On this months RAW, at the round table we discuss travelling in poverty stricken areas, how we make our dreams of motorcycle travel come true, being an adventure addict and dealing with wanderlust.
20: You've Made Your Bed, Now Lie in it & Prepared for the Worst
On the 20th episode of ARR RAW, moto travellers and authors discuss being prepared for road side motorcycle travel emergencies, what they recommend you should carry just in case you find yourself in an urgent situation and how to sleep comfortably while camping.
19: How Did I Get Myself in to This & Where Do I Fit All This Sh... Stuff
The RAW panel discusses some of the most extreme conditions they have ever ridden through, sharing their strategies for dealing with them and reflecting on what they would do differently as a result. They also delve into managing gear when riding two-up.
18: Younger Riders, Road Gems & Dying of Embarassment
In this episode, we delve into our observations about younger travelers, share the most intriguing or practical items discovered on the road, uncover destination gems and remarkable places, offer tips for handling dental emergencies, recount our most embarrassing motorcycle travel stories, and explore the luxury items we simply can't travel without.
17: Camping Secrets : Motorcycle Maintenance While Travelling
Jim Martin and the co-hosts on ARR RAW talk about what you need to consider when looking for a place to put your head down for the night, and how to handle doing maintenance on your bike when travelling.
16: The Best Things About Being on the Road & When the Road Trips Ends
What do you like most about being on the road on a motorcycle? What do you get out of it? And what happens when your adventure comes to an end and you have to go back home, back to work, back to living a 'normal' life?
15: The Cost of Motorcycle Travel | Getting Prescription Drugs Across the Border
On this episode, Jim Martin and the RAW co-hosts talk about handling medications, how to get prescriptions filled, and more. And if you're planning on taking a motorcycle trip in the near future, they've got some great tips on what you need to consider when budgeting for your adventure.
14: Motorcycle Road Hazards and Scams Travellers Should Be Aware Of
When talking about rider road hazards, the group discusses what riders should watch out for both at home and abroad, like oil spills, potholes, and fesh fesh. They also chat about travel scams based on their years of experience traveling, sharing tips on how to deal with them.
13: Pushing the Limits in Motorcycle Travel - Assessing Danger with Your Gut
In the world of motorcycles and tech, Honda's Self Balancing Motorcycle, ABS brakes, and traction control are changing the game. But how does all this new stuff affect riding? With fewer people riding bikes, will these cool features attract new riders, like women and younger folks? And when it comes to riding, how do you know your limits? Do you trust your gut or learn as you go? Ever made a risky move and thought, "Phew, got lucky!" or looked back and wished you hadn't ignored warning signs? Just because you make it through okay, does that mean it wasn't dangerous?
12: How to Keep a Motorcycle Rider Happy: Footwear, Gifts & a Healthy Sex Drive
The group recently talked about what kind of shoes are best for motorcycle riding, including whether they should be waterproof and if socks are necessary. They also discussed the top gifts for motorcycle lovers, with each host sharing two items they'd love for Christmas and why. Lastly, they chatted about how sitting properly on a motorcycle can help you stay comfortable during rides, and even effect your sex drive.
11: Bulk vs Comfort | Getting in to the Groove | What You Wear Under There | Fit for Riding
The Raw panel talks about whether it's better to prioritize comfort over carrying heavy stuff, like tents and chairs for bad weather. They share what they like to bring and how they deal with feeling homesick on long trips. They also chat about what underwear works best for riding and how they stay fit both at home and on the road, with tips for dealing with discomfort like stiffness and chafing.
10: Top Tips For Your First Motorcycle Adventure, Biker Camaraderie Around the World and Rain Gear
Episode 10 RAW: Top tips for your first motorcycle trip, biker camaraderie and rain gear. Featuring Shirley Hardy-Rix, Brian Rix, Graham Field, Sam Manicom, Grant Johnson and Jim Martin.
9: Trains and Ferries, Pannier Tools and Lunch & Can I Stay at Your House?
