Deano’s Words of Wisdom
Summer’s Final Ride
Make It Count.
Before you chase one more mountain pass or stretch of open
desert highway, prepare your motorcycle, your gear, and
yourself for the miles ahead.
One More Ride
As the long days of August begin to shorten, motorcyclists
everywhere start to feel that familiar end-of-summer riding
bug. There is still time for one more trip, one more mountain
pass, and one more stretch of open highway before the season
begins to change.
Whether you are heading toward the high desert landscapes of
Utah and New Mexico or climbing the steep, twisting mountain
roads of Colorado and Arizona, a late-summer motorcycle tour
can be unforgettable.
But long-distance rides demand serious preparation. Before
you twist the throttle and head out, take a little advice
from Deano. Preparing your motorcycle, your gear, and
yourself can help ensure that summer’s final ride is
memorable for all the right reasons.
Deano’s first rule: The best time to
discover a problem is in your garage—not halfway through
a mountain pass or miles from the nearest gas station.
Preparation Starts Here
Prepare Your Motorcycle for the Distance
A mechanical problem can bring a great trip to an
immediate stop. Your preparation should begin with a
thorough inspection of your motorcycle.
Check Your Brakes
Mountain descents, sharp curves, and sudden
desert stops can place tremendous stress on
your brake pads and rotors. Make sure your
brakes have plenty of life remaining before
the trip.
Inspect Your Tires
Check tire pressure, tread depth, sidewalls,
and overall condition. Tires that seem
adequate for local riding may wear quickly
under heat, highway speeds, and luggage
weight.
Pack Tools and Spare Parts
Carry a motorcycle-specific tool kit, spare
fuses, bulbs, tire repair supplies, oil,
electrical supplies, and other common
replacement parts.
Desert Heat to Alpine Rain
One Day Can Deliver Several Different Riding Seasons
Pack for the conditions you may encounter—not only the
weather you see when you leave home.
Do Not Wing It
Plan the Route Before You Leave
Crossing state lines and traveling through remote areas
adds another layer of responsibility. Good planning
protects your time, your motorcycle, and your safety.
Map Your Fuel Stops
Plan fuel stops in advance, especially when riding
through remote areas of the American Southwest.
Stations may be many miles apart, closed
unexpectedly, or unavailable after certain hours.
Arrange Secure Lodging
Look for lodging with safe, well-lit motorcycle
parking. Plan daily mileage that leaves enough time
to eat, recover, inspect the bike, and get proper
sleep.
Review Each State’s Motorcycle Laws
Helmet requirements, eye-protection laws, passenger
rules, equipment requirements, lane-filtering laws,
insurance requirements, and speed limits can change
when you cross a state line.
Carry Backup Navigation
Mobile service can disappear in remote areas. Carry
downloaded maps, written directions, or a paper map
instead of depending entirely on a cellular
connection.
The Most Important Component
Take Care of the Rider
Your motorcycle can be fully prepared and your route can be
perfectly planned, but the person controlling the machine
must remain alert, rested, and hydrated.
Stay Hydrated
Moving air causes sweat to evaporate quickly, so riders
may not realize how much fluid they are losing.
Dehydration can interfere with concentration, reaction
time, and decision-making.
- Drink before you feel thirsty.
- Carry water or a hydration pack.
- Schedule regular hydration stops.
- Watch for headaches and dizziness.
- Stop riding if concentration begins to fade.
Respect Fatigue
Long hours in the saddle can be exhausting, even when
excitement makes you want to continue. Fatigue slows
reactions, increases stress, and clouds judgment.
- Take breaks before exhaustion sets in.
- Eat properly throughout the day.
- Get a full night’s sleep.
- Watch for lane drifting or missed turns.
- Stop when your focus begins to disappear.
Reaching the destination a little later is always better than
not reaching it safely.
Make the Miles Matter
Make Summer’s Final Ride Count
Listen to Deano: prepare your motorcycle, respect the
weather, plan your route, and take care of your body. The
best trips are measured by the roads you discover, the
people you meet, and the stories you are able to bring home.
Ride prepared. Ride alert. Ride smart.
