Disclaimer: Always double-check with your local guidelines regarding best practices for travel during the pandemic.

We’re all going through it. Lockdown. Restrictions. COVID boredom. This lockdown has brought many ups and downs rippled throughout communities and society. We’re all riding this wave together and there is almost an end in sight. But unfortunately a rise in cases is bringing back restrictions again this spring, that so many of us thought were behind us.

As a motorcycle rider, you have a unique pastime that can be a great way to keep busy and even do a small amount of solitary travelling, if done properly within the current restrictions. Yes, people who own cars can travel too, but isn’t it uniquely different to drive an open highway with the wind rushing past you and the smell of pine, birch, fir, etc… trees filling your nostrils. It’s a totally different experience and is bound to bring a good dose of joy.

If you are going to be hitting the road this spring/summer, you can do a bit more to prepare and protect yourself, and others, during your short freedom rides.

Prepare: Pack your own water, snack, and/or meal 

As in-dining has been restricted again, and COVID-19 cases are increasing right now, you might want to decrease the amount of places you need to go into. If you are heading somewhere that you know a local restaurant doing take-out, then you can definitely support local business in that way instead. But if you aren’t sure of where you are headed, it might be best to plan ahead and bring your own food from home.

Prepare: Plan your restriction compliant route 

Find new routes in your health region to avoid doing any unnecessary travel during these times. Either search in google maps for new roads/routes to test out or google “motorcycle rides near me” or “motorcycle rides in _____” and fill in your area. If you are in British Columbia, check out this list for somewhere in your region: British Columbia Rides. Maybe it even jogs your memory for a local ride you haven’t done in a while.

Protect: Wear a Mask

Always, always, always, have a mask on you. It's best to wear a N-95 medical grade mask, but if you usually ride with a bandana, and you don’t plan on going into any large businesses, you can wear your regular riding face mask.

Masks are most effective when fitted, worn and handled correctly. Masks should:

• Cover the mouth and nose and go under the chin
• Fit tightly with no gaps (consider adjustable masks)
• Be made of three layers of fabric, including two layers of tightly woven fabric, with a filter or filter fabric between layers
• If there are two layers with a pocket for a filter, use a filter

- From the BC Centre for Disease Control ¹

Protect: Wear Gloves and bring hand sanitizer 

You might wear them anyways for riding, but if you keep them on throughout your ride, then you can avoid applying hand sanitizer every time you stop and touch something.

Tip: You can transfer hand sanitizer into a small pocket-sized container, or buy it pre-packaged that size. Make sure you have some on you at all times so that you can apply after you pump gas or pay for your take-out lunch.

Protect: Stay 6 feet apart 

Stay 6 feet apart at all times. That’s one motorcycle length apart! How easy is that to remember!

Remember to ride safely and be mindful of others.

References:
¹ http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditio...