Don’t forget your key in the ignition

Well, I did it! This is the first time I have forgotten my key in the ignition and walked away. I park my bike in a tiny motorcycle and bicycle cage in a parking garage downtown (or if there is an open spot then I can). Today, I was just able to squeeze into the spot after another rider graciously moved his over a few more inches to make room for me. That is a beautiful thing about fellow riders, we are willing to share spots when at all possible.

In the process of trying to jockey my bike into the parking space I seemed to make the other rider a bit nervous or something because I forgot how far a cruiser leans over and I was mere inches from his bike which would make it a bit harder for him to straighten up his adventure touring style bike. So I had to back in and out a few times to get the ass end over just far enough for him to be able to get out and for me to not be too close to the other bike on my right.

I was already running a few minutes late to work, so I hurriedly completed the maneuvering and then put all my gear into the saddle bags. I always carry a second saddle bag key with me on my house key ring so that I can access the bags while the bike is still running. Came in handy multiple times having that second set of keys. The key ring that has the bike key and garage lock key also has a saddle bag key which I use when I end my ride.

But not this time. I had turned off the ignition and left the key in the unlocked position so I could maneuver the bike. I forgot and left the key in the ignition after closing up the saddle bags and ran off to work. I went about my day and normally at lunch time I will go out for a walk to check on the bike. You never know who might mess with your bike downtown, but the place I park is next to a bank and there are security cameras all over the garage so the location seems to be mostly benign.

As i was getting ready to head out for lunch, I went to grab for my keys to the bike and realized they were not with me. I thought about it for a short while and started to wonder if I left the key in the ignition. That’s when the thought occurred to me, oh crap someone can easily steal the bike! I frantically ran out the door of work and walked the mile down to the parking garage. All the while, I kept thinking and praying that the bike was still there.

As I neared the parking garage I stopped short of the cage and slowly peered into the parking area not ready to see that the bike would be missing. As I turned the corner, I got the surprise of my life! The key was still in the ignition!

Whew, I hope I never have to go through that feeling ever again. This is a reminder, check and double check that you grab everything before you leave your bike. Just as important to check over the bike each and every time before you ride, check each and every time when you leave that you have everything… especially the keys!