🧾 The Pre-Ride Checklist That’ll Keep You Riding Strong

You don’t want your last mistake to be a stupid one.

I’ve seen it more times than I’d like—bikes dumped in parking lots, roadside breakdowns, near-misses that never should’ve happened. And 90% of the time, it’s because someone skipped the basics.

A pre-ride checklist isn’t “boring safety stuff.”

It’s the difference between riding like a pro… or being a cautionary tale.👎

Let’s fix that—the right way.

🛠 Step 1: The 60-Second Walkaround

You’d be amazed how many things your eyes catch before your wheels do.

• Check your tires – look for cracks, punctures, or flat spots.

• Squeeze the brakes – both levers should feel firm, not squishy.

• Scan your chain or belt – is it dry, sagging, or too tight?

• Tap your signals and lights – if it blinks weird or not at all, that’s a no-go.

👀 I once found a nail in my rear tire 5 minutes before leaving for a 400-mile ride. That walkaround saved my butt—literally.

🔋 Step 2: Fluids Before Freedom

If your engine’s blood runs dry, you’re just a stylish paperweight.

• Oil level and color – top off if low, change if it’s black like coffee sludge.

• Brake fluid – should be clear or light amber, not murky.

• Coolant – especially if you’re not riding air-cooled.

• Gas – sounds obvious, but I’ve seen too many riders “wing it” and stall out.

💡 Don’t forget the smell test—if something stinks, it’s trying to tell you something.

🧠 Step 3: Mind Check Before Mayhem

Your mental game is just as important as your gear.

• Did you sleep enough?

• Are you clear-headed?

• Are you emotionally dialed in—not pissed off or distracted?

🏍️ Riding with a foggy brain is like flying blind. The road’s ruthless—it doesn’t care about your excuses.

🧤 Step 4: Gear Up Like You Mean It

Forget fashion—think function. Your gear is your second skin.

• Helmet: Any cracks? Liner still good? Visor clean?

• Gloves: Not stiff or torn?

• Jacket & Pants: Armor in place? Zippers work?

• Boots: Laces tight, soles grippy?

👖 I once watched a guy ride off with his jacket halfway unzipped. He learned his lesson 10 miles later—road rash doesn’t care about cool points.

💀 PRO TIP: Build Your Checklist Once—Then Tape It to Your Garage Wall

Create your own personal list and laminate it. Keep it where you can’t ignore it.

Every ride. Every time. No exceptions.

If you're forgetful like I am before coffee, this will save you years of regret.

(And hey—don’t worry, I already made one for you. Download the ready-to-print checklist inside the Community.)

📣 Join the Community Conversation

What do you check before every ride? Got any hard-earned lessons from when you didn’t?

👉 Head into the Chrome and Clutch Community, grab your free checklist, and tell us the one thing you always double-check before rolling out.

Let’s make this a standard, not a suggestion.

Until then—keep your head clear and your wheels spinning true.

Ride smart, ride strong,
Blake "Iron Sage" Rivers

P.S. What’s the dumbest thing you ever forgot to check before a ride? Drop your story in the Community—I’ve got a few embarrassing ones myself. 🤦‍♂️

P.S. Want more of this?

🏍️ The road’s got lessons to teach—but it’s a hell of a lot better when you’ve got good company. That’s what Chrome and Clutch is, my friend. A tight-knit pack of riders who trade wisdom, swap stories, and keep each other sharp—because riding ain’t just about twisting the throttle, it’s about the mindset, the skill, and the freedom that comes with every mile. 🤘 So if you’re looking for real talk, hard-earned tips, and a crew that actually gets what it means to live for the ride—swing a leg over and join us in our private Community of riders. The road never stops, and neither do we. 🌍🔥

👉 Click here to join the Chrome and Clutch Community! Let’s ride.