Riding Through The COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it. While some are panicking, hoarding toilet paper and groceries, others are trying to enjoy their normal lives as best they can while following procedures to keep themselves and those around them safe. It’s looking like this will be a long road back to the lives that we were used to, so practices that can help keep your body active and mind at ease are key—practices like riding a motorcycle! Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe on the road, and help avoid the further transmission of this virus.

Helmet on, gloves on.

This is a good rule for riding in general, but during this scary time, it’s a good idea to keep your helmet and gloves on a little more than you usually would. Keep your gloves on while filling up with gas to avoid touching the handle that’s probably riddled with germs. Keeping your face covered keeps you from touching it and gloves are likely to do the same. At the end of the day, wipe down your gloves and helmet.

Skip the parties.

It’s commonly said that motorcycling is a solitary endeavor, made exponentially more fun by the addition of others. I’ve generally agreed with this, but now… We need some space. Social distancing is one of the key components of slowing down COVID-19’s spread, so avoiding any sort of gathering is key. If you want to go ride with some friends, pick one or two and keep your distance when you’re stopped.

Wash your bike, wash your helmet, wash your hands, wash your phone.

We’ve all been told to wash our hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, and that’s great advice, you absolutely should. But there’s a lot more than just your hands out there to worry about, and it’s likely that you’ve touched your phone with your gloved hand as well. Think about commonly touched surfaces—even the visor and vents on your helmet that you’ve been adjusting throughout your ride. If you’ve used any tools on your ride, it’s a good idea to clean and disinfect those as well. So play it safe—wash your bike, wipe down your phone, and, for the love of God, wash your hands.

Bring the Purell and some snacks.

We’re riding for some social distance here. So whether you’re packing a picnic or picking up some food along the way, you want to be able to clean your hands without having to find a bathroom with some soap, and hand sanitizer is perfect for that. Make sure you can relax and enjoy your meal by packing some of this liquid gold. Also, it’s a good idea to pack some snacks and water to keep your blood sugar up, stay hydrated, and keep your immune system working.

Enjoy the freedom, within limits.

I don’t know about you, but where I live, the roads are more open than I have ever seen them. There is a natural part of me that thinks for some reason the rules suddenly don’t apply, but when I go riding I still see cops out. I asked one law enforcement officer if my coughing in my helmet might make him hesitate, and he said they will be conducting all of their normal duties as expected, coughing or not. So am I tempted to blast everywhere at 100 mph and see if I can do a burnout in the middle of the highway before another car comes? Abso-stinking-lutely. But am I going to? Probably not.

Avoid the elderly, and if you feel unwell at all, stay home.

This is a tough one for many of us, myself included. It’s a nice little 45 minute ride to go up and see my grandparents and I know my Grandma always has an ice-cold can of Coke or hot cup of coffee waiting for me. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday morning, but hell, I would way rather be able to do that for years to come than risk it now. I don’t feel ill or show any symptoms, but who knows who is actually carrying what, so better to be safe than sorry.

If you’re showing any symptoms at all, stay home. Even if you feel well, always practice the 6-foot rule for social distancing (which is easier on a motorcycle, let's face it). Most people who are infected are asymptomatic; do your part and stay home. It’s not worth it to get germs on a gas pump or anything else that may inadvertently infect someone else.

Have fun, ride safe, but do your part.