A nightmare for motorcycle travel enthusiasts surfaced in 2020 with the consequences of COVID19. Closed borders, confinement, and social distancing meant that many of us who were preparing for trips had to cancel them indefinitely. Even worse, those already riding around the planet had to find safe places to stash their motorcycles and book flights home to wait out the chaos. But even in these times there are opportunities for motorcyclists. Following are some of the reasons why you still might want to head out there.

As the months tick by, many of us are making good use of this “down time” to prepare our motorcycles for future trips, as well as study routes we dream of eventually reaching when the pandemic is under control. But something else is happening: half a year in, we’re finding that many who’ve never ridden motorcycles are discovering it to be a cheap and fun way to move around in these times, as well as a safer option than public transportation, which has proven to be a major source of contagion. Current statistics show that during the last few months driving schools have been filled with new riders, and subsequently the sales of especially small-cylinder motorcycles have risen sharply.

It seems clear that when the storm is eventually behind us that motorcycle travel will return, likely stronger than ever. That’s why, whether you are a new rider or an old hand, there are three good reasons why you should think about preparing for a motorcycle trip even amidst the pandemic.

1. Less Probability of Contagion than Traveling by Mass Transportation

In recent years, tourism and the travel industry have grown without much regard for potential damage to the environment, cultural traditions, or social imbalances caused by our presence. Wherever we go, in any corner of the planet, it’s full of tourists.

The pandemic has made it clear that the massive accumulation of people is a strong risk factor. As a result, social distancing is the highest priority. So, if we want to travel, what better way to do it than by motorcycle?

Traveling by motorcycle, alone or with a partner, reduces the probability of coming into contact with the infected. Compared to almost every other type of transport, from planes to trains, the risk is much lower. And you don’t have to wear a mask while on the road.

2. Ride to some of the Most Beautiful Scenery on the Planet without Tourists

If you’ve been disappointed in the past due to the volume of tourists in such magical places as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Joshua Tree or Death Valley, now is your time. Riding a motorcycle through these natural landscapes is a great way to escape. And, motorcycle trips are one of the best ways to overcome the negativity of recent months, a benefit to our mental health.

3. Physical Exercise

After months of confinement, and for those who telecommute, staying in shape isn’t exactly an option. Mo-torcycle travel not only requires a greater physical effort than most other types of vehicles but it’s also a great outdoor activity. And if you’re the outdoors type there’s the option of camping, hiking and spending time with Mother Nature where social distancing is rarely going to be an issue.

In addition to the above three reasons, keep the following tips in mind. Many things have changed in this new world affecting how we approach travel even before loading the panniers.

Equipment: In addition to the most common items that motorcycle travelers carry, such as a tent, tools and camera, remember the masks, hydroalcoholic gel (hand sanitizer) and a thermometer.

Insurance: Take a look at your travel insurance and update it to cover you in any of the hypothetical situa-tions that could happen as a result of COVID19. The costs of hospital treatment for an infection, the need to do a PCR test, or the days you might need to pass time in a hotel room as a consequence of an obligatory quarantine could be covered by your policy.

Regulations: If you plan to cross borders or enter a different state, check the latest news a few days before about regulations related to CV19. These are times when the rules change rapidly.

Wildlife: Due to less tourist traffic on the roads, and in camping and hiking areas, it’s likely there will be more animals about. Be vigilant.

Manu Torres (Spain) and Ivana Colakovska (Macedonia) have been traveling the world since 2007. Meeting the diversity of humankind is one of their main motivations for being constantly on the road. After an experience with a Royal Enfield in India back in 2011, they decided it was time to dream big and in 2013 they acquired a Yamaha Ténéré XT660Z to hit the world’s roads another way. It is a journey that so far has taken them to 69 countries and over 170,000 km. AroundGaia.com also on Instagram/Facebook/YouTube.