The Great Lakes area is a beautiful place to ride a motorcycle with its beautiful scenic routes, cute villages and spectacular sceneries. The Great Lakes region includes both cities and countryside with long coastlines which makes riding in the region around the Great Lakes an interesting excursion.
But there are many weather and terrain challenges that one can encounter when riding in this region and caution is a very important factor in any roadtrip. Understanding and preparing for the environment, undertaking certain types of riding, will minimize the chances of injury.
Pre-ride preparations
Once you have established a date for the ride, you should check the condition of your motorcycle. You should perform basic checks, like inspect your riding gear, validate fluid levels, tires as well as brakes to reduce chances of mechanical failure on the journey.
It is also wise to pack extra riding attire, headgear, and gloves in addition to carrying emergency or essential tools such as a set of tools, a torch, and a backup battery.
Understanding the route
Planning your route around the Great Lakes is more than just deciding where to start. It is recommended that you plan your trip around certain scenic byways such as Michigan’s M-22 along the shores of Lake Michigan, Ontario’s Lake Superior Circle Tour and some unavoidable attractions like the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Niagara Falls or Mackinac Island.
Using maps and GPS will help avoid getting lost in remote areas, where cell service may be limited.
Weather awareness
Because the weather near the Great Lakes can be very changeable, forecasts should be relied on as much as possible. Rain, wind and snow can all impact on road and visibility conditions.
To illustrate, if the road surface is wet, this could possibly result in lower grip levels, while in cases of strong gusts, it can be hard to keep a steady control of the vehicle. Change your speed and riding style accordingly, and make sure you can stop when things start getting too risky.
Safety gear and equipment
An essential quality helmet, gloves and a durable riding jacket are just some of the important and basic safety equipment. Don’t forget visibility equipment, such as a reflective vest or similar garments, is recommended for errant drivers to see you even in low-light situations.
A first aid kit will also come in handy for instance in the event of a minor injury as you will not have to pause or cease your travel in complete worry.
Riding techniques for safety
Navigating winding roads and curves safely requires specific techniques. Maintain a steady speed, lean into turns, and use both brakes evenly to avoid skidding. Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles gives you more time to react to sudden stops or obstacles. Always stay alert to changing road conditions, like potholes, gravel, or wildlife.
Legal considerations
Legal considerations are a crucial aspect of planning a motorcycle trip, particularly when crossing state or provincial borders, where regulations can differ significantly. Familiarizing yourself with the specific motorcycle laws of each area you’ll be visiting is essential. For example, helmet laws, lane-splitting regulations, and equipment requirements, such as mandatory reflectors or specific lighting, may vary. Understanding these differences will help you stay compliant and avoid fines or other legal issues during your journey.
Know your insurance coverage
Insurance coverage is another important factor to consider. Make sure you understand the details of your motorcycle insurance policy, including what it covers when you’re traveling out of state or across borders. Coverage for accidents, medical expenses, or theft might differ depending on your location. In some cases, additional coverage or travel insurance might be worth considering, especially if you plan to ride in remote areas where getting assistance quickly could be challenging. Also, knowing the process for filing an insurance claim, and having your policy information easily accessible, can be crucial in case of an accident.
Navigating a motorcycle accident
In the unfortunate event of an accident, consulting a local lawyer with expertise in motorcycle accident laws is a wise decision. Each state or province has its own set of rules regarding liability, compensation, and legal procedures, and a local lawyer can help navigate these complexities. They can provide insights on how best to protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through any legal claims. Furthermore, some regions may have specific laws governing motorcycle accidents, such as unique requirements for reporting incidents or statutes of limitations for filing claims. Understanding these legal aspects in advance can ensure you’re prepared to handle any situation that arises, making your trip safer and more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Traveling by motorcycle provides a unique way to discover this beautiful area and its surroundings. The appeal of the instant thrill of speeding through the wide-open roads, the captivating beauty of nature and nice looking infrastructures gives you a fun filled outing.
Plan ahead and consider proper weather preparation, clothing selection and factors of riding and you will be ready for an adventurous motorcycle road trip around the Great Lakes.
