Before You Roll Checklist

By Vince Brunasso and Del Albright

All great flights start with a solid pre-flight check—because fixing an issue is a lot easier at the airport than miles up in the sky. Your next ride should be no different.

To keep yourself, your passengers, and others on the sand safe, it helps to think like a pilot who always does a pre-flight. It’s far better to catch a problem in camp than to deal with it broken down in the backcountry. After all, it’s always better to be at camp wishing you were flying down the dunes than stuck on the dunes wishing you were back at camp.

Let’s look at some pre-flight and pre-ride tips to ensure you have the safest and best ride possible.

Why Pre-Flight Matters in the Dunes

Sand riding is demanding—both for machines and for people. Heat, vibration, soft terrain, and long weekends magnify small problems fast. Loose bolts, low fluids, worn belts, or missing safety gear can turn a great day into a long walk.

A consistent pre-ride check:

Reduces breakdowns
Prevents avoidable accidents
Keeps riders out of trouble with land managers
Protects continued access for everyone

This is precisely the kind of responsible recreation mindset that American Sand Association promotes every day. There are resources to help you.

Learn From the Pros

There are numerous detailed pre-ride checklists available online. One solid example comes from our friends at StarKnightMT, who break down inspection steps in a clear, rider-friendly way.

Manufacturers agree. Polaris includes extensive pre-ride inspection guidance in every owner’s manual. That’s not filler—it’s hard-earned experience designed to keep riders safe and machines running.

Resources like these are worth bookmarking—and using—before every trip.

Don’t Forget the Campfire Pre-Flight

Your pre-flight doesn’t stop with your machine. If you’re riding or camping at Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (Glamis), make sure you have all your current permits (see below), including a campfire permit.

🔥2026 Campfire Permit (Free but Required)

A California Campfire Permit is required at Glamis for:

Open wood fires
Gas stoves and flame lanterns
Charcoal BBQs

Key points to remember:

The permit is free
Available via the Prevent Wildfire CA website, BLM facilities, or Forest Service offices
You must carry the permit with you
You must have a shovel and water on site
Clear all flammable material within a 5-foot radius
Fires must be fully extinguished before leaving camp
Never burn wood pallets (that leave nails behind)

Fire restrictions are in place to protect riders, responders, and the outback we all love. A single careless fire can jeopardize access for everyone. We all must do our part.

Make Pre-Flight a Habit

Whether it’s tightening a bolt, checking fluids, reviewing safety gear, or confirming permits, a few minutes of preparation pays off in hours of fun—and fewer problems.

Responsible riders don’t just ride hard. They ride smart. So, before you hit the dunes: