you will want to know that somebody can come to help and take your bike to the nearest place where it can get repaired.

   Communication, Navigation and Entertainment

   Once you are on the road and exploring the country, it’s important to have a good system in place so that you know where you are going, especially if you are travelling somewhere you have never been before. A good GPS system is one of the best pieces of equipment that you can have on your bike.

   Along with this, you should make sure that you have enough data on your phone so that if you need to stop and check Google Maps to figure out where you need to go, you’ll be able to do so easily.

   If you don’t already have unlimited data on your phone, most networks will allow you to purchase an add-on so that you can use as much data as you like. This is definitely worth paying for as Wi-Fi might not always be available everywhere you go, especially when you get to the more remote areas. 

   Clothing

   Making sure that you pack the right clothes for your motorbike road trip is another part of planning. While you might not be able to fit everything that you want to bring, you should make sure that you can carry any indispensable items with you, especially clothing items that are designed to protect you against the often unpredictable weather in the UK. If you don’t already have one, it is worth investing in an outfit that is lightweight, high quality, breathable, waterproof, and designed to be worn in all weathers.

   You may want to consider getting a good quality jacket that is fitted with a removable fleece or thermal liner so that you can easily be comfortable in all weather conditions. Invest in biking jeans or trousers that are designed to not only look cool but also offer the utmost protection in the event of an accident. Consider getting an undergarment that’s designed to absorb moisture and is breathable as this will make it easier for you to enjoy a ride that is more comfortable and less sweaty. And last but not least, invest in some heated gloves if you are going to be travelling during the autumn or winter.

   The UK offers some of the best roads for a motorbike road trip with everything you need no matter where you go. Whether you’re exploring the Scottish Highlands or the coasts of the UK, keep these tips in mind to plan the road trip of a lifetime.

    

    

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