4 tips for riding a motorcycle on back roads

The way disconnecting by riding our motorcycle allows us is so idyllic that any inconvenience in the environment can ruin that happiness.

In addition, you must keep in mind that you share the road with other users, who don't always show solidarity.

We all know, or we should know, that driving is largely a matter of education: you either have it or you don't.

What follows, as in so many other cases, is governed by logic and respect for others. Attention and concentration should never be lacking.

1. Your position is important

On a road with a single lane in each direction, as is the case with driving on highways and expressways, your position is important enough for you to keep it in mind.

This is a rule they teach you from the first day of driving school: you must drive as close to the right as possible.

With the shoulder line as a reference, you need to tend to get closer to it unless, logically, this space is occupied.

This way, vehicles coming from the opposite direction have enough pavement to, for example, pass a group of cyclists without squeezing.

2. Watch out for crests

Everything mentioned so far becomes especially important in situations with reduced visibility, such as crests.

Since you don't have a clear view of what happens beyond this point, moving toward the right side of your lane will be vital in case you encounter any unpleasant surprise.

If you add a prudent reduction in speed to all this, you'll get "extra points" to react if forced by a sudden maneuver.

3. In a curve? It depends...

A curve for a "Sunday driver in a car" is a problem that results in their children possibly vomiting inside the car.

For a motorcycle and its rider, it's a source of pride and biker satisfaction, although as usually happens in any field, not everything goes.

The essential premise on the road is always the same: visibility is paramount; if you can't clearly see what's a few yards (meters) ahead, be cautious.

How? By staying within your lane, especially in curves where you have perfect visibility of what's coming from the opposite direction.

These are usually left-hand curves, while tight right-hand curves are more difficult in terms of visual perspective.

4. Never do this

Since we're talking about forward visibility, there's something you should never do even if you can clearly see half a mile (one kilometer) ahead.

Never cross into the opposite lane thinking you're taking a racing line on any circuit... where you know for sure that no one will come from the opposite direction.

You have a lot to gain by avoiding it: you don't risk getting fined (they could see you from a long distance).

In addition, in case you need to react, you'll be where you should: in your own lane with plenty of room to maneuver.