Riding the Country and Forest Roads of Southeast Asia

When the first flow of dawn light emerges and the sun breaks cover from behind the horizon, it can be a magical time. It can also be a hazardous time for the motorcycle tourer. Not only does dawn signal the new day, it also sends the nocturnal animals scampering for cover. Having jostled with the different wild creatures at sunrise, I will say it's nice time to pull out the camera, take some pictures and rest. If you are heading east there are often too many uncertainties to safety continue riding.

Compared with sunset, I've probably had more near misses at dawn, when glare, visor fogging and furry things trying to commit suicide under the wheels all conspire to make riding less than enjoyable. Try to get away before the orb attacks the eyeballs, or delay your start until the sun is riding higher in the sky.

The same applies to the gathering gloom, when the well-rested animals are all on the move and you are usually tired. With the glare of the setting sun you will see very little if heading west. A movement may be the first thing you know... followed by crunch. Take a rest – the potential threat isn't worth the few kilometers of wide-eyed trauma. Okay, if it isn't a nature area and the road is fenced off, the risk is far smaller, but it's still a time for extreme caution. Think like this, if they not have wild animals they have humans, and you can select yourself which one is more dangerous.

In the rural regions of Southeast Asia, wild animals often cross roads on the same spot, this are usually a well-beaten pads (tracks) leading into the roadside vegetation, as these signs usually mean cattle is on the prowl. Exercise caution and slow down.

I have seen motorcycles lying by the roadside after contact with cows and buffalo's. Memories of extended hospitalization and rebuilds still linger. Having smacked a buffalo once, in my time, I don't recommend the forge-on-regardless tactic, although I have done it often. You can be lucky, but whacking animals with motorcycles isn't recommended. Running into a hedgehog can also give you serious tire problems and always in the worst location.

The best strategy for riding at night or early morning on rural country roads is to stick to the middle of the road, the exception is is if the road has a gravel bank, because this gives you more room to move when a furry invader breaks cover. You should obviously attempt to brake and aim at a point behind the animal. If it is stationary you also better aim for the rear of the animal, as few wild animals will double back. Of course, the next one you see will do just that. Heading off the road to avoid the animal is not a viable option – the hazards are worse and a crash almost inevitable unless you are lucky or freakishly talented. Usually a drain, rock or tree will lead to your demise. Riding close to the white line gives more room to move if an animal appears, but don't forget oncoming traffic.