The Ride of My Life: Before the beginning

I am a planner. I always have been. It feels great to have everything accessible and in one place. Well before going to any trip we look out for some specifics and for me it is important to have all the things ready before-hand. Now here are my tips to you as a beginner to look out for some basic prep material that you might need

• Make a map:

Now this is optional but very necessary. Some of you might want to be sure of the routes early so you can make a map roughly to avoid confusion. The turns that you have to take requires an early reminder so making a map will surely help you.

• Having a good phone and a spare one just in case:

Samsung M20 which has a 5000 MAH battery lasted me full day for maps. Used this for map primarily, though it was my second phone.

• Download any apps that I may need:

It varies from trips to trips, but some of the important apps that should be in your phone at all times is Google Map, Google Drive. Also a good internet connection is a must. You don’t want to be lost in the middle of nowhere without a network. Look for a good network as per your suitability and know whether it works well. Also, download offline maps.

• Research about the place:

Look for important museums, churches and tourist attractions.

• What to wear:

Know the appropriate attire of the place you’re visiting.

I also used Google Maps to create folders a) To all the destinations I am visiting b) of the authorised service centre of the bike I am using for the given route.

Govt. Issued Documents:

Though I kept the hardcopy of Licence , insurance , R.C. and pollution certificate. I also downloaded Govt approved app such as “Digilocker” to download all such documents which are accepted now by traffic police.

• SELF PREP:

You have to mentally prepare yourself for the trip. Pre fitness and during the trip exercises were done without a break. Also, Made sure I keep myself hydrated during the trip… Water… Salt… Electral powder were essential to carry.

Top of my priority always is timing and punctuality during the trip. I had made day wise kilometers target to cover and managed to stick to my schedule even during the adversaries thrown at me by the weather God.

• ROUTE PLANNING:

For me the route planning took time because I had a 40 days trip all over India. It’s like which side of Himachal Pradesh I shall enter and where to exit from.

• STAY PLANNING:

I had booked the hotels earlier so as to avoid any problems with respect to my stay. To know more about the local culture I even booked some village home stays.

• PACKING:

I packed the necessary things according to my need. Clothes, towels, toiletries, First Aid kit, Bike puncture repair and maintenance kit , Raincoat etc. I’m attaching a picture below so you can get an idea. I will publish a detail list at a later stage.

Throughout this trip I made sure to be organized digitally because paper might be left anywhere. At home or places but your phone is always there with you. Also it gives a relief to use the technology in a right direction making it a point.

Travelling gives you home in a thousand strange places, then leaves you a stranger in your own land.

Also stay tuned for my next blog.I’ll be sharing the entire journey super soon with you guys! 🙂