A breakdown on the Keweenaw Peninsula changed how I pack for a ride

I was up near Copper Harbor, Michigan, about two winters ago, on a long trail ride with a group. It was a clear day, maybe 15 degrees, and my old Polaris Indy just quit. No sputter, just dead. I was 12 miles from the truck and the nearest cabin. Turned out to be a simple wire that had rubbed through on the frame, something a zip tie would have prevented. I had tools, but no electrical tape or spare wire. A guy in our group had a small kit with both, and we had it running in 20 minutes. Since then, my saddle bag has a dedicated pouch with a few feet of wire, a roll of tape, a handful of zip ties, and a small multimeter. It adds maybe a pound. Has anyone else had a minor failure turn into a big headache that made you change your gear list for good?

2 comments

2 Comments

michaelross17d ago

Wait, is 15 degrees considered a clear winter day up there? I've been through that area in January and that sounds almost balmy for the Keweenaw (I'm kidding, sort of). Your main point is totally solid though. That exact electrical failure is so common it's scary. I started carrying a few waterproof butt connectors in my kit too, because just twisting wires and taping them can fail again with all the vibration. It's one of those things you never need until you really, really need it.

henderson.eva17d ago

Yeah, 15 is practically t-shirt weather here after a cold snap (seriously). Those butt connectors are a smart move, but do you heat shrink them too, or just rely on the built-in seal? I've had mixed luck with the cheaper ones.