Ride Preparation Checklist

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. 1. beef jerkey
   2. granola bars
   3. trail mix
   4. dried fruit

• 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

• 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