After a long, drawn-out winter, the sun is finally starting to rear its head again. And with the warm summer weather comes opportunities for outdoor adventure.
This year, people are getting a little more creative with their outdoor time. The winter and spring were characterized by constantly evolving lockdown orders and stay-at-home recommendations, which means everyone has put a lot more stock in getting out in nature this summer.
One activity that has seen an uptick in interest is ATV riding. It makes sense when you think about it. ATV riding has all the things you’ve missed over the past six months: high-octane thrills, opportunities for off-the-beaten-path exploration and plenty of fresh air and sunshine.
However, you can’t just hop on an ATV and hope for the best. It takes some research, practice and know-how to do it safely and fluently. To help, here are three beginner’s tips for quad riding.
Always Wear Proper Safety Gear
ATVs have the power of an automobile and the openness of a bike. For that reason, it’s imperative that you always wear proper safety gear before you hit the trails. At a minimum, find yourself a sturdy, quality-made, full-face helmet. You may consider armour-like gloves, boots, visibility vest, jersey and goggles to keep dust and dirt out of your eyes.
Take Maintenance Seriously
With your safety gear taken care of, turn your attention to the quad itself. Before every ride, take a walk around the ATV and spot-check it for issues. Are there spots of oil on the ground? Are there cracks, peels or blisters on any of the components? Are the tires slouching?
Find a local shop like Kalinowski Power that sells ATV parts and offers ATV service and maintenance, and defer to their judgment. Until you’re a pro at looking after your own quad, you should always leave maintenance up to the experts.
Shift Your Weight to Maintain Balance
Ok, so your safety gear is on, and your ATV is in tip-top shape. It’s time to ride!
One helpful way to look at ATV riding is like a balancing act. You are continually shifting your weight in order to maintain a solid center of gravity.
If you are riding up an incline or revving forward, you want to lean forward; if you are leaning back, the center of gravity pushes too far back, and you could pop a wheelie or fall backwards. If you are riding on a side hill or ravine at a 30–40-degree angle, you want to shift your weight to the opposite side to avoid tipping. At a certain point, your movements will become second nature – part of your muscle memory. Until then, take it slow and avoid challenging terrain.
Finally, always remember to pack the essentials. Keep a map of the trails so you don’t get lost, and have the ATV manual handy. Pack a phone, flashlight and emergency medical kit as well.