ATV Riding Tips For Beginners
For the new rider, an ATV can be a somewhat intimidating animal, although the anticipation of the fun of off-roading often outweighs any anxieties the novice may have. The thought of blazing over fields, down rocky paths and through mud puddles is a tempting one, but that excitement should be balanced out with some concern about proper ATV riding practices.
Here at Interstate Cycles, your Lake City ATV dealer, we understand both the potential for thrills on a four wheeler as well as the need for some caution while riding one. To assist the beginner in becoming acquainted with their ATV, we’ve assembled this list of riding tips so that you can enjoy yourself on any terrain without causing injury to yourself or others or damaging your brand-new ATV.
Ride Preparation & Practice
Getting in some practice on your ATV on flat ground will help you familiarize yourself with how it works, since driving an ATV isn’t much like driving a car. It’s more like a motorcycle on four wheels, with a clutch and throttle and a straddle seating style. Practice steering, speeding up, braking and turning at low speeds and you’ll be able to handle the really tough terrain better when you encounter it.
You should also plan out your ride and get an idea of what kind of terrain you’ll be on, whether it’s slippery and wet or rocky and rough. Following a more experienced rider for your first ride or two will help immensely, since they’ll be able to take the path of least resistance and reduce your risk of rolling over. Always ride your ATV with others in general, even when you’re no longer a novice, since you never know what emergencies might arise.
Wear & Carry Safety Gear
When you’re riding your ATV, it’s vital that you wear some protective gear to keep yourself injury-free. The most important component of this is a well-fitting helmet. Either a motorcycle helmet with a face mask or a motocross helmet with goggles will work -- you need something that’s rated for high impact extreme sport riding and something to protect your eyes from flying debris. Your clothes should cover as much skin as possible to prevent abrasions and scratches from branches and rocks. Gloves and boots will keep your hands and feet safe. Chest plates and knee pads may be necessary for more extreme riding.
On board your ATV, you should have a first aid kit, a repair kit for your ATV, snacks and plenty of water, a map and a compass or a GPS system, an emergency radio, your phone with charger and a flashlight. Being prepared for injuries or breakdowns is far better than having an accident and no way to deal with it or call for help.
Follow The Rules Of The Trail
Riding on an ATV trail has rules, just like driving your car on the highway does. Stick to the designated riding areas to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems and the surrounding environment which is home to a great number of animals. Trails provide you with a safe and easy route to ride, so lower your speed and use caution, looking ahead for any animals or people that may cross it. Don’t try to push past other trail users or you could involve yourself in an accident.
General Safety Guidelines
When you’re learning to ride your ATV, it’s best to start slow and take no undue risks. Don’t push your throttle all the way to the max unless you want to end up with your ATV on top of you. Never drink or use drugs before you ride -- this is common sense, but still worth saying. You’re operating many pounds of heavy machinery and you need to maintain your focus and reflexes in order to react to obstacles in your path. Don’t push yourself past your limits -- take breaks as needed to stretch your legs, rest your eyes and stay hydrated.
Still haven’t found the ATV of your dreams? Come see our showroom to peruse our vast inventory of new and used four wheelers, including ATVs by the top brands in the industry. If you have any further questions or concerns about safe ATV riding, ask our experienced staff! Interstate Cycles is located in Lake City, serving the nearby cities of Gainesville, Jacksonville, Sanderson and Valdosta, Florida.