A Beginner’s Guide to Riding an ATV
If it’s your first time gearing up to ride an ATV, you’re in for an experience of a lifetime! Whether you’re going for a weekend adventure with some friends on the trails, or you have recently invested in your own quad, plenty of fun awaits you. However, when you’re a beginner, it’s important to brush up on some basic safety rules and other good riding practices before you hop on your four-wheeler.
At S&N MotorSports, we know the importance of enjoying your ATV riding experience, as well as the need for caution when you’re just starting out. In order to get yourself acquainted with your new ride, we’ve compiled a list of riding tips so you can have maximum fun without being a hazard to yourself or others on the trails. If you have any questions, get in touch with us at our dealership in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Riding Preparation
The best way to prepare yourself is by getting enough practice so you can familiarize yourself with your vehicle and how it operates. It may seem like a breeze, but remember that driving an ATV is not like driving a car. Riding an ATV is more like riding a motorcycle on four wheels with a clutch, throttle, and straddle seating style. You should practice steering, accelerating, braking, and turning at low speeds so you’ll be better prepared to handle rough terrain.
You should plan out the route you’ll be riding so you can get an idea of the type of terrain, whether it will be rough, rocky, or slippery. It’s a good idea to follow a more experienced rider for your first couple of times. As a matter of fact, it’s wise to ride your ATV with others as often as possible even when you’re no longer a beginner. You never know what emergencies might occur when you’re riding.
Don’t forget about your safety gear, which includes wearing long sleeves and pants, a helmet made for extreme sports, gloves with a good grip, and sturdy boots. You should always keep your quad stocked with essentials like water, food, a first-aid kit, a toolkit, a flashlight, a map, and a compass. A GPS will come in handy, especially in those areas where your smartphone may not have reception.
Follow the Rules
Just like there are rules of the road when driving your car on the city streets, there are trail rules for ATV riding. Always stick to the designated areas when riding on a trail so you don’t damage any delicate ecosystems or trespass illegally. Trails provide you with the easiest and safest route to ride, which is particularly helpful when you are still learning to ride your vehicle.
When riding your ATV, be sure to use proper form. You’ll need to be easy on the throttle at first and gentle with the brakes so you aren’t thrown from the vehicle. When you ride faster, it helps to stand up a bit to give yourself more leverage. Don’t lock your knees or elbows. Instead, keep them loose and bent to absorb impacts without causing any pain.
Adapt to the Trail
Be sure to use proper etiquette while you’re riding. This includes slowing down around animals and other riders on the trail. You want to give others adequate space when they’re nearby. If you happen to approach or pass by private lands, houses, or campgrounds, extend the same courtesy to the residents and don’t infringe upon their space.
It’s likely you’ll encounter ruts when you’re riding on the trails so be sure to handle these with care. You want to avoid rolling over your ATV, so slow down and put both wheels on one side of your four-wheeler into the rut and ride along its path. Keep the wheels on the edge as much as you can and adjust your speed as you turn through them. As long as you don’t attempt to speed over ruts, you should be just fine. It’s important to take things slowly when you’re starting out, as it’s the best way to learn your limits and what you can and can’t handle.
With these ATV riding tips for beginners, you’ll be ready to hit the trails with confidence! If you have any questions, you can always give us a call and chat with the friendly staff at S&N MotorSports. We are located in Port Charlotte, FL, where we proudly serve all those in Fort Myers.