Planning the first ride of the season

We have had uncharacteristic storms come threw northern Utah this week. My favorite riding area got hammered with snow. So I am going out to ride in it tomorrow. But with the first ride of the season there is always a checklist of things to get done before you can go play. Here is mine:


 -Register my snowmobile... Duh this one is a no brainer. Usually registration isn't necessary until Mid November. This year it came early.

-Gear Check... Time to pull it all out of the closet. Usually I will discover something that I didn't take care of at the end of the season last year. Something like I ripped my gloves and never bought new ones, or I put something away wet so now it stinks and needs to be washed.

- Battery... It is always a good idea to change or charge the batteries on all the electronic equipment. Non of which are as important as the avalanche beacon.  You don't use rechargeable batteries in avalanche beacons because when they start to fade the charge drops off rapidly.  So they say to use disposable batteries so the power doesn't drop off and stop working when you need it most.  Other batteries that would need to be charged up would be my POV camera, and intercom system to talk to my riding buddies if we use it.

- Check the Avalanche airbag...  An avalanche airbag does no good if your air canister leaked off over the summer and you are in an avalanche and try to deploy it and nothing happens. The manufacturer recommends you test it before the start of each new season. It would be devastating to your family to find out that you had all the right gear, but you still died because you didn't check it before you left.  It only takes a minute to take a look.

- Snowmobile Maintenance... Time to grease all the zerks, and make sure chain case oil is in good shape.  Check spark plugs, belt, air filter, coolant, carbides, and anything else that the manufacturer recommends.

- Trailer check... Checking the trailer often times gets overlooked.  It is important to make sure your bearings are good, tires aren't worn, and they all have good air pressure.  While you are at it you might as well check the truck too.

OK, you are pretty much ready to go.  The only thing left is to go out to your garage and sit on your snowmobile and make engine noises in anticipation for the season short to come.  

Thanks for Reading,
DPS