General riding hints

A.
Ride to the conditions and ability - Better late in this world than early in the next!

Preparation

L.
As a basic guide you should always carry the following items on a ride (though this list is by no means exhaustive):
- wet weather gear,
- a map covering the intended route,
- a puncture repair kit,
- water, in case you get stranded at the roadside.
In addition to carrying these items your preparations should include:
- knowing the route (call the contact on the runs list if you need information),
- arriving at the meeting point with a full tank (we often meet at service stations so this is easy)
- arriving on time.
Remember that you are responsible to yourself (& your pillion) for the suitability of your equipment and your bike for whatever conditions may be encountered on the ride.

L.
The most obvious preparation is to make sure your bike is in good working order. Breakdowns can happen to any bike but they are much more likely to happen if your bike is not properly maintained. Riding with a group there will always be somebody to help out but breakdowns caused by lack of maintenance can be frustrating.

Tyres are another obvious item to consider well before a ride, especially a long one. Remember that tyres wear more quickly at the end of their life than at the beginning. That rear tyre might look like there is 25% of its tread left, but in reality, it is likely no more than 10%. Tyres are also more prone to collecting punctures near the end of their life than when they are new.