Hey, just wanted to tell you about a new product on the market, its called Find Me Spot at: http://www.findmespot.com/ It is a satelite based GPS unit and works when a cell phone and radio won't.
This is ideal for the spouse that goes out and rides and has somebody waiting at home for them, but they never know when to start worrying about their return. Or the couple that hits the road and has to always leave a trip plan for checking in with somebody back at home.
Spot allows the carrier to send a "Help" I'm stuck - send help type of signal to somebody back at home, or a "Help" I'm really hurt message to emergency services and the really neat feature is somebody at home can track your progress on Google Earth. Check out the website, you can find these at your local Joe's or other outdoor sporting goods stores.
Bernie Shoemaker