ATV Riding For Beginners
Exploring the great outdoors and experiencing high-speed thrills is a great way to enjoy an ATV ride. For many powersports enthusiasts, all-terrain vehicles are a popular recreational pastime that offers a unique experience unlike any other vehicle.
If you are new to the ATV lifestyle, it is important to adequately prepare yourself before your first ride. ATVs can be very unsafe if ridden recklessly, which is why it is important to take time to practice your driving skills, acquire the right gear, and learn the rules of the road whether you plan to ride off-road or on a trail.
To help you get up to speed for your upcoming adventure, here is a beginner's guide to ATV riding.
Practice Beforehand
If you are new to ATVs, you will need to take the time to practice your driving skills before setting out on the trail or over dunes. These vehicles are different from driving a car or riding a bike, and you will need to get used to them and familiarize yourself with their throttle and straddle-style seating, which make them more like a motorcycle with additional wheels.
To prepare for your first ride, find a flat, open space where you can practice turning, braking, and accelerating at slower speeds. This will help you operate your vehicle better when confronted with rougher terrain. For your first ride, it is recommended that you follow a more experienced rider who can guide you over the safest path to prevent you from rolling over.
Equip Yourself With Safety Gear
When it comes to ATV riding, safety gear is a top priority. You should wear a well-fitting helmet with a high crash-test rating. Motorcycle helmets and motocross helmets are good options since there are not many helmets specifically made for ATV riding. If your helmet lacks a full face mask, you should also invest in a pair of goggles for eye protection from flying rocks and debris on the trail.
Your clothing should protect you from scrapes and bumps, so wear long sleeves and pants made of sturdy fabric, riding gloves for a good grip, and sturdy ankle boots with good treads. For more extreme riding or for younger riders, you may want to invest in protective chest plates and knee pads.
Keep a first aid kit in your ATV's storage compartments to address minor illness or injury while you are out on the trail. A repair kit with tools for tuning up your vehicle, tire patches, and an air compressor will also serve you well when you need to do a quick fix or adjust tire pressure.
Follow the Rules of the Road
When off-roading or trail riding, it is important to follow the rules just like when driving a car. Make sure that you stay in designated riding areas and do not go off the trail. Riding carelessly over everything in front of you can cause serious damage to delicate ecosystems and harm animals that live there.
Trails usually outline the safest route through an area, so going off them can result in slamming into an obstacle you could not see or going over terrain that causes your ATV to roll over.
Respect other users in the area, whether they are fellow ATV riders, dirt bikers, hikers, or campers. Let others have the right of way, and do not block the path with your vehicle. Also, do not go at top speed when you are around lots of other people.
With some practice and preparation, you can complete your first ATV ride safely and have fun doing it!