Motorcycle rallies are a great way to meet new riders and show your bike off. However, for first-timers who don’t know what to do, these events can be fraught with peril. 

You may struggle with crowds, ride on unfamiliar routes, and endure extreme weather conditions. This can ruin your rally experience and increase your risk of crashing.

To help you stay safe during your rally, here are some of the most common rookie errors first-timers make and how to avoid them. 

Riding Beyond Your Limits

A good rider must understand and be comfortable with your limits. That means knowing how fast you can ride, how far you can go before taking a break, and your skill level. 

Unfortunately, many first-time riders overestimate their ability and, as a result, push themselves too far. They ride at unsafe speeds, venture on dangerous routes, or ignore the prevailing weather conditions, which increases the chances of accidents, injury, and even death.

Building any skill takes time and practice. Therefore, before you think you can ride like a veteran, learn to use your vision, steer your bike the right way, and control the throttle. Once you master this, confidence and speed will follow. 

Assuming Every Road User is Looking Out for Bikers

The small size of motorcycles makes them less visible to other motorists on the road. Moreover, many drivers tend to be distracted while behind the wheel, causing severe accidents for riders.

As a biker, you must take precautions to ensure safety every time. Stay alert and avoid riding too closely to other vehicles. You must also enhance your visibility by wearing brightly colored protective gear and ensuring your headlight is on. 

Unfortunately, doing all that may not prevent you from getting involved in an accident. The good news is that you may be eligible to recoup compensation, mainly if the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence. 

However, you will need to hire motorcycle accident lawyers who understand personal injury laws of the state where the accident happened. For instance, if the accident happened in Las Vegas, a local firm, such as Edward M. Bernstein & Associates, would be an excellent fit to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Choosing the Wrong Bike

Before joining a motorcycle rally, you should know the type of bike you intend to bring with you. There are many different types of bikes, each with its own size, power, and handling abilities. 

Ideally, it would help if you choose a bike that matches your skill level, physical attributes, and preferences. For instance, a lightweight, smaller bike with a lower output power would be a great fit if you are a beginner. This will give you greater control and help you develop your skills gradually.

Additionally, ensure your bike suits the terrain of the rally. You don’t want to bring a dirt bike on a paved road and expect to keep up with other riders easily.

Ignoring the Weather

The weather can have a significant impact on your riding abilities. Therefore, you must consider the weather forecast and take necessary precautions.

Heavy rain or snow can cause slippery roads and severe visibility problems. This can make it challenging to control your motorcycle at high speeds. So, if you are not accustomed to riding in adverse weather conditions, it is best to avoid motorcycle rallies at such times.

If you must join a rally in inclement weather, ride slowly and leave plenty of space between your bike and other riders. Moreover, ensure you wear the correct gear to protect yourself against the elements. 

Joining a Rally While Intoxicated

You must be fully alert and focused during a motorcycle rally. Drinking even a small amount of alcohol will slow your reaction time and impair your judgment.

You could put yourself and other riders in danger when you can’t make quick decisions or take corrective actions when necessary. Additionally, riding under the influence of alcohol is illegal in most states and carries severe penalties. You may end up in jail or lose your license.