As the sun creeps out from behind the clouds and the days become a little longer, many riders are starting to think about throwing the covers off their bikes and hitting the road once again. But while many hope to spend hours getting their motorbikes ready for the up and coming season, there’s one school of thought that suggests that maybe they should be spending a few hours getting themselves, as well as their bikes, ready to ride once again.
The basics
Before hopping on your bike this spring, it’s important to make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared to ride. After all, you wouldn’t jump on your bike if it wasn’t fit to ride, so why should you be any different?
We all know how vulnerable bikers are on the roads today, so unnecessary risks are just that: unnecessary. To be extra safe this year, why not try ticking some of these things off your to-do list to make sure you’re in the best possible position before twisting back that throttle for the first time in 2016:
Book an eye test – As any experienced rider can tell you, motorcycling requires the eyes of a hawk. So even if you think you’ve got a set of eyes that could rival even the sharpest fighter pilot, it’s worth popping into your local optician for a check-up.
Exercise – From wheeling your bike out of the garage to swinging your leg over the seat, motorcycling can take its toll on your body. Make sure you’re prepared by working on your core, legs and upper body muscles – because the last thing you want to do is topple off the next time you pull up at a set of lights!
Know your limits – If, like so many riders throughout Britain today, you find that leaning on the tank of your Yamaha R1 or pulling the clutch on your Triumph is causing you aches and pains, why not invest in a bike that’s more suited to your needs?
Work that brain
In a recent study undertaken at Tokyo University, students found that by riding a bike on a daily basis, riders could hope to see beneficial cognitive effects. That said, it’s still really important to make sure you’re as switched on as possible before venturing out on your first ride of the year. Looking to be as sharp as possible? You’ll be surprised just how easy it is to get your brain firing on all cylinders:
Sudoku – Helping you to stay sharp while offering a fun and addictive hobby, Sudoku is a great way to get your brain in gear. Scientists even argue it can help combat issues such as dementia later in life, which is great news for any older bikers out there!
Healthy eating – Ever heard the saying “you are what you eat”? Well, it’s true! Treat your body like you treat your bike and give it the best possible fuel available. To stay sharp, try eating blueberries, nuts and fish – though preferably not at the same time!
At InsideBikes, we’re committed to helping you enjoy motorcycling as much as possible – and we love helping our dedicated readers learn as much as they can along the way. That’s why our blog is packed-full of helpful hints, riding guides and news. So the next time you get a spare second, be sure to check it out!
