ATV Riding For Beginners
Riding an ATV is one of the most thrilling ways you can spend an afternoon. Splashing through mud, kicking up dust and seeking out the most beautiful and secluded trails you can lets you enjoy nature in a high-octane way. If you’re new to ATV riding, though, it’s good to read up on what gear you need, how to prepare yourself and what to do on the trail. That’s why we’ve created this guide to ATV riding for beginners, to help you get on the right track. Peak Powersports LLC is located in Sheridan, Wyoming, so come to us with any questions you might have about the right gear and best practices for ATV riding.
Practice Makes Perfect
Before you take your ATV out around other trail and track users, you’ll want to make sure you’ve practiced how to operate it. ATVs don’t operate like cars; they’re more like motorcycles with their handlebars that have a clutch and throttle and straddle-style seating. So whatever skills you use while driving a car won’t apply as much here, aside from focus and attention. You’ll want to hone your skills in a relatively flat, open area where you can practice turning, braking, reversing and speeding up before tackling more difficult terrain.
Equip Yourself With Safety Gear
Riding an ATV is much more dangerous than driving a car because you’re not on a paved road and you don’t have a strong metal shell around you that protects you from an impact. ATVs don’t even have seat belts, which means you’re more likely to be thrown from the vehicle if you hit an obstacle too hard or fly over a hill. That’s why the most important thing you can wear while riding a four wheeler is a well-fitting helmet rated for high-impact sports riding. A motocross helmet is perfect for ATV riding. With it, you should wear a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris and dust. Your clothing should be protective, too; wear long sleeves, pants, sturdy ankle boots and gloves with good grip.
In addition to outfitting yourself appropriately, you’ll want to pack a few things on your ATV to have in case of an emergency. This includes a first aid kit, an emergency radio, your phone and charger, flares, a repair kit with tire patches, an air compressor and anything else you think you might need. Bring water to drink so you can stay hydrated and if you’re riding in the sun, wear sunscreen on any exposed skin at your wrists or the back of your neck. Preparing yourself well ensures that your ride will be more comfortable and you won’t want for anything.
Follow The Rules Of The Road
Make sure that you’re following the posted signs at any trail or track you’re riding on. Don’t go off the designated path when riding on a track or trail because you could damage the surrounding environment while also putting yourself at risk of hitting an unseen obstacle. The tracks and trails are created specifically to give you a reasonably easy ride through a landscape. Following a more experienced rider when you’re starting out can also help you to maintain an even speed and become more practiced.
General Safety Guidelines
As you learn to ride your ATV, start slowly and don’t take any risks. Never drink alcohol or use drugs before or while you ride -- that’s a recipe for disaster when operating any kind of heavy machinery, since being intoxicated lowers your focus and makes you more likely to be reckless. Don’t push yourself past your limits, either. You should only ride as long as you feel comfortable doing so and take breaks to drink water, stretch, walk around and explore nature whenever you need to.
Still haven’t got the four wheeler of your dreams? Visit our dealership in Sheridan to see our inventory of ATVs for sale, both new and used, by all the greatest manufacturers. Peak Powersports also serves the city of Buffalo, Wyoming.