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Jul 18, 2023

10 Safety Tips While Riding A Motorcycle On Country Roads

How to stay safe and comfortable in the country There probably isn't a more

How to stay safe and comfortable in the country

There probably isn't a more relaxing environment for a motorcycle ride than through the countryside. You've got long and winding roads, barely ever any traffic, surrounded by nature, and you are far removed from the chaos and multiple distractions of the city. It is an opportunity to really take a mini-vacation just for yourself for a few hours with beautiful scenic routes wherever you go. But just because you won't have to deal with the same obstacles as you would in an urban area, doesn't mean that you are free of any danger. You still need to wear the proper riding equipment, be wary of road conditions, animals, and your riding skills still need to stay sharp.

The countryside is not exempt from Murphy's Law, and one would be foolish to assume otherwise. Rural environments are certainly more quiet and relaxing that the big city, and there are miles upon miles of famous country routes throughout the US. So let's take a look at some of the obstacles and challenges one might experience when traveling through the boonies, and what you can do to make sure you are always on top of your riding game, regardless of the environment.

Related: 10 Motorcycle Safety Tips That Will Take Your Riding To The Next Level

The countryside is full of wildlife. You've got cows, deer, rabbits, raccoons, horses, coyotes, and that is just for beginners. For riders that are used to the city, riding past a field of cattle is its own core memory worth pulling over for a few selfies and group photos. While seeing a herd of Bison off in the distance while you're taking a weekend cruise is a sight to behold, you need to remind yourself that animals are unpredictable.

They run entirely on instinct, so don't assume that they understand the concept of looking both ways before crossing the street. In the event where there is a deer standing in the middle of the road, you need to keep your eyes sharp to leave you enough time and distance to react properly. Wildlife already poses enough danger for cars, trucks, and SUVs. So motorcycles are no exception.

Safety should always be on your mind whenever you saddle up. It shouldn't matter if you're riding through the country or through the city, you should be protecting yourself at all times. That includes a riding helmet, protective riding jacket, riding gloves, long pants/jeans, and boots. Also, be sure to take the temperature into consideration when choosing your wardrobe. A heavy riding jacket in 90-degree weather with clear skies and lots of direct sunlight can put you at risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

A full-face helmet is strongly recommended for all riders, no matter what kind of environment you are riding through. Aside from the obvious, which is 360-degrees of complete physical protection to your dome, the visor is especially useful for protecting your eyes from dirt, debris, direct sunlight, and swarms of bugs.

The rural countryside is not nearly as populated as a major city and certain suburbs. But that shouldn't suggest that they can't come out of nowhere. As many riders will tell you, one of the biggest obstacles they face is being wary of other drivers. Distracted driving is one of the top causes of roadside accidents and fatalities in the U.S., and a thickly-settled area can hinder your visibility to oncoming drivers.

A common lesson taught in a motorcycle training class is to ride defensively, especially around other drivers. That means slowing your speed, watching for turn signals, reading their path, and making any last-minute maneuvers in the event of an emergency. Not to mention that some country roads come with lots of twists and turns, and not all vehicles can handle them equally.

Related: 10 Safety Tips While Riding A Motorcycle On The Highway

If you plan on riding out through the back roads for the day, it is common sense to make sure that your motorcycle is up to the task. Does your fuel tank have enough gas? Are your brake lights and turn signals still working? Are your tires in need of a replacement? How is your bike on fluids? Is your battery low? Is your motorcycle experiencing any sort of malfunction that could pose as a problem later down the line?

Keeping your ride up-to-date and healthy should be a priority. Heaven forbid you break down on the side of the road with nobody around for miles and no cell phone reception. Plus, that's how nearly every horror movie starts. So instead of finding yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere while waiting for AAA or a tow truck to come to your rescue, the smart thing to do is to stay on top of keeping your bike up and running. As long as you take care of your motorcycle, your motorcycle will take care of you.

