One of the main forms of transportation in the Asian countries is the moto. It’s awesome and scary (and sometimes not allowed by contacts), but nothing really to worry about… However, there are a few things to keep in mind when riding one. So for future Racers or current Racers heading towards Asia, here are a few tips:
- Watch out for the muffler. It’s hot and it will burn you!
- Plant yourself on the moto. Don’t move around excessively or fidget while riding one because your driver has to compensate for your movements, too. ?
- Sit up straight. At least at first, this will make staying balanced easier. Be prepared to use similar muscles to those used while riding a horse.
- It is recommended that you do not grab your driver around the waist (in my experience, it makes them jump). They are more accustomed to riders holding onto the shoulders, or in some cases, the grip on the back of the seat.
- Be prepared to be closer to cars, buses and other motos than you think it safe. There are times you will use them to balance yourself.
- Riding in the rain is a new experience in itself… First of all, drivers tend to go faster so as to get out of the rain faster. Secondly, if they have a rain poncho, they will want to share. Riders are expected to tuck into the back of the poncho and ride under it (effectively making it to where you can’t see).
- Wait until you are told it’s okay to dismount, or even put your feet on the ground. Even if your driver stops, turns the moto off and puts their legs down, it does not mean you are cleared to get off the bike… and they can restart them and start driving really fast.
- Feel free to high five team members on other motos, but be prepared for the weird look strangers will give you when you offer them one… Though, they do usually return the high five.
- Do not offer a high five to someone far enough away that you have to lean over to reach them… This could cause the balance of the bike to be disrupted…
- If you’re going to play tag (and I would find the chance to do so), make sure your drivers understand the concept so they don’t try to tag everyone all the time… And apply tip #9 here, too!
- Have fun!! As scary as it might be at first, it’s a great experience!!
P.S. Thanks Bethany for always remembering to take pictures and for letting us use them! All pictures were taken while motos were NOT in motion!!
