Now that fall is here, you might be reluctant to put your motorbike away for the winter right away. British Columbia has different weather climates per region, but in general, this cold weather will bring either a lot of rain or, soon, a lot of snow. If you are planning on having one more ride before winter arrives, be sure to plan accordingly to have a memorable last ride of the year.

1. Ensure your motorcycle is in good riding condition

You likely have rode your bike many times throughout the summer, so be sure everything is still in working order. Take your motorcycle to your trusted mechanic for a tuneup if necessary. Always check your brakes, lights and signals before a ride, incase of sudden weather changes like fog or rain.

Check that your license plate is insured and mounted to your bike.

2. Pick your favourite scenic route

Whether you live on the coast or in the interior of British Columbia, you will have a vast array of routes to choose from for a memorable ride. You might want to ride along water, ocean or lake, or you might want to be in the mountains where the leaves are changing all around you.

Whenever you are going on a ride in cooler months, make sure you check your desired route ahead of time in case there is rain or snow on the radar. Drive BC or B.C. highway cams are great resources for checking all of the highway routes in the province for accurate weather per road, instead of a general city weather prediction.

3. Gear up and Pack a bag

This is the time of year to wear a base layer under durable clothing to help when the wind cuts through. And don’t forget a good pair of gloves! Wearing layers and bundling up will help keep you feeling good through any sudden weather changes on your ride. You can pack an extra layer if you have a saddle bag.

If you are going on a ride for a couple hours, pack a bag with some water and snacks.

4. Bring a couple emergency items

If you have room on your bike or in your bag, bring a couple emergency items in case you are left stranded on the roadside for a while. If you have a cell phone, bring a battery charger so you are able to charge your phone if you have service and need to call for help. A small first aid kit could be useful for minor incidents. And if you didn’t pack an extra layer, think about bringing a blanket with you. You can even strap it to your handlebars.

Always be prepared when you are riding in colder months. It can still be a very memorable last ride of the year, with the most scenic views around, as long as you prepare a bit before. The memory of this ride will keep your engine warm and free until your first spring ride next year.

At Big Nose Racing, we have all your motorcycle needs, from parts to accessories. Check out more of our listings on Ebay and Amazon.