Get ready to ride pre-season checklist

March 1, 8:35 PMChicago Motorcycle ExaminerT.A. Stone

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Who needs sunshine, ice-free roads, and warmer temps?

Chicagoland bikers do, that's who. But until then, here's the first installment in a list of things you can do to make your season start smoother, faster, and safer.

Here's something easy and quick that you can include either on a frozen weekend or in the it still gets dark too early after work hours--

Get your bike, saddlebag, and any other keys you use on any day ride or weekend road trip, then head to the hardware store or locksmith.  Make not two but three extra sets.

Make sure you try them out when you get home and that all work, then place as below:

• The original set in your riding pants or jacket as you usually would
• The second set with your passenger, if you have one
• The third set someplace else in your gear
• The last set at home in a place where you can easily remember where they are and where a family member can easily locate them

Why all these keys? Simple--

Few things are as embarrassing as losing or breaking a key on the road.  Taking care of this little chore while the weather keeps you off the roads means one less distraction when the season starts, and one less worry when you're riding.

Look for another pre-season ride tip next time.