If you want to avoid becoming road kill, always follow rule number one:

It is up to you to ride as though you were invisible to other drivers.

A bike will always lose in a collision with a car. You may have had the right of way, but do you really want to be dead right?

The best way to be unhittable is to make yourself more visible to other drivers but never assume that they can see you. Remain aware of what is around you at all times and in your line of travel. The British teach their riders to always do the “Lifesaver.” What’s that? Before you change lanes, actually turn your head and look: you’d be surprised how many times you’ll find a car riding along in your blind spots.

Even if you have the best cruiser motorcycle, a bike will always lose in a collision with a car.

Get to know your commute route, including the best times to travel, and the best shortcuts and traffic patterns. I’ve found that the shortest way is not the best way, and the taking the longer route can result in a lot less stress. At the same time, my closest calls have actually been on quiet neighborhood streets and not congested city roadways!

There’s a lot more to learn and practice about safe motorcycle riding, and the techniques and best practices needed in different environments. If you haven’t taken the MSF’s Basic Rider Course, I strongly encourage you to do so. I’ve met riders who, after riding for years, took the course and admitted they discovered some bad habits which required correcting. Safety on a bike is the key to ensuring you’ll be riding for years to come.

Ride Safe. Ride Aware.

(Source:https://www.fix.com/blog/motorcycle-riding-in-city-traffic/)

South America is a continent surrounded by Atlantic Ocean on the Eastern side and Pacific Ocean on the western side. It is possible to cycle across the continent, though they are not designated bike routes. You use the normal roads together with other road users. Cycling is in South America can be adventurous and fun, depending on the time of the year which determines the prevailing weather conditions. The South America circuit gives a visual outlook and appreciates the environment and all its surroundings. It takes less than 10 months to complete the cycling circuit from the South to the North.

Southern route

You can begin your route from the South at Marica Riohancha, Santa Marte; the coastal city in the Pacific Ocean. You then move to Peninsular, Venezuela to experience the sand beaches and great weather.  The road takes you to Tierra-del Fuegro in the Caribbean Sea. It is 1,200 km stretch from the Southern City of Ushuaia. In Argentina, you will enjoy the wild animals from the parks and glaciers mountain of Perito Moreno and Mount Fitz Roy. From Tierra-del Fuego you move North road to Ruta 40 as you pass through Paratoginia; at this point you enjoy the woodlands of Chile and a green landscape of the grasslands.

Argentina route

Take Carrelera- Austria Road that has a gravel surface. Along the route you will encounter snow-capped mountains, rivers and their resultant features for an awesome visual look. This area lacks any facilities, when leaving the coastal city carry enough food and drinks. It is sparsely populated with lots of fishing activities and sight of Salmon and Trout fish species.

The road ends at the city of Puerto Mont, then go through Argentina to the sandy beaches of Andes. Rota 40 road still meets Mendoza to enjoy sea food and recreational facilities. You can ride north to Argentina to Salta town which is 400 km from Bolivia- a border town.  The area is characterized by mountains and has a rough terrain making riding a difficult challenge. It has low temperatures of below -25⁰C and high altitudes. The area is remote with no recreational facilities though the people are friendly. At this point there are two routes:

Chile Route

It heads towards Chile in the Pacific coastline along Andes to Peru, Ecuador and Columbia.

Bolivia route

You can cross Bolivia towards the North then to Amazon- Brazil through the adventurous mountains. The area has friendly people with rich diversified culture and social welfare.

Southern Chile

All these routes lead you to Southern Chile and Peru in the North. In Andes the temperatures are average, it allows you to enjoy riding while site seeing the spectacular landscapes and geographical features. Finally, you cycle on Road BR319 with Jaguars and gorillas. They pose a threat but no need to raise alarm.

Conclusion

Before you take a bike trip in South America, be conversant with the current weather conditions at that time, since the roads are not designated for bike rides. They can be muddy and messy though passable. The South American circuit gives a touch of all extreme environments for cognitive challenge and adventurous ride.

California is well known for bike riding. The gentle sloping landscape favors bike riding in all seasons. The bike routes are well established with awesome road surface of sand, asphalt and concrete. There are designated bike routes both on the countryside and also on-road. The paved routes gives comfortable ride for both short distance and long distance bike rides. The routes allows site seeing of the natural environments while also enjoying the breeze from the Pacific Ocean. The routes on the mainland offer a serene environment for the natural wild animals and birds. The routes range from 1mile – 42 miles. Here are the longest bike routes in the state.

Alameda Creek Regional bike route

This is a 22.1-mile trail paved on the North, on the south it is non-paved but with a smooth surface for all forms of bike riding. It is located in a densely populate area. It stretches from Nile Crayons in Fremont to San Francisco Bay. It has designated parking areas at specific intervals along the route. It is built in a gentle sloping terrain to accommodate high bike speeds.

Aliso Creek riding route

It is 18.4 mile stretch from South Laguna to Rancho.  The surface is built of asphalt before Laguna hill and sand surface thereafter. It is situated in Orange County with many parks, cafes and recreational activities along the stretch. Despite the long stretch it offers an enjoyable ride with many sites to keep the eye busy. It has numerous parking points along the stretch. It is accessible from many points the main one Mary Heroes park and Wood field road.

America river Blue bike route

It was formerly referred to as Jedidah Smith Memorial. It is a 32-mile stretch adjacent to the river banks of Discovery Park in Old Sacramento all the way to Folsom’s Lakes on the South Western bank at Beal’s point.  The route meets on the North at Sacramento. It is a two-lane bike route, all paved and well- marked with road signs. Along the route, it has recreational facilities. It is a relatively gentle sloping bike route and great care is needed. It meets the highway at Sacramento running for two miles, although there is designated bike lane on it. Apart from the bikes it is also used by skaters and equestrians. It is accessible from several points along the stretch depending on your entry point at the city.

Iron Horse Regional Bike route

This route is 27.2 miles with asphalt surface. It is located in an area with an old history of agriculture and ranching in San Ramon’s valley. It has several entry points in the stretch and several designated parking areas. It gives a great view of the countryside while appreciating the beauty of farming and livestock keeping.

Bay Shore Bikeway

This is a 17- mile stretch with concrete and asphalt on the surface. It is situated along the San Diego Bay along the Pacific Ocean. It gives a clear view of the horizon. It is adjacent to the railroad linked to it with designated bike lanes and route. It is accessible from Chula Vista, National City among other access points. Along the stretch is has various recreational activities and parking areas to give a rest during long distance bike riding.