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Ride Preparation Checklist

Be Prepared for Your Ride

It certainly does not hurt to be prepared, even over prepared, when going on a ride. Although many of the trails go through small towns dotted throughout Utah and it is possible that someone may come along eventually, making preparations for your trip will save you a lot of heartache if something were to happen.

Be prepared with the following:

  • put your ATV keys where they will not be forgotten. (It is a real bummer to arrive at your ride trailhead only to discover that your ATV keys are in the other car) – the voice of experience
  • map of area where ride is to take place
  • GPS tool (optional but highly recommended. It is not hard to miss a turn on your return route only to discover you are dead lost)
  • extra batteries for GPS
  • rider to rider communication – FRS Radios
  • extra batteries for FRS Radios
  • cell phone for emergency contacts
  • called agency(ies)/individual who manage/own land to ride to clarify permission to ride
  • sunscreen lotion
  • riding boots
  • long sleeve shirt/jacket/coat
  • rain poncho
  • helmet for all riders
  • gloves
  • goggles for all riders
  • review safety handbook
  • fill gas tanks on ATVs
  • fill gas extra gas cans
  • check brakes
  • check cables (free from mud have full range of motion, no cracks or breaks)
  • check front and back lights
  • check tires and wheels (cracks splits, holes, foreign objects, pressure too high or too low)
  • check starter motor
  • check throttle
  • check foot shifter
  • check chain drive or drive shaft
  • check oil level- if oil appears dirty or dark, change the oil.
  • bring along an extra quart of oil (Some machines will lose their oil if turned over)
  • have toolkit on board:
  • water bottle
  • water purification pump
  • trail treats & food
  • privy shovel
  • toilet paper
  • first aid kit
  • pencil/pen, paper
  • written travel plan (send an e-mail to your spouse or other loved one listing your plans)
  • notify/copy of travel plan to someone who will know when you will return or call out the search and rescue team
  • re-review safety handbook
  • review ground to air rescue signals & trail signs
  • review laws and regulations
  • camera
  • spare batteries for camera
  • film/memory card
  • voice recording system/tape recorder
  • food for emergency use (that can be stored for long periods and still be consumable.)
    1. beef jerkey
    2. granola bars
    3. trail mix
    4. dried fruit

Toolkit on Board

  • pliers
  • wrenches
  • screw driver
  • spare light globes
  • sparkplug wrench
  • spare spark plug (be sure you have one that fits each machine)
  • electric tape
  • tire repair kit(s)
  • spare tire inflation can.
  • mechanic’s wire
  • 2 to 3 feet of 1/4″ hose & 2 clamps
  • flashlight
  • spare batteries for flashlight (GPS, FRS Radios, etc)
  • tow strap or rope
  • knife
  • signal flare
  • hand axe

First Aid

  • 6 Bandaids
  • 2 – two inch compression bandages
  • 4 – four inch compression bandages
  • 1 – roll of adhesive tape
  • 1 – roll of one inch gause
  • 1 – roll of four inch gause
  • 4 – ace wrap bandages
  • 4 – triangle cravats (shoulder/arm sling)
  • airway tube
  • first aid instruction book
  • lighter or fireproof matches

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