The below packing & clothing tips don’t apply to supermodel biker chicks, they ride pillion, for free. For the rest of you, here goes:

Dress
Please do, if you wear a Scottish tartan kilt, make sure you have on the best brands of inner wear. The breeze here can be impish. Resist the temptation to shout “Freeedom”, we don’t want to go public with that sort of thing do we?

Getting down to business, for our southerly trips (Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and higher up till Rajasthan), we advise a light denim jacket or a light wind cheater. As for the more rigorous Himalayan environment, it calls for a warmer jacket. It could be a fleece-lined leather jacket or a made of a suitably thick synthetic material.

A scarf will likewise help add warmth if needed, and can be pulled over the face to keep dust at bay.

Trousers
Trousers made of fabric are better than leather. Light summer touring trousers, or enduro-style legwear are the best choices. Many companies in Europe sell reinforced, padded and armoured denim jeans which are ideal for both the warmer southern tours, and the Himalayan trips, when their warmth can be boosted with a windproof or rainproof layer.

Boots
You could wear something along the lines of a military ankle boot, for the South India trips. For the Himalayan environment, more serious waterproof, motorcycle footwear is advised. Here, water crossings and rough roads add to the daily challenges. Leather boots with shin protection are best, whether sturdy touring, enduro/motocross boots, or even footwear designed for the racetrack.

Rain clothing
Bring a lightweight rainproof over suit with you. This will not only keep you dry, but also provide extra warmth should you feel the need.

Helmet
A light-coloured one recommended (it stays cooler) especially for the southern roads. A full-face helmet with a visor preferred.

Riding glasses
Protective eyewear is necessary. If you wear prescription glasses, you can find goggles that fit over the glasses. If you’re thinking of going in for dark-tinted ones, remember that we might at times have to ride at night, or in thick mist and rain.

Gloves
The biggest advantage when you wear gloves… no fingerprints. Jokes aside, any pair of motorcycling gloves should do: lightweight summer gloves, racing gloves or motocross-style ones are ideal for both our southern and Himalayan tours. A more general touring glove is also fine for the mountains.

But if you’re considering non-motorcycling gloves…they may feel fine while riding, but if you take a tumble, your index finger and your other, more symbolically endowed fingers, may not be happy about it.

General packing list
The list below isn't meant to cover everything you might need but highlights items that are best not forgotten.

• Day bag – sufficient to carry a water bottle, rain suit etc.

• Bungees or cargo net – if you tire of the day bag or need to carry that bit extra

• First aid kit – a few plasters and antiseptic cream (we carry a very comprehensive medical kit)

• Medication – any regular medication you need

• Spectacles – bring a spare set with you

• Insect repellent (and cologne, in case a local honey bee leads you to a honey trap)

• Sun block

• Identification – any one of these will do: Driver’s licence/PAN card. (If you’re a foreign national, please carry a copy of your passport and visa.)

• Lip salve

• Torch/Head-torch

• Sunglasses

• Penknife

• Money belt - or other secure system for carrying passport, money etc.

• Alarm - whether on the mobile phone or not

• Watch - for telling the time, so you're not late

• Swim suit – not necessary in the Himalayas

• A trombone (optional)