‘You need to know how to fend for yourself’
Things often go wrong on adventures. Bikes break, people hurt themselves, fuel can be scarce and coffee shops close unexpectedly. I’ve had engines apart on remote trails, applied bandages to injured riders in the middle of nowhere and once took a drill to a Triumph Tiger fuel cap when I snapped a key. You need to know how to fend for yourself.
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Know how to use a spanner You don’t have to be Jeremy Burgess but you should at least know the basics and have some appropriate tools and gear.
Bodge tape and zip-ties are a staple, puncture repair kits and chain lube (not you, GS riders) are obvious, and I’d recommend having an idea of how to strip and reassemble your bike.
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Know how to use a plaster I’ve had to fix injured people on every adventure I’ve ever been on. Most are minor, but they’ve still happened. As a paramedic who also teaches medicine, I’m pretty comfortable in this environment and you should be, too; there are zero negatives to knowing a bit of First Aid and the time to learn isn’t during a real emergency. Also, make sure you have a useful First Aid kit; those £15 kits from Boots might satisfy the Gendarmerie, but that’s all they’ll do.
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Do your research
Be aware of any potential shortfalls. Are certain routes closed at particular times of year? Do I need specific insurance to get into this country? Where can I get spare parts? This may save you a lot of headaches. But things don’t always go wrong, and most of the time a positive attitude is the only thing needed to keep you going! Go explore, make memories!