If you’ve ever taken a long, adventurous motorcycle ride, you know it’s more than just a journey – it’s an experience. A journey that tests your endurance, your decision-making skills, and sometimes, even your survival instincts. Recently, I had the opportunity to take one of the most thrilling rides of my life: the Tawang Motorcycle Ride.
Located in the northeastern part of India, Tawang is a remote town surrounded by towering mountains and beautiful landscapes, making it a dream destination for any rider. But what made this ride even more special wasn’t just the beautiful scenery or the adrenaline rush – it was the learning experience that came along with it.
As I rode through the winding roads, high-altitude passes, and unpredictable weather conditions, I made a few rookie mistakes that, in hindsight, could’ve made the ride smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable. In this post, I’ll share five mistakes I made on my Tawang Motorcycle Ride, so you don’t have to repeat them.
Let’s dive into it!
1. Not Wearing Ear Plugs
This may seem like a small detail, but trust me, it’s one of the biggest mistakes I made during my ride. As a rider, you're constantly exposed to the relentless roar of the wind and the engine. Over long distances, this noise can be mentally exhausting and physically damaging to your ears.
I didn’t realize the importance of earplugs until I’d already spent hours on the bike. The high-speed winds at higher altitudes, especially as you ascend through Sela Top and Bumla Pass, take a toll on your ears. The constant high-pitched noise isn’t just annoying; it can lead to long-term hearing damage.
After a few hours of continuous riding without earplugs, I started feeling the strain. My hearing felt muffled, and my head started aching from the relentless sound. And it's not just about comfort – constant wind noise can also cause mental fatigue, making it harder to focus on the road.
I already wrote an article about the importance of Ear Plug. Check it out!
Lesson learned: Always carry a pair of good-quality earplugs when going on long motorcycle rides. They can significantly reduce wind noise and protect your hearing, allowing you to focus better on the road ahead. Plus, they make the whole ride a lot more comfortable!
2. Not Wearing a Warm Hat for Cold Weather
One of the most unexpected challenges I faced during my Tawang Motorcycle Ride was the intense cold, especially as I ascended to higher altitudes like Sela Top and Bumla Pass. These areas are known for their harsh, cold winds, and the temperatures can drop drastically even in the summer months.
Unfortunately, I didn’t pack a warm hat, thinking that my jacket and helmet would be enough to protect me from the cold. Big mistake.
The cold winds at high altitudes can make your entire body feel numb, especially your ears, neck, and face. I didn’t realize how much of a difference a simple warm hat could make until I started feeling the frostbite-like symptoms in my ears and face. It was a constant battle to keep my focus while shivering uncontrollably.
Lesson learned: When you're riding in cold, high-altitude conditions, always pack a thermal hat or balaclava. The extra layer helps keep the cold at bay and makes a huge difference in your comfort level. I recommend investing in a good-quality, windproof hat that will keep you warm even in freezing temperatures.
3. Not Changing My Bike’s Rear Tyre in Time
This one still stings. I thought I could make it through the ride with my bike’s rear tire that had seen better days. The tread was practically worn out, and it was starting to lose its grip. But I figured, “Hey, it should be fine.” Spoiler alert: It wasn’t fine.
The journey to Tawang involves some challenging terrain – rocky paths, muddy roads, and steep inclines. Your bike’s tires play an incredibly important role in your safety and performance. I realized this the hard way when my rear tire lost traction on a steep downhill and in black ice.
Riding with a damaged tire meant that I had less grip on the road, which made maneuvering around tricky spots a lot more dangerous. I had to ride more cautiously than I would have liked, and it caused unnecessary stress throughout the ride.
Lesson learned: Always check the condition of your tires before going on long rides, especially to remote areas where you might not find a repair shop easily. If you notice any significant wear and tear or tyre grip getting flat, replace the tires before you hit the road. A smooth ride isn’t worth risking your safety for.
4. Not Carrying a Tyre Chain for Black Ice
I’m sure most of you know about the potential danger of black ice, but I didn’t realize how dangerous it could be until I encountered it in the higher altitudes of Bumla Pass. The temperatures at these heights can drop below freezing, and black ice can form on the road without any visible warning.
I was cruising along when I noticed the road looked a bit slick, but I didn’t think much of it. After all, the surface wasn’t visibly icy. As I made my way through, my bike slipped a little, and I felt the back tire lose traction. Fortunately, I was able to regain control, but it was a close call.
What I should’ve had with me was a tire chain – a must-have in such conditions. Tire chains are designed to give your tires the necessary grip on slippery surfaces like black ice or packed snow, preventing you from skidding and ensuring a safer ride.
Lesson learned: If you’re riding in high-altitude, cold, and possibly icy conditions, always carry a tire chain. It’s a small addition to your packing list, but it could save you from serious accidents. Trust me – you don’t want to be caught unprepared.
5. Not Warming My Hands Using the Engine
This one sounds a bit silly, but let me explain. As I was riding through some of the colder sections of the Tawang ride, my hands started getting numb from the cold, especially when I had to stop for breaks in places like Bumla Pass.
I’d seen other riders use the engine heat to warm their hands, but for some reason, I didn’t think to do it until it was too late. When your hands get too cold, they lose their dexterity, which makes it harder to control the bike and operate the throttle and brakes properly. Not to mention, it’s just plain uncomfortable.
On one of my stops, I realized that the engine could be used to warm my hands by simply holding them near the engine block for a few seconds. It’s a quick and effective way to restore some warmth to your extremities and prevent them from going completely numb.
Lesson learned: If you’re riding in cold conditions, make sure to take breaks and warm up your hands using the engine or other available means. It might seem like a small thing, but having warm hands can improve your comfort and reaction time on the road.
Conclusion
Every ride, especially one as challenging as the Tawang Motorcycle Ride, teaches you valuable lessons. These five mistakes I made during the ride weren’t just about making things easier – they were about making the ride safer, more enjoyable, and more comfortable.
If I could go back and do it again, I’d definitely make sure to wear earplugs, pack a warm hat, change my rear tire in time, carry a tire chain for icy roads, and warm my hands on the engine when needed. These small decisions could have made a huge difference in my ride and might save you from the same mistakes.
I have made a video on the same in Hindi! Check it out:
Until next time, ride safe and learn from the road!