Pre-Ride check list, don't forget!

Pre-ride checklists can make a weekend out much less stressful

I am writing this article well in advance as a reminder to all that have big plans for the up and coming holiday weekend, Independence Day (4th of July) weekend.  Why so early?  Planning ahead early makes the loading and leaving for that big weekend of camping, riding, racing that much less stressful.  Thinking ahead now still gives you time to order and receive those replacement parts that you broke on your last outing, without having to pay for upgraded shipping services (were available).  It may also be a good time to change those fluids if you cannot remember the last time you did, although if you read this blog you already keep a log of when that was.  Maybe it is time to fix that tire that always goes flat every day.  Bottom line is make a checklist of things you know you need to remember to get done or pack regarding your machine and its transportation.  Below are some items to get you started.

Tow/haul vehicle:

Oil change

Brake system check

Tire checks (are they road worthy, how about the spare, do you have one?)

Cooling system check

Battery check/test (do not forget to have you jumper cables or jump pack for emergency use)

Fuel system (fuel filter change, fuel lines in good shape, fuel pump?)

Lights (are they working correctly, trailer lights working?)

Pickup/Trailer registration and tags current

Insurance current

Machine:

Wash the machine

First and for most any parts or issues the machine needs or are broken should be repaired first!

Oil change and general lubrication

Fuel system (tank clean, fuel lines in good shape, remove old fuel)

Cooling system (check for leaks and proper water levels if it is a water cooled machine)

Tires (fix flat or leaky tires, bring stuff to fix trail damaged tires)

Braking system (fluid change, proper fluid level, bleeding?)

Loose/broken bolts

Battery check (if applicable)

Control cables or switches

ATV registration/tag or permit (where applicable)

This is a very short and brief list of some of the more important things to make sure that are ready for the road and trail before the up and coming holiday weekend.  The purpose was a wake up call to all the procrastinators out there that put these minor checks or repairs out to the last minute.  Nobody likes being stranded at the trail head with a minor problem that could have been taken care of weeks ago.

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