Motorcycle travel can be exhilarating, but many riders fall into common pitfalls that can dampen their adventures. In this episode, the RAW panel discusses motorcycle travellers' top mistakes and how to avoid them.
104: 7 Motorcycle Travel Myths Debunked
In this episode of RAW, the panel will debunk seven common myths about motorcycle travel that often hold riders back from embarking on their adventures. From the misconception that you need a large, expensive bike, to the belief that solo or female travel is unsafe, we'll break down each myth and explain why they’re unfounded.
103: How to Keep Your Stuff From Being Stolen | Riding in Heavy Wind
This month’s episode dives into essential tips for safeguarding your bike and gear from theft while on a motorcycle trip. Plus, our panel shares gripping tales of battling brutal wind conditions and the hard-earned lessons from those intense rides.
102: Traveling through Communist Countries | Top Comfort Hacks for Long-Distance Travel
Why do motorcycle travelers often tell stories about going through North and South America, Africa and Australia, but hardly anything about communist countries such as Russia and China. Is it because of restrictions, border crossings, culture? And next up, comfort hacks. Do you have any unusual or unique practices for long-distance travel comfort? Perhaps you've learned some things through experiencing mental or physical discomfort. The RAW group shares what they’ve learned after countless hours spent riding and travelling.
101: Motorcycle Travel - Changes I'd Make for Next Time
On this episode of RAW, we will discuss getting second chances for our past trips and riding in areas with heavy traffic and large vehicles. Given what you now know, is there a trip or part of a trip you’ve taken that you would do differently if given the chance? If so, what changes would you make and why? Furthermore, riding dynamics change significantly in areas where the size of vehicles determines the right of way and traffic rules are not strictly followed. In these areas, motorcyclists often find themselves with minimal rights on the roads, which influences how they ride.
100: Embarrassing Things You Should Never do in Other Countries
In this episode, we delve into customs and etiquette across different countries, highlighting how misunderstandings can lead to embarrassment or unintended offense. The RAW panel offers guidance for travelers to specific destinations, sharing personal anecdotes and providing tips to steer clear of etiquette mishaps that might leave a negative impression.
99: Finding Food, Fuel and Other Elusive Items While on the Road
Travelling can sometimes be challenging when finding necessities, especially in foreign countries where options may differ from what you are used to or might not be easily available. Common concerns include finding food you enjoy and managing allergies. Another important aspect of motorcycle travel is ensuring quality fuel, maintaining oil and filters, and dealing with tire issues. In this episode of RAW, the panel discusses how to source supplies and manage mechanical needs while on the road.
98: Extreme Weather - The 7 Worst Riding Conditions
Bad weather can be scary even when you’re close to home, but what about when you’re on a motorcycle trip? How prepared can you be? What are some things you can do to prevent finding yourself in a situation caused by bad or severe weather? And if you can’t do anything to avoid a bad situation, what steps should you take to ensure that you are safe?
97: The Dark Side of Long Term Motorcycle Travel
Many motorcyclists dream about running off on an adventure that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. The thrill and anticipation leading up to the journey is what they focus on. But, the darker side is contemplating what will happen when they return. How will they reintegrate into society and work? What will it be like to return to their old life with a new perspective?
96: The Self-Reliant Motorcycle Traveler
Being self-reliant can be likened to having insurance—an ability to take care of oneself if things go awry. There's nothing inherently wrong with accepting help; it's a human instinct, and in the context of motorcycle travel, assistance often leads to friendship and discovery. However, it raises the question of wisdom and responsibility to travel as a dependent, relying too much on others. In this episode of RAW, we discuss ways to become a self-reliant traveler with topics including camping and accommodations, route planning, financial preparedness and repairs, and more.
95: Cooking on Multi-Day Camping Trips and Protecting Gear While Hiking
Ideas for simpler meals, tips for less food waste and what to do with leftovers while camping on the road. And how to protect your gear when you want to leave your motorcycle for a few hours to go for a hike, hang out at the beach or explore a city or town. All this and more - join the RAW for valuable tips, great conversation and some laughs.
