There are roads that are traveled because they allow you to reach a destination quickly and others that invite you to extend the trip, for different reasons. For many motorcyclists, the difference is in how the route, the environment and the sensations that each section transmits to the handlebars are combined. Obviously, the curves are largely to blame for that attraction.
A succession of varied turns, linked with straights of moderate length and progressive changes of direction, can make a route especially entertaining. But it is not enough to accumulate curves: It is also important that they allow you to anticipate what is coming next and maintain fluid and safe driving..
The ideal road does not have to be the most technical nor the one that requires the greatest concentration. Often, a route with curves of varied radius, good field of vision and a natural rhythm offers a more satisfying experience than one plagued by tight hairpins, complicated intersections or gradient changes that limit visibility.
Asphalt and visibility matter as much as the layout for a motorcycle
He road condition It is one of the factors that most affects the sensations when driving a motorcycle. A uniform surface, with good grip and without major defects, allows a more predictable path to be maintained. On the contrary, potholes, gravel, dirty areas or irregular repairs require extreme caution.
Visibility also makes a difference. Being able to read a curve in advance, identify the exit and detect possible obstacles helps you drive safer. In this sense, the General Directorate of Traffic recommends «adapt speed before entering the turn, direct your gaze towards the path and always maintain control within your own lane«.
Therefore, a road can be very attractive without having to be narrow or extremely twisty. Sometimes, a succession of wide curves, with good visibility and well-kept asphalt, offers better sensations than a much more demanding section.
A fast road is not always a fun road on a motorcycle
It is important to distinguish between a road that allows you to move quickly and another that invites you to enjoy driving. A highway can be efficient for covering long distances, but secondary roads usually offer more variety of landscapeschanges of pace and opportunities to discover towns or enclaves that would go unnoticed when traveling on expressways.
That doesn’t mean that the slower or windier a road is, the better it is for the bike. Excessively twisty sections may require constant attention, while roads with blind curves, unpredictable traffic or deteriorated road surfaces reduce the safety margin. The fun comes when the motorcyclist can interpret the route, anticipate and enjoy driving without feeling forced to force the pace.. The appropriate speed depends on the road conditions, the experience of the driver and the traffic, not on the capabilities of the motorcycle. Friends, we must insist precisely on the importance of adjusting driving to the circumstances and capabilities of each pilot.
The landscape is also part of the experience
A memorable route is not built with curves alone. The forests, the valleys, the mountains, the cultivated fields, the small towns and The changes in landscape contribute to the route having its own personality. Thank God, in Spain there is an enormous variety of territories to enjoy riding a motorcycle: from the mountain roads of the north to the open landscapes of the plateau, passing through the mountain ranges of the peninsular interior or the routes that connect the coast with rural areas. Each environment offers different sensations and allows you to design routes with your own character.
Furthermore, as we all know, It also matters what happens when you stop. Finding a town where you can have a drink, an area set up to rest or a place from which to contemplate the landscape helps to ensure that the day does not become an endless succession of km. On long trips, breaks allow you to regain concentration and reduce fatigue. The motorcycle tourism experience is more enjoyed when there is a balance between driving time, rest and discovery of the environment.
Safety and enjoyment must go hand in hand
An attractive road is not necessarily a simple road. Traffic, weather conditions, humidity, shadows, the presence of other users and the condition of the road surface can completely change the conditions of the same section. That’s why, Enjoying the curves does not mean looking for the limit. It is important to maintain a margin of safety, respect the signs, avoid invading the opposite lane and adapt the pace to what can really be seen and anticipated. A curve that seems easy may present gravel, a stopped vehicle or any other unforeseen event.
And if, safe driving does not take away from the fun; allows you to enjoy the route with greater peace of mind. In the end, the goal is not to show how fast you can go through a section, but arrive at the destination with good feelings and desire to go out on a motorcycle again.
Rider Soul: when the journey is part of the destination
This way of understanding the road connects directly with the philosophy of Rider Soul. The initiative proposes non-competitive motorcycle routes in which the focus does not fall on the times or the classifications, but on discovering the route, navigating between the waypoints and sharing the experience with other colleagues.
Designing such a route requires much more than selecting curvy roads. You have to study the territory, recognize the sections, assess the condition of the roads and combine the km so that the day makes sense. The goal is to offer a complete experience, in which driving is important, but so are the landscape, the stops and the feeling of discovering new places.
Be careful, the next appointment will be in Albaida (Valencia), the days October 23 and 24with the “Sea and Mountain Route” and, as always, 2 route alternatives: 300 or 500 km. The road day will take place on saturday 24departing from Albaida Circuit.
Those who want to know the details can consult the official information of Rider Soul Valencia in this link and formalize your place. Because a road can simply be the path to a destination, or it can become the perfect reason why it is worth leaving the house on your motorcycle.
