Necessary articles for Biking tours:

On none of our adventures do we want riders to be uncomfortable due to climatic conditions, or suffer unnecessarily in the event of a spill, so we ask that you consider the following advice before leaving home.

While you are not expected to Part Company with your motorcycle, having the right protective kit can make the difference between a minor ‘drop’ and an irritating injury. An unnecessary injury will also have an impact on others in a riding group, causing delays and late arrivals. This being the case, we require those on tour to dress them adequately and ride with no exposed skin, bar the face. There is neither the time nor facility to equip you adequately while in India, so please bring along appropriate riding gear. Please also note that we require you to pack in a ’soft’ bag. One such as this one is ideal, as it has wheels and lots of pockets for organizing your gear.

Helmet

Compulsory on tour. As it’s difficult to find headgear of a similar quality to that found at home, please bring a well-fitted helmet with you. If buying a new ‘lid’ specifically for your tour, then consider one with a venting system. If an open-faced helmet is your preference then one with a drop-down visor like this is ideal. If bringing a basic open-face,remember to bring some eye protection, including clear lenses for low light conditions. Also good for these tours, with a good blend of face-protection and ventilation is an enduro-style helmet. A decent full-face helmet is also perfectly adequate for these tours, but you will appreciate any venting.

Gloves

Summer-style, waterproof gloves like these are ideal for all-round use, though will be a little warm at times. If you suffer from cold hands you may also want to back them up with some inner-gloves at high altitude. Alternatively, for the well-heeled, there’s the two-glove strategy, using something like these vented summer gloves in the heat and waterproof winter gloves at altitude and if things get damp.

Jacket

A traditional leather bike jacket will be OK, if a little hot, and will require you to bring a waterproof over-jacket, or an over-suit. Armoured textile jackets like this are generally better than leather, especially those with venting and breathable waterproof linings. It is, however, better to leave any thermal liners at home, instead bringing a fleece that can be worn off-bike in the evenings, or quickly removed should temperatures rise. Another tack is to wear a light, vented, armoured jacket and carry a wind/waterproof over-jacket to bolster heat and cope with rain.

Trousers

As with jackets, armoured textile trousers are probably the way to go, but waterproof ones tend to be very hot, so better go for a cool pair and carry waterproof over-trousers for chilly days. Likewise, either well-vented mesh trousers or protective jeans are ideal when mated to over-trousers.

Boots

Sturdy boots, covering the ankle, are a minimum requirement. We would recommend, though, that you wear ‘proper’ bike boots with shin protection. Touring-type boots fit the bill well, as do motocross boots and even race boots will be adequate. Waterproofing will be appreciated on river crossings. The ideal Himalayan tour boot is something sturdy like this.

Other clothing & kit

The list below isn’t everything you might need to bring on one of our tours Highlights things that are best not forgotten.

Some of these items can be bought cheaply in India, but as there may not be the time to nip to the shops on the first day, it’s as well to bring them from home.

• A snood is great for keeping dust out of the nose, for added warmth when needed and can even be worn as a hat to keep the sun off, or warmth in
• Sunglasses with UV protection are essential, especially if there is snow around.
• Bring warm and cool socks
• A very lightweight sleeping bag (fleece ones from Asda are good) is useful, but not essential
• A compact travel towel is a good idea
• Long underwear can be useful both for adding warmth and as a sleeping layer
• If you have a weak back, a kidney-belt may be helpful
• A fleece is good for both cool evenings and for under-jacket warmth
• Day bag sufficient to carry a water bottle and rain suit, or tankbag
• A money belt, or bum-bag in which to carry valuables and documents
• A sun hat, especially if you’re bald!
• Very strong bungees or cargo net  in case you tire of the day bag or need to carry that bit extra
• Basic first aid kit: a few plasters and antiseptic cream (we carry a very comprehensive medical kit)
• Any regular medication you need
• Spectacles: bring spares, or your prescription with you
• Passport photographs two (for Himalayan tours only)
• Insect Repellent for lowland transfer, we’ll be mozzy-free up high
• Sun Block the sun is fierce at altitude
• Lip Salve and it’s very dry
• Torch/Head-torch
• Penknife/Multi-tool
• Alarm whether on phone or not
• Watch for telling the time, so you’re not late
• Whiskey for us

Necessary Items:

• Helmet, Compulsory for both, Rider and Pillion Rider.
• Kidney belt
• Small backpack or waist belt

Clothes:

• Riding Cloths: Armour Leathers/ Armour Ventilated & Cotton (Winter/Summer)
• Day cloth: Warm Jacket over T-shirt / shirt or T-shirt (Winter/Summer)
• Evening cloth: Warm jacket over Shirt / shirt or T-shirt (Winter/Summer)

Medical Items:

• Headache, Stomach, Dimox high altitude tab Vomiting, Travel sickness.
• Any other regular medication to last for your trip.

Important Items:

• PASSPORT: Of course the most important papers.
• VISA: Valid tourist or equivalent visa is required for India. All non-Indian citizens require a visa. Please contact the Indian embassy in your country to find out how to get a visa for India.
• DRIVING LICENCE (motorcycle): A motorcycle driver license and an International driver’s license (issued by the various automobile associations) are mandatory on our tours.

Health:

Staying healthy on Tours abroad has pretty much to do with your pre-travel preparations and what way you take care of yourself in the respective country. Although the possible health risks of a motorcycle-tour in India may seem awesome, the actual problems are usually not bigger than a stomach upset. The main sicknesses, -Dysentery and Hepatitis A- affect the intestines. They can be prevented by medicines, vaccination and simply by careful selection of food and drinks.

Food:Always go for fresh fruits, salads & hot meals.

Water:To be on the safe side, stay clear of tap water. Always go for mineral water.