ATV Trail Riding Tips
Are you just aching to get on the trail? Well don’t head out just yet, because there are some important trail riding tips you need to know first. Some tips keep you safe, some make your ride more fun, but they are all important to know. We rounded up the essential ATV trail riding tips below. If you have any questions or need any maintenance done on your ATV, visit Peak Powersports LLC in Sheridan. We proudly serve our Wyoming customers whether you need an ATV or parts or service for your powersports vehicle.
Stick to the Trail
The established trail was made that way for a reason. It may be tempting to venture beyond and see what’s out there in untouched, unmanicured nature. But that’s a terrible move for a few reasons. First, it damages nature. Your ATV crushes growing plants and tears up vegetation, which ruins the area for everyone. Second, it can damage your ATV. You may not notice an impending hazard, such as a ditch, before it’s too late. Then you’re stuck with damage to your ATV (or worse, yourself) that could have easily been avoided by staying on the Trail.
Take Care of the Trail
While you’re out there enjoying the trail, do your part to upkeep it for others to enjoy. If you come across fallen trees or other obstacles that you can tackle, use the strength of your ATV to pull them away. This helps keep the path clearer for others and keeps the trail from widening out as less ambitious riders skirt around the easy-to-remove barrier.
Another aspect of trail care is keeping your riding areas clean. Take pride in your area and clear up all your garbage. Follow the mantra of hikers: pack it in, pack it out. Most trail heads will have garbage cans for easy disposal.
Use Your Head
Always keep safety at the top of your priorities. Wear your helmet, goggles, long-sleeved shirt and sturdy pants to protect yourself. Nothing ruins a ride quicker than an avoidable injury. Never ride outside your abilities and make sure you understand the capabilities and limitations of your vehicle so that you don’t wind up in trouble. Also, make sure you ride with a partner. Not only does this make your trip more fun, but it will get you out of trouble in many cases where an extra vehicle (or just another set of hands) is necessary.
Manners Matter
Remember that when you’re riding on your ATV, you represent the entire off-road vehicle community. Many trails are shared spaces between ORVs, trucks and occasionally even horses. When you come head-to-head with other riders, use common sense to determine who has the right of way and be patient with other riders. If you have a large group of riders, let the other group know how many vehicles to expect. Also, if you see someone who looks like they may need help on the trail, stop and ask them what you can do to help. Sometimes people have paused to take a picture or rest for a minute. Other times, they might be stopped due to a mechanical or medical issue and you may be able to offer them assistance. After all, in the powersports community, we look out for each other!
Of course, to be able to hit the trail, you need a well-running ATV. If your vehicle is experiencing issues, bring it in to Peak Powersports LLC. Our capable service staff can repair your issues and get you back on the trail in no time. We proudly serve those in Buffalo and Sheridan, Wyoming.