Puzzling over Risk, Safety, and Economics
After several years of thinking about the wisdom of having a reliable way to reach out in case of emergency I made a purchase. The question turned over in my head for a couple years is do I really need a Garmin InReach Mini 2? While I don’t normally ride alone in places without cell coverage it happens often enough that I kept thinking about the risk I was taking should something bad happen. A crash that left me unable to ride, another heart attack, running off the road and down an embankment where it might be a long time before anyone found me.
There are plenty of reasons why I should have one. Those reasons are piled against the cost of the unit and the ongoing monthly subscription expense. Not long ago I talked with my motorcycle riding cardiologist about the risks and he felt it was a good idea. Not so much for heart attacks but for an unfortunate incident that would take me off the trail and into a place no one would find me.
Still, the cost seemed excessive. And some lingering butch attitude made me seem weak if I bought one. After some honest reflection I determined two things. First, the cost isn’t something that I have to factor into my decision. All I had to think about is whether I wished I had one if I found myself somewhere without cell coverage, alone, injured, or with the bike broken down.
The answer was yes.
Immediately after making the purchase and subscribing to the $8 a month ENABLE plan it felt right.
Now on to the next safety item — a Helite Turtle 2 Airbag…
Discover more from Scooter in the Sticks
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Good move! Smart move! I was always puzzled as to why a man with 5 motorcycles (do I really need 5 motorcycles?) didn’t feel the need for one Garmin inReach (do I really need a Garmin inReach?). There are so many things we purchase that we may never use – insurance comes to mind the quickest – so I am glad your cardiologist gave you good advice. Ride On!
If it helps you ride without angst then cost is irrelevant. Angst is a major buzzkill and prevents riding.