New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rider Education Information by Gary Mandak

Riding Educator, New York Chapter "W"

Take Care To Be Aware Of Your Wear

As we get more into our riding season, we tend to go on long trips and rallies. When we do, sometimes we forget items and have to buy it along the way. Making a list of our traveling necessities saves time, money and aggravation. This is starter list for safe comfortable riding.

• Underwear and socks - enough to last the length of your trip, turning them inside out does not count!

• T-shirts both short and long sleeve

• Sweatshirt

• Long pants for riding, shorts for after you get to your destination to show off those gams

• Leather or appropriate jacket for protection from heat or cold. The new textile jackets fit both applications

• Rain gear - which will assure you it won't rain, forget it and see what happens!

• Boots or over the ankle shoes for riding, sneakers or sandals for lounging at your destination

• Earplugs to minimize road noise and reduce fatigue

• Sunglasses to reduce sun glare and to look svelte

• Helmet with eye protection or full face helmet

• Baseball hat for sunny days when your helmet is off and to hide helmet hair

• Gloves: to keep warm and some to keep dry

• Swiss Army type pocketknife, McGyver type

• Bandana to soak in water to wrap around your neck to keep cool or dry to keep warm or on your head

• Fanny pack to carry things you need fast (credit card, etc)

• Memo pad and pencil to write down the things you forgot this time

• Map in a zip lock type bag

• Extra zip lock bags

• Large trash bags for dirty clothes or wet items

• Cell phone with charger

• Camera with extra film and batteries

• Tools: Even though our Wings never break down

• Water bottle with water or sport drink

• First aid kit, emergency phone numbers

• Medication, vitamins, and headache tablets

• Sunscreen and lip balm

This list can now be tailored to the specific needs of each rider. After you use your checklist, add to it as the ride continues for the next outing. This may also eliminate the opportunity to turn to your co-rider and say "I thought YOU packed that!" This will make you aware of your wear to help you get there without a care.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter W Educator