The RAW panel focuses on motorcycle travel, covering topics like using trains and ferries, securing bikes, and common problems faced. They also discuss the trend of asking for accommodation and help while traveling, including etiquette and responsibilities for both hosts and guests. They share their top three tools for trips and exchange ideas for tasty pannier lunches.
8: First Aid for Motorcyclists & Off the Cuff Round Table Travel Discussions
Before hitting the road, it's crucial to undergo proper training to ensure safety while riding. This includes familiarizing oneself with the motorcycle, road rules, and essential riding skills. As for gear, having the right equipment is key. This typically includes a well-fitting helmet, sturdy riding jacket and pants, gloves, and boots designed for motorcycle riding. Additionally, riders should carry a basic first aid kit with them at all times. This kit should include essentials such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, adhesive tape, and pain relievers. Having these items readily available can make a significant difference in handling minor injuries or emergencies on the road. On this episode of RAW, the panel talks about what you should have in your first aid kit.
7: Trip Budgeting, Tires & Campers from Hell
When getting ready for a trip, it's important to think about money. You'll need to figure out how much you need and if you should save some extra just in case. We also talk about using your money wisely to make it go further. Then there's tires—what kind do you use and why? We share tips for making them last longer. Lastly, we discuss dealing with tough situations while camping, like annoying neighbors, and how to handle them calmly.
6: Importance of Off-Road Riding Experience, One or Two Piece Riding Suits and Riding in Extreme Heat
If you're used to riding on roads but want to try trails, we discuss how to get some practice, either with a school or by yourself. Then, we dive into riding gear—should you wear a one or two-piece suit? We talk about the pros and cons, what we like or don't like, and how weather affects your choice, especially for long adventures. Lastly, we tackle riding in extreme heat and staying safe. We cover staying hydrated, recognizing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and dressing appropriately for hot weather riding.
5: Doing it With a Partner, Laptop Survival and Newbie Travelling Motorcycle Riders
Many men traveling the world on their motorcycles find themselves missing their partners, with some attempting to bridge the gap by having their loved ones join them for part of the journey, while others face relationship challenges on the road. Some even go as far as carrying a helmet, hoping to meet someone special along the way. We discuss the ups and downs of riding with your partner. Additionally, we delve into laptop survival tips for travelers, covering the necessity of bringing one, as well as methods for photo storage. Lastly, we address the issue of newbie motorcycle travelers, questioning whether taking a course before a big trip is advisable and offering advice for those with limited riding experience but a strong desire to travel.
4: Lane Splitting & Filtering, Essential Repair Skills & Tools and Wildlife Encounters
The discussion covers a few key topics related to motorcycle travel. Firstly, there's the practice of lane splitting and filtering, which is common in many countries but not allowed in the US and Canada. We talk about the safety aspects and how to handle it if you encounter it in other places. Then, we discuss basic repair skills and tools you should have in case of a breakdown, like changing a tire or adjusting the chain. Lastly, we touch on wildlife encounters, including potential dangers and ways to stay safe, like carrying sprays or deterrents.
3: Is it an Emergency, Micro Adventures & Best Economical Destinations
Understanding what counts as an emergency is crucial. Devices like SPOT and InReach let you call for help and alert others about your situation, potentially saving your life. But when do you really need rescue versus just some assistance? We discuss different methods for handling emergencies and consider how some countries charge for search and rescue. Planning ahead, like getting to know people on forums, could be helpful in areas where rescue costs money or isn't readily available. Additionally, we talk about micro adventures for those with limited time and tight budgets, exploring the best destinations for the most rewarding experience without breaking the bank.
2: Bribes, Bling and Medical Coverage for Travellers
We talk about bribes—whether it's a good idea or not, and how to handle situations where you're asked for one without spending too much. Then, we discuss how wearing flashy, expensive gear might change how people treat you while traveling and if it affects border crossings. We also touch on the importance of medical coverage for travelers, what you really need, and how to avoid common mistakes when buying insurance. Finally, we share tips on trusting foreign hospitals and picking the right hotel if you get sick during your trip.