Hiring a motorcycle

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Wed Aug 13, 2003 2:53 pm

Anyone have any experience of this? Does anyone know of a decent rental place if there is one at all!?

Also what's the law, re: wearing of helmets?

ta.

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed Aug 13, 2003 3:03 pm

Hi Mark

As far as I know, there is only one place to rent motorcycles on Tobago - Sheppy's. You can either book direct or via Yes Tourism of course. I don't know what type of bikes they are, but they're only 100cc, so I imagine they're more of a moped/scooter, not a proper bike.

Also, I don't know what the law is on helmets - perhaps somebody local can confirm for Mark and future reference. However, given the nature of the road, driving and landscape, regardless of the law I would strongly recommend you to ALWAYS wear a helmet, despite the temptation to leave it off in the heat.

Glyn Kirpalani · Post by **Glyn Kirpalani** » Wed Aug 13, 2003 3:45 pm

Hello Mark

Helmets are compulsory, plus you will want something on your head to keep off the searing midday sun. Ride safely if you come
Glyn

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Thu Aug 14, 2003 12:14 pm

Whilst I appreciate the safety aspects of wearing helmets, I've done about 15,000 miles on vintage bikes in India with no helmet and never come off.

If the best bike i can get is a 100cc 'bee in a biscuit tin' then it's a moot point anyway!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Aug 14, 2003 12:26 pm

Mark, if you'd ever experienced some of the driving on Tobago, you'd always be wearing TWO crash helmets.

I speak as a biker of over 40 years experience, having started the year the compulsory helmet laws came in the UK, and one who, until recently, took regular annual trips to the Continent to blast the cobwebs out of our 170+mph heavyweights. My kneepads have touched the deck many a time at triple-figure speed, but despite my own experience and whatever skill I may possess, there's no accounting for the other idiots on the road (of which I am one, in many people's minds, having admitted the above)

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Fri Aug 15, 2003 4:05 pm

most amusing steve.

although i can't imagine anywhere having worse drivers than Calcutta

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Aug 15, 2003 4:45 pm

You have a very valid point - I forgot that you mentioned that. If Calcutta is anthing like Bombay, then I know what you mean. I could argue that at least Indian driving is predictably mad.

The problem with Tobago is that once you're away from the Crown Point/Scarborough area, there is so little traffic that it's easy to be lulled into a sense of false security. You think you're the only person on the roads and start paying more attention to the gorgeous scenery than the road, then bummph - another tourist trying to control a rickety Suzuki jeep comes hurtling (a strictly relative term) round the corner, on the wrong side.

Mind you, as you say - with only 100cc machines, the argument is academic.

Whatever you decide to drive or ride, may the traffic gods be with you.