Unlike the city where the streets are covered in concrete and asphalt, rural towns are a different story. While most roadways across the US are also paved with asphalt concrete, some roads in rural towns are nothing more than dirt and gravel. That shouldn't suggest that motorcycles can't handle a dirt road, but it is more on the confidence of the rider keeping control of the bike while being able to handle the rugged terrain.

There are also some streets that have not been attended to for a long time, resulting in cracks and potholes that are left open and unrepaired, posing a hazard to drivers and motorcyclists alike. Chances are most roads in urban environments are well-cared for, and you shouldn't run into any issues. But then again, the countryside can be unpredictable. So stay sharp.

We've all seen the bumper sticker that reads, "loud pipes save lives." The best part about that sentence is that it's true. Because a motorcycle is a smaller vehicle when compared to cars, trucks, and SUVs, it is easier for a dubious driver to not see you in their blind spot. It is because of this safety issue why many motorcyclists opt for louder, aftermarket pipes that inform the drivers in your surrounding area that there is a motorcycle nearby, so be extra careful. That, and they just simply sound cool.

It is also highly recommended that whatever protective gear you decide to wear, you should be able to be spotted at a great distance. This can include reflective vests, neon-orange or neon-green shirts and jackets, etc. A loud wardrobe can get you lots of attention, and we mean that in a good way.

Going out for a ride by yourself can be a relaxing solo vacation. Just you, your bike, nature, and solitude. Sounds pretty good, right? But as anyone that has ridden with at least one other person, group rides are infinitely more fun. You get to share this experience with fellow, like-minded riders that enjoy motorcycles just as much as you do, and you create the opportunity for lasting friendships and memories. Plus, riding as a group will also work to your advantage in terms of safety because what gets noticed more than one loud motorcycle: seven or eight more just like it. So call/text your friends and arrange a ride through the countryside for the weekend.

Related: 10 Tips For Proper Motorcycle Group Riding Etiquette

Country roads come in all shapes and sizes. Some are a long, straight shot through a field. Some are wide curves through some farmland. Then there are some that have so many twists and turns that it'll make your head spin! In other words, not all rural roads are created equal. This much is true when you have twist after twist like the famous "Tail of the Dragon" route that starts in North Carolina and ends at the Tabcat Creek Bridge in Tennessee.

Your turning skills and reaction time should always stay sharp in the event you find yourself taking an unknown route that has more twists and turns than a roller-coaster. Because if you are not confident enough in your abilities, perhaps stick to the easier routes to build your experience.

Unless you are either the greatest motorcycle rider in the world and/or you've got night vision like an owl, stick to riding through the countryside during the daytime. Sure, your bike could be outfitted with the brightest LED headlamps that money can buy. But none of that really matters when a deer jumps out in your path, and you don't have time to come to a complete stop.

The reason why night riding in the city and suburbs can be viewed as safer alternatives is for the simple fact that both of those environments are filled with streetlamps. There are many rural towns that do not have streetlamps lining up every road in the county, and you will be relying entirely on your bike's headlamp as you ride through complete darkness. Because again, breaking down in the middle of nowhere with nobody around and no cell reception... in the dark. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a horror movie.

Before every ride, almost every motorcycle owner checks the weather for the day to see if conditions are right to take your bike out. If there is going to be a strong chance of rain, strong winds, hail, or if it is too cold, then keeping your motorcycle parked for the day would be the smartest option. Unless you've got plenty of experience on a motorcycle, rain gear, and a bike that can handle all sorts of unpleasant weather conditions, best not take the risk.

While it is inevitable that we will all find ourselves caught in a heavy rainstorm that we were not planning on, riding through one on purpose is a big gamble. Because you will have to deal with slippery roads, unexpected puddles, getting splashed by other drivers, water building up on your helmet's protective visor, and getting soaked from head to toe. Would you rather have to deal with all of that, or stay in and watch tv for the afternoon?

Anthony has been a longtime motorcycle enthusiast for ten years where he doubled as one of the top sales associates for Harley-Davidson in New England. Aside from motorcycles, Anthony moonlights as a stand-up comedian and amateur bodybuilder. A Swiss Army Knife of a human being.