Great info for great riding

How to prevent losing your riding gear…especially when traveling

I bet you feel the same way.

Motorcycle riders have a limited amount of cargo space. We don't have enough room to carry extra gear. We pack each item because it performs a specific function and is important in its own way.

Losing gear you need to ride safe and comfortable -- such as your rain suit or a wind-blocking shirt -- can cause real problems.

Losing gear you selected for its quality and reliability such as your high-tech gloves, polarized sunglasses or a compact digital camera is especially annoying -- and expensive.

And it has really bothered me when I've lost sentimental pieces of equipment, such as the jackknife my father gave me.

Why we lose things…

I'd say the three main mistakes I and most motorcycle riders make that cause us to lose riding gear are…

• Leaving our gear someplace and forgetting to pack it…

• Failing to attach gear properly to our motorcycle…

• Failing to close luggage or equipment compartments…

Many years ago when I was on a multi-day ride, I had to pull off the road to fix a flat tire.

I dug my tools and spare inner tube from under some clothes. Then I stacked the clothes on the side of the road.

After I fixed the flat and replaced the tools, I drove away -- leaving my sweater, scarf and heavy gloves folded neatly in the grass.

On another trip, while cruising behind one of the other riders in our group, his leather jacket worked its way from under the bungee cords holding it atop a saddlebag.

He didn't notice when the jacket fell to the road or when I stopped to pick it up.

He was quite happy and surprised when I handed him his jacket at the next rest stop.

I've forgotten occasionally to close the top zipper on my tail bag.

The last time that happened, I drove home with the tail bag cover flapping behind me.

I was lucky to lose only a small flashlight that had bounced out. I could have lost my camera.

Get into the habit of checking…

I've found that the best way to prevent such mishaps is to take the time and make a specific effort to check my gear before I ride. I make sure everything is accounted for and secure before I start my motorcycle.

Sure, that's a pretty simplistic piece of advice. However, by making a "gear check" a regular habit before you get onto your motorcycle, you'll save yourself lots of grief.

The ignition key on my motorcycle also unlocks the aluminum top case. I must lock the case with that key in order to remove the key.

This little technical feature prevents me from starting the engine and driving off with my top case open.

If your motorcycle doesn't have the same "one-key" feature, it's important to make sure your top case is closed tight before you ride. The same thing goes for your saddlebags and your tank bag.

Many riders participating in rallies or Iron Butt rides that require quick and potentially hectic gas stops rely on a short check-list to keep track of their gear -- such as their gloves, wallet and keys.

They tape the list on their motorcycle where they can see it easily and are reminded to take a quick inventory before getting back on the road.

Circle your motorcycle…

I once worked for a telecommunications company that insisted each of its repairmen "circle checked" his truck before starting the engine.

They wanted each driver to walk around his truck and make sure all gear was secure and all compartment doors were closed before he got into the driver's seat.

I make it a habit to circle check my motorcycle -- including the area around and under it -- before I get on.

I make sure…

• The tires and mechanical systems are okay…

• There are no fuel or fluid leaks…

• All covers, locks and zippers are closed…

• All gear is secure…

• I have my wallet, keys, glasses and other vitals…

• My pockets are closed…

By devoting just five minutes to a circle check, I hope to avoid the distress of losing any gear.

I want to eliminate any chance I'll have to re-ride miles of road in search of my stuff, or I'll get home and realize something is gone for good.

Plus, it helps me to keep my mind on my driving.

Give it a try…

They're compact, easy to use and work great in emergencies. And what flat tire isn't an emergency?

They're all made in the USA.

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I've taken all the information in my website describing riding techniques for dangerous situations and added to it in the book "High Risk Motorcycle Riding."

Here's information you can put to good use to ride smart and well prepared when you're on the road and the going gets tough.

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