Superstitions before riding?

[Granty]

While down at the local bike shop chatting over a cuppa one of the lads who used to race said informed us that he always used to wear odd socks when racing and that the only time he didn't he came off so from then on he always wore odd socks and even now when going out on his bike he wears odd socks.
Another said that he will only ever get on a bike from the left side. Even though the bike leans on that side when on side stand if for any reason he is stood near the other side he will walk all the way around the bike to get on.
Another said that he always puts his left glove on first.
John McGuiness the Road racer always drops a penny inside his leathers before going out racing.

It got me thinking what superstitions do we all have before going for a ride?

[Blubber]

Mmhh. I turn the key before I go?

[Andre]

I have no superstitions. However, I do things the same every time. Always get on the bike from the left and putting the left glove on first. The reason for that is that the other way around is not as comfy to me. If I do it the other way around it takes more conscious effort to do it as it is against developed habit. Would be a waste of energy IMO.

When I get into a car first thing is to put the seat belt on. That goes automatically. No thought about it whatever. Have done so since I was a boy and we had first car with seat belts. When I look at a mate of mine (same age) he has not made it a habit. Oftentimes he drives quite a while before he thinks putting that belt on (while driving). Since he is a shorty he needs to twist his body and head. But it may have less to do with size but that it is mental work for him. He better pay attention to where he is driving!

Having superstitions will "jinx" you when you don't follow them. Plays with your mind and that makes you less concentrated. Superstitions are as out of place as .... no I am not saying so no one gets their feelings hurt. Enough that some get hurt feelings when I say superstitions are out of place.

[Batkwaka]

It's bad luck to be superstitious!

[KiwiCol]

I'm a fisherman, so of course we have our rituals / superstitions.  Always wear this 'charm' , this shirt is luckier than that. these are my fishing pants, I fish here from this spot on the boat etc etc.   Make any difference? Nope.   Some times it's good n sometimes it's not.  We just want the best 'luck' so we tend to do what we did previously when we had a stroke of good fortune. 

Having a ritual can be good though, it makes you remember to do everything you're supposed to. Like put the bung in & prime the fuel & take the motor off the traveling bracket.

[Bigger Birdie]

Always right glove on first.
Superstition? Muscle memory?
Don't know, but it feels right to me.

[Big Geordi]

I don't have any superstitions at all re riding my bike the only one thing I do on a regular basis would b to check tyre pressures 

[Mister Fishfinger]

I've never thought about it until now, but same as Andre I can only ever get on a bike from the left side. Maybe I am strongly right handed (right legged?), or something like that.

I'm not superstitious, but there is a lot to be said for having regular routines or rituals. So I always know where my keys, phone, wallet and glasses are when I need them. This is especially handy if you travel a lot. I tend to keep my stuff in the same pockets and bags every time I go somewhere, so it removes all the anxiety about losing things. Even if you are in an unfamiliar environment, you can always put your hand on what you need.

Superstition for sports people (like bike racers) is a different thing. If you grilled them, even they would probably admit that there's no scientific basis to it. But it provides a kind of psychological comfort blanket, and psychology is very important in all kinds of competition.

[DP1400]

Superstition or habit - probably the latter if i`m honest.......I always put my key in the ignition with the metal Suzuki `S`on the leather fob facing me, as opposed to it clanking around on the top yoke. Apart from that I consider myself reasonably sane ! Oh, and if the wife is coming with me I find it helpful to check that she is actually fully prepared for take-off

[VladTepes]

Yeah I have one.  Without fail whenever I suit up to ride the bike, I don't get into the car and drive it instead. 

[DP1400]

You`re not as old as me then.......

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Not superstitious, but i will do the same things each time (riding gear etc), just a mental checklist really so that im comfortable when setting off. 

If i do it out of sync then i dont settle in until some  time after, and  for me riding the 1400 is a way to unwind and relax so anything that affects that is no good.

[VladTepes]

Is checking the fuel gauge before setting off a superstition?
Because if so it's one I should adopt.

No I didn't run out. Yet.

[grog]

Most above for me. Dont think ever got on from rhs. Same as Fishy, check pockets for keys etc. I always know my fuel distance, excellent gauge on mine, not sure if same for all. Bike must be clean leaving home, always wipe over if not. 2 biggest for me, visor & mirrors, cant stand either not perfect clean. All easy stuff.

[Tally]

I'm like @grog check for keys, phone, earplugs are in and fill up with a full tank and that's about it.