The ultimate thrill of travel on two-wheels

In the most basic sense, travel can be defined as a journey from one place to another, usually a round trip. It can also be remarked as seeking personal growth and self-discovery and often as a gateway trip from the din and bustle of everyday life. Travelling becomes truly intriguing when it adds a sense of expedition rather than a mundane routine trip. And the sense of adventure stirs up deeply when the journey is thrilling.

Travelling with motorbikes has recently emerged as a rapidly growing trend in Bangladesh. This type of trip fills the whole trip with loads of adventure and excitement for travellers. It has become almost a 'must to experience', especially for those who own a two-wheeler motorbike. However, the risk of travelling by motorbike on highways and off-road routes remains significantly high. Yet, by adopting necessary precautions, maintaining basic riding regulations, and having strong willpower, the journey can become memorable and leave an everlasting adventurous mark on the traveller's heart.

People travel for different purposes, including tourism, vacationing, and business travel. However, in a greater sense, most individuals travel to explore the unknown, rejuvenate with nature, and make the most of their holidays. Travelling to distant places by motorbike allows one to explore the destination and creates the opportunity to revitalise the scenic beauty closely.

Typically, journeys in buses, cars, and similar vehicles become mundane because of their regular routes to reach their destinations. But with two-wheelers, the journey turns out to be thrilling since it is up to the rider to choose the road to the destination, which could be regular highways or some off-road routes filled with adventures. Take, for example, one can take the usual straight four-lane Dhaka-Chattogram highway to reach Sitakunda, or one could try Mirsharai hill tract routes, experiencing the rubber tree garden and a scenic hilly road about 1,155 feet above the sea level hilly road to arrive at the Sitakunda tourism spot. Such travellers can also make the tour more intriguing by stopping at different places en route to visit unplanned spots and do sightseeing.

Essential gears before starting off

Before starting the engine, one must be equipped with primary precautionary gear. These gears include helmets, gloves, jackets, boots, protective elbow and knee pads, and high-visibility vests. The helmet is a must and foremost tool for riders to confirm maximum protection against the odds. A good-quality helmet with DOT, ECE, or SNELL certifications that ensures all-out protection must be the first on the checklist. High-quality riding gloves and leather jackets with high visibility should be the second on the list, as these equipment enhance grip and protect hands, spine, chest, and shoulders during falls. Safety pads are also a prerequisite, such as elbow pads, which prevent fractures and bruises in case of a slide, and knee pads, which help avoid straining the leg and mitigate the damage that may be caused during unexpected crashes. Lastly, the ultimate gear that one should be well equipped with is a sound sleep a night before they start.

Cruising on highways: Facts to keep in mind

Riding on highways is very different from riding on usual metropolitan streets. For instance, there is a subtle difference in the overtaking rule in Bangladesh between city roads and highways. Overtaking should be done on the left in city areas, while it should be done on the right in highways. Several riding etiquette differences exist between city roads and highways, primarily due to speed limits, road infrastructure, and traffic density.

First, it is essential to remember that motorcycles are considered small vehicles on highways, so it is better not to merge with other vehicles, especially when overtaking or changing lanes. Maintaining speed limits is one crucial aspect of riding on highways. Every other vehicle runs incredibly fast since the limit usually stays between 60 and 80 kilometres per hour (kph). Therefore, crossing the speed limit might let one face unexpected consequences.

Staying focused while riding for a long time is a more significant challenge, particularly in the first two highway rides. A practical tip to overcome drowsiness while riding is to take several short breaks, ideally after riding for 40 to 50 minutes straight. A cup of coffee or tea during this break helps re-energise the body and prepares it for another 50-minute trip. While riding, chewing gum or betel leaves helps keep the rider awake.

Lastly, before heading out to explore the highways, one should always double-check that everything with the bike is working smoothly, especially the breaks, acceleration, tyre condition, etc before heading out to explore the highways.

Facts to avoid at all costs

It is to be noted that a minimum experience point is required before anyone steps out on the highways, so it is duly advised that all individuals with less experience in riding bikes should avoid making any move on the highways.

An important fact is that one should never wholly go on travelling, trusting solely 'Google Maps' or any similar apps that suggest directions, as these apps often direct us to some unpleasant roads that might not be a good option for safe and secure travel, especially with motorcycles. Another significant fact is to be aware of the daylight time, since it is strictly advisable not to travel on bikes in the night hour because of all the risk factors such as less visibility, less powered lights and hijacking tendency, it possesses. Typically, two-wheelers are unsuitable on slippery, muddy, or sandy streets, as these roads hamper vehicle balance; therefore, riding during rain or thunderstorms is highly discouraged.

Apart from all the ifs and buts, the undeniable fact is that travelling by motorbike offers a greater chance to experience the inexplorable and thrilling vibes it carries. Therefore, strictly following the safety measures is a one hundred per cent good-to-go call for individuals who love to ride to their desired destiny filled with adventure and thrill.

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