Staying safe, looking great, and feeling fabulous!

You've been wanting to take that solo motorcycle trip for awhile, but your friends may be trying to convince you that a woman traveling alone is a magnet for all the unsavory characters within a hundred-mile radius. Not so, says Carla King, who has motorcycled solo around the globe for twenty years. Here are her tips for staying safe, fit, and fabulous on the road.

1) Respect your intuition and instincts. This is numero uno. You already know that well-dressed smooth talkers aren't always who they appear to be, so don't talk yourself into ignoring feelings you can't explain when you travel. Respect those feelings and if you ever experience the hackles actually rising up on the back of your neck, just get the heck out of there no matter how stupid your intellect is telling you it sounds. If you think you might be being followed or in the least bit of danger, simply go tell someone that you're worried and why. Call 911 at the same time. Use your cell phone to take a photo of the person or vehicle in question. (Not while you're riding, though, please.) Nobody will mind if it turns out to be a mistake. In fact, they'll think you're smart.

2) Slow down! When you're in a hurry you're distracted, you're not paying attention to your surroundings, and your intuition and instincts don't have time to kick in. You're also likely to get careless, leaving things behind or misplacing items. You may even be tempted to speed, overtake unsafely, or ride after dark. Be willing to change your plans to accommodate a safe and sensible pace. Who said it's better to arrive late than not at all? No matter what the vehicle, that's just smart.

3) Check it out before you stop. When it's time to stop, cruise slowly into the parking lot of the grocery store, rest stop, campground, motel, restaurant, gas station, wherever. Even if your bladder is full to bursting, focus on the surroundings. Park next to the attendant, or the families or retirees. Smile and say hello to them. Engage in conversation. If there are just a bunch of guys hanging out, or people sitting around in cars, you may want to keep going. Back into your parking spot so you can take off quickly if you need to. When you leave the bike, take your key with you and either secure your helmet and tank bag or take them with you.

4) Security cables and alarms. People often ask me if I'm "packin'." I say no, because I might depend on it instead of my intuition. Buy a cable lock with a motion sensor to secure your tank bag and other belongings and use it while you take even the shortest dash to the restroom. I like the Targus Defcon -- you can hang it on your hotel room door, attach it to the zipper on your tent, lock your jacket and helmet to your bike, or carry it in your pocket to activate in case you feel the need for a personal alarm. You might also carry a long bicycle U-lock to lock the tire (and helmet). I keep mine bungeed to the passenger seat, because it also might also make a nice weapon.

5) Ask. People love helping others. They just don't have enough opportunity to do it. The campers next to you, the locals at the breakfast joint... people love it when you're interested in the places they know, and the roads they love. You might even get tips on the best route, that secret swimming hole, or even an invite to a personal tour. Of course, you'll be using your instincts and intuition to decide whether to accept or not, right?

6) What to wear under. Monkey butt, jock itch... whatever you call it, it doesn't just affect boys. Try cotton boy shorts (like ExOfficio's Women's Give-N-Go® boy cut briefs) and sprinkle yourself liberally with chamomile and lavender baby powder. On top, a black racer-back athletic tank top is both wicking and supportive. If the weather's cool add cotton-spandex tights (I like Danskin) and a lightweight, long-sleeved, odor-free merino wool "performance" base layer designed for athletes.

7) Off the bike. Hi-tech shirts like Columbia's Tamiami II or a Royal Robbins Women's Coolmax Extreme Expedition button-down are anti-wrinkle, odor-free, anti-sun, practically weightless fabric that wash and dry in no time. In hot weather they're not only a soothing layer between your skin and your jacket while riding, but they look nice and provide sun protection off the bike. After you've shed your armored pants, slip on a Columbia or Mountain Hardware wicking, anti-wrinkle, quick-dry skirt. For dress-up, pack a pair of silk Thai wrap pants and gold FitFlop Electra sandals. For cool weather dress-up consider a fleece miniskirt and tights. Most important is a pretty sarong that serves multiple duty as a skirt, scarf, towel, sheet, and bathing suit cover-up.

8) To make up or not to make up? All The Gear All The Time is essential, but wow, a helmet can be hard on the face and the hair. Carry disposable facial cleansing wipes and use them several times a day followed by, of course, more facial-quality sunscreen. Helmet hair can be solved with a slinky StyleSaver scarf (designed by a motorcycling hairdresser). Debating whether to take makeup? Mineral makeup comes compressed so they don't spill out of their containers, and are a nice dry alternative to pore-clogging creams.

9) Picking up companions. It's okay to pick up riding companions and it's okay to ditch them, too. Whether you meet them at a gas station, campground, breakfast joint, via a friend, or from a website like Horizons Unlimited or Adventure Rider, enjoy their company... until you don't. Paces and personalities differ. It's your trip, after all, and companions can enhance or deter. You can be polite about it, but don't suffer.

10) Staying healthy. Don't forget that your body still needs exercise, good food, and lots of water. Stretching, yoga and hiking are all good companion activities to motorcycling. Even small towns have gyms, many with saunas, pools, smoothie bars, and a great community. At restaurants, salads are better than burgers, eggs and fruit better than pancakes. Health drinks like Odwalla and Naked are available at grocery stores and gas stations and are a much better energy boost than candy bars, chips, and sodas. Not that you shouldn't occasionally treat yourself, but you'll just feel better.

Most of all, remember that a positive, open, and respectful attitude can go a long way in collecting a lifetime of fabulous solo travel experiences. Most people are fascinated by the idea of a woman traveling alone, and you'll automatically get a lot of respect no matter where you go. So let these tips help you look great, feel fabulous, and avoid danger in the very unlikely case it crosses your path.

It's always a good idea to make a list of items you want to bring so you don't overlook something important. Bon Voyage!

By Carla King

Carla King's book American Borders is the story of breakdowns in small towns all around the USA on a Russian sidecar motorcycle. Find other stories, books, and follow her solo journeys in India, China, Europe and Africa at www.CarlaKing.com.

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