94: Motorcycle Travel Without Cash on Hand | Being Prepared to Handle Emergencies
Two important things to consider when planning your trip are how you’re going to finance your adventure and how to best equip yourself to handle an emergency. While it's not impossible to fund yourself while travelling on a motorcycle, it does require careful planning, budgeting, and adaptability. Many travellers have successfully navigated expenses and income by being resourceful and flexible. The RAW panel discusses novel ways to make money on the road and some important things to keep in mind while doing so. And we also talk about being prepared to handle emergencies while travelling. But, before discussing how a motorcycle overlander prepares for emergencies on a trip, it’s important to understand what constitutes an emergency. We’ll also cover what should be planned, anticipated, or prepared for, and what can be left to chance.
93: Common Mistakes for Motorcycle Travelers and How to Avoid Them
In this episode, the RAW panel explores the common mistakes made by motorcycle travelers, such as riding beyond their ability and failing to interact with the locals. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, understanding and learning from these mistakes will help you ensure that your next two-wheeled adventure is both exhilarating and secure.
92: Reflecting on the Road: Navigating Regrets in Motorcycle Travel
Have you ever found yourself in a travel situation where, in hindsight, different choices could have been made? During a long motorcycle trip, have you ever experienced regrets that left a lasting impact, prompting you to reflect on how they influenced your journey? Whether it was a decision not made, an opportunity missed due to last-minute changes in your plans, or a choice that led you down an unexpected path, these moments of regret can shape our travel narratives in unexpected ways.
91: The 7 Wonders of Motorcycle Travel Across the United States
Another lively debate by the RAW panel, this time on The 7 Wonders of Motorcycle Travel Across the United States. A list to inspire riders to get out and explore these incredible areas.
90: Practical Advice for Motorcycle Camping | Using Your Bike Maintenance Records to Predict The Future
Have you ever considered camping from your motorcycle? Perhaps it's to save money or to enjoy the great outdoors. Whatever your reason, you may be wondering what essential gear you'll need for motorcycle camping and how to stay on schedule with bike maintenance while on the road. Luckily, our esteemed RAW panel has years of experience with motorcycle travel and camping, and they have some helpful tips to make sure your next adventure is a success!
89: Death on the Road and Going Nowhere
When travelling, there are things that can make you sick, hurt or even kill you. On this episode the panel discusses potential things that can cause harm and how to avoid them or how to treat them. And what if we can’t or maybe don’t want to travel abroad or ship a motorcycle somewhere to do a great big trip. Does it make sense to travel within your own country or within your comfort zone, perhaps one country over?
88: Top Motorcycle Routes To Ride in Less Than a Week
There are an endless amount of spectacular motorcycle routes all around the world, and choosing which one to ride on your next adventure can be overwhelming, especially if you are limited by time. So, we asked the panel to suggest what they think are some of the best routes in world to ride in less than a week, when to go and what skill levels are required.
87: Tires, Boots and Helmets
There are three things from your normal ADV gear that may need to be swapped out for long distance travel: Tires. Aggressive tires work great for ADV riding and are the choice for many, but for long distance travel does longevity surpass the need for traction? How do you decide what tires to run on any given trip? Boots. Heavy, tall, well supported motorcycle boots are paramount for protecting your feet and lower leg, but with the limited space available for long distance travel can you really afford to take them along? Helmets. For ADV riding around home a peaked visor style helmet is the choice for many riders, even with room for goggles. When it comes to long distance travel, do you or would you prefer other features?
86: Top Fears of Motorcycle Travel and Defining a RTW Trip
Fear can be paralyzing and it can stop you from doing many things including travel. But are those fears legitimate? And what constitutes a RTW trip? Is it the number of miles ridden or how many countries you pass through? On this episode of RAW the panel discusses some of the top fears that motorcyclists may have when it comes to travel and if those fears are justifiable, and what constitutes a RTW motorcycle adventure.