Riding a motorcycle is an incredible experience. You feel the wind in your hair and enjoy the open road, giving you freedom. However, experienced riders know that motorcycling isn’t just about the thrill. Underneath the helmet and leather gear, health problems can affect your comfort and well-being over time.
While riding is thrilling, there are some risks involved. According to the UK Government, motorcyclists make up less than 1% of all road users but account for about 19% of road fatalities. This highlights the need for safety gear and awareness of long-term health issues that can come from regular riding.
How might riding affect your health? In this article, we will look at seven health problems every motorcyclist should know and tips on managing them. In this way, you can ride comfortably and safely for years to come.
Unexpected Health Risks Every Biker Should Be Aware Of
Here are the seven unexpected health risks every biker should be aware of:
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Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dehydration
When you go for a ride, mainly on cool days or shorter trips, it’s easy to forget to drink water. Bikers can get hydrated faster than they think. The wind and constant movement make your body lose moisture. This dehydration can lead to headaches, tiredness, and trouble focusing – not good when you’re on the road.
Practical Tip: Drink water regularly while you ride, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Quick Solution: Always carry a water bottle. Drink before, during, and after your ride. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or dizziness.
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Lower the Volume to Protect Your Hearing
Riding a motorcycle, especially at high speeds, exposes you to much wind and energy noise. Constant exposure to this sound can harm your hearing as time passes, possibly causing permanent damage. You might not notice the effects immediately, but the build up. Eventually, you may struggle to hear clearly in your daily life.
Recent data shows that motorcyclists can experience noise levels up to 95 decibels when riding at 62 mph. This noise level is much higher than the 80 dB limit, which is considered risky for hearing health. This long-term exposure maximises the danger of hearing loss.
Practical Tip: Wear earplugs designed for motorcyclists to safeguard your ears from harmful noise while allowing you to hear essential sounds like traffic and sirens.
Quick Solution: You can also invest in noise-cancelling earplugs or earmuffs to lessen wind and engine sound while being aware of your surroundings.
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Improve Your Posture to Prevent Back and Neck Pain
Riding a bike for long distances and slouching can harm your back and neck. Leaning forward while gripping the handlebars, mixed with the bumps from the bike, can make your muscles tense up. This tension may leave you feeling stiff and sore, leading to ongoing pain.
Practical Tip: Watch your posture while riding the vehicle. Keep your back straight, and your shoulders relaxed. Adjust your handlebars and seat to find a comfortable position.
Quick Solution: Take breaks on long trips to stretch your legs and back. After your ride, do some gentle stretches to ease tension and prevent stiffness.
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Use Sunscreen to Protect Your Skin from Damage
Biking is a great way to have fun outdoors, but excessive sun exposure can hurt your skin. Spending too much time in the sun increases your chances of getting sunburned, ageing your skin faster, and even developing skin cancer. This risk is exceptionally high on your face, neck, and arms. Remember, even on cooler days, UV rays can still harm your skin.
Practical Tip: Wear protective clothing made for riding, such as long-sleeved shirts and gloves, or apply a high SPF sunscreen to any exposed skin.
Quick Solution: Choose UV-protective gear that keeps you cool while blocking harmful rays. Remember to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours.
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Keep Your Helmet Clean to Avoid Health Risks
Your helmet can get dirty inside, leading to sweat, bacteria, and oil buildup. This can cause skin problems such as breakouts, an irritated scalp, or fungal infections. Recent studies indicate that cleaning your motorcycle helmet regularly can help reduce your probability of getting skin problems, thus promoting cleaner habits and healthier skin. Keeping your helmet clean is vital to protect your skin and make your gear last longer.
Practical Tip: Clean the inside of your helmet regularly with a mild disinfectant or even helmet cleaner, and dry it thoroughly.
Quick Solution: Use anti-bacterial liners or inserts to soak up moisture and help keep sweat and grime from building up inside your helmet.
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Care for Your Hair After Wearing a Helmet
If you have long hair like I do, wearing a helmet all the time can damage it. Your hair can get oily and may thin out. The friction from your hair rubbing against the helmet lining and heat and sweat can harm it over time.
If you need more advice on hair care, talk to healthcare specialists like The Maitland Clinic. They understand the unique challenges that bikers face.
Practical Tip: Wash and condition your hair regularly to remove oils and dirt from your helmet.
Quick Solution: Use a moisture-wicking helmet liner to shield your scalp and keep your hair healthy.
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Manage Mental Fatigue on Long Rides
Riding a motorcycle, especially on a long solo journey, can be exhausting for your mind. Riding safely takes a lot of focus, mainly in heavy traffic or bad weather. This mental fatigue can affect how well you ride and how much you enjoy the trip.
Practical Tip: Take regular breaks to revitalise your body and mind. Stretch, drink lots of water, and relax.
Quick Solution: If you can, ride with a friend. If not, practice mindfulness techniques during your breaks to help you refocus.
Conclusion
Motorcycling is more than just a hobby – it’s a lifestyle that requires safety and health care. While numerous riders focus on keeping their bikes in good shape, taking care of personal health is also essential for enjoying the ride in the long run.
Simple steps like staying hydrated, safeguarding your hearing, sitting up straight, using sunscreen, cleaning your helmet regularly, caring for your hair, and managing mental fatigue can make your riding experience safe and enjoyable.
As you prepare for your next trip, remember to ride smart, stay healthy, and enjoy every moment on the open road!
