Getting Started with ATV Riding
Posted by The Powersports Team in ATVs, Power Sports 101
ATVs are becoming extremely popular among families for outdoor adventures these days. Several decades ago, the notorious 3-wheelers started the craze, but proved to be too dangerous for the general public because of stability issues. Now, 4-wheel ATVs are the standard for all-wheel fun for the whole family.
Although ATVs are mostly user-friendly, many people become injured due to reckless riding and inexperience. We will show you how to “ease” into the world of ATVs and get started safely in this article.
As with any new undertaking, start out by collecting information, talking to experienced riders, and trying out the sport in a controlled environment.
First, Seek Out An Experienced ATV Rider
As with most new endeavors, it is always best to seek the advice and guidance of a trusted friend or acquaintance to get the skinny on getting started riding ATVs. We do not recommend going straight to the ATV dealer, as they want to sell you a new one as soon as possible. They will tell you what you want to hear…not what you need to know.
The best thing to do is to get out on the trail or the back yard with an ATV and an experienced coach or friend. You need to actually ride one to see if you like it…before plunking down cash for a new or used machine. Although most people fall in love with ATV riding, you may be the exception and not like it. Better to know this at the beginning.
Consider Taking an ATV Safety Course
Just like with motorcycle training courses, it is not a bad idea to enroll in an ATV safety course to learn some valuable skills and safe riding practices. As a man, I know we are hesitant in taking “safety” course, but consider that you can learn new riding techniques that can prevent injury and actually increase your “performance”.
If you are a bit apprehensive about ATV riding, the safety course is the way to go. They will ease you into the riding process and get you started on the right foot in a controlled environment. Never start out by hopping on a powerful ATV and try to ride with the experienced riders on the first day. Bad idea.
What About Buying an ATV?
We would suggest that you rent or borrow an ATV from a friend for your first experiences. When you know you want one, check out the used ones on Craigs List or the local paper. These machines last forever, so save a few thousand dollars and go with a used one for starters.
Once you buy one, have it serviced and checked out by a certified mechanic or dealer before riding to make sure all is in order (and to preserve your investment). Read the owner’s manual to get an understanding of what is required for maintenance, care and safe riding.
Get Out There and Ride!
No amount of reading is better than doing - for learning new skills. Just make sure that you take your time at the beginning and do not be too aggressive. Get to know the behavior of the ATV and build up your skills slowly. It never hurts to ride with more experienced people - however, always ride to your comfort level…not theirs.
If you approach ATVing with these steps, you will find that these machines can open up a whole new world of fun and adventure for many years to come. Enjoy!
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