The Survival Triangle

Ten years ago while working as a journalist in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, I bought my first motorbike, an old Suzuki SX 150 dirt bike for commuting around town. In a short time I found myself taking off on weekend adventures along the coast and into the mountains. And while I no longer live in Asia, I go back there to ride two or three times a year. I’ve had a few close calls and have come off once or twice, but I’ve never broken a bone or written off a bike.

- Ian Lloyd Neubauer

I credit my track record to “The Survival Triangle,” my code for safe and successful adventure riding based on three key elements: comfort, navigation and dealing with obstacles. This isn’t a failsafe system, nor is it all-encompassing, but it makes a worthy addition to the pantheon of motorbike safety advice and will prove especially insightful to anyone thinking about heading off on an adventure ride in Asia, South America or Africa for the very first time. So without further delay, here’s the gist of it.

COMFORT

Being comfortable on long rides is not just about feeling good. It’s a key survival strategy that will stop you from fidgeting and ensure your concentration remains on the road. It begins with your underwear. Boxer shorts are preferable to briefs for preventing wedgies and chafing. If chafing begins, smear the affected area with petroleum jelly to prevent it from getting worse. Your socks should be long, and made from natural or high-tech fibers that are breathable. Douse the insides with a puff of medicated foot powder to prevent itchy toe jam.

In terms of boots, as long as they offer hard protection to your heels, toes and ankles, you can’t go wrong. But make sure you can walk comfortably in your boots. During your adventure, you’ll invariably come across a waterfall or viewpoint that’s a few hundred meters from the road. The last thing you’ll want to be doing in this situation is foraging through your bags for a pair of hiking shoes.