There are thousands of ATV trails
throughout North America (and more are being
charted every day), but how do you judge whether you’ve found a good one or
not? Here, we’ll examine a few of the
elements that you need to look for when deciding where to take your
four-wheeled “baby” for your next pleasure cruise.
Generally, if you’re someone who is
familiar with four-wheeling, you’ll want an ATV trail that has some length to
it. Otherwise, you could risk becoming
bored when you just go in circles in the same field. ATV trails can be a few to a hundred miles
long; start small and gradually build up your endurance. If you’re a beginner, ask a more experienced
ATV operator to show you the ropes; heading out on your own is a dicey
proposition and not recommended.
You want an ATV trail that matches your
ability, or it won’t be much fun. Thus,
if you’re a novice, don’t start your four-wheeling hobby in an extremely
mountainous region or one that requires a great deal of ATV riding
know-how. Similarly, if you’re someone
who has a great deal of ATV operation experience, you should find a suitable
trail or you’ll be overcome by ennui an hour into your excursion.
One of the greatest aspects of ATV riding
is enjoying the natural surroundings, so be certain that your next trail ride
is one that includes some amazing views or which allows you to soak in the
beauty of the area. Remember you don’t
have to be a photographer, an artist or a poet to be moved by a snaking stream
or a radiant sunrise.
Not sure if a trail or area is open to ATV
travelers? Then stop before gunning your
motor and don’t ride on any trail or in any region until you have been given
the “okay” by either the property owner or a legal authority. Far too many four-wheeling enthusiasts have
given the sport a bad name by ripping through private property or tearing up
national parks. There are plenty of
legal ATV trails out there; make sure the one you choose is on the up-and-up or
you could be hammered with a heavy fine.
The last thing you want is to get lost
during an ATV trail ride. Riding without
the proper gear while outside in the elements can be uncomfortable, scary, and
deadly in some situations. Therefore, if
you’re unfamiliar with your ATV trail, make sure you obtain a map of the region
so you can stay aware of your bearings.
Even if you never need to glance at the map, it’s still better to have
it than to end up wondering, “Where the heck am I?” while a dark night approaches.
Finally, one of the most important elements
of a great ATV trail is that it is one you want to share with friends and other
riders. You will know you’ve found an
awesome path when you can’t wait to get on your blog and start bragging about
your recent excursion to other four-wheeling adventurers. After all, when you’ve found something that’s
really exciting, it’s up to you to share the news with your friends all over
the world.
