ATV Riding & Quad Trails
Let’s explore what makes an ATV trail great
Aug 27th, 2007
by Tony Mikael (Resident ATV writer)
There are new unchartered ATV trails coming up in the country all the time and to be honest, ATV enthusiasts are truly spoilt for choice these days. If you can't find ATV trails or ATV clubs to join, look harder! But of course, we'll be the first to admit that there are great ATV trails and there are lousy ones. It makes a lot of difference but everybody prefers their trails differently. Some like it rough, some like it smooth, some like it hilly while some others like it sandy. Have you found the type of ATV trail that you like to ride? If not, it's time to find out what makes an ATV trail great so that it's easier for you to judge.
The first most important thing to consider when you're riding ATV trails is how long and big is the ATV trail. You see, for seasoned ATV rider like us, we'd prefer it if we could have variety and length so that we have a lot of trail to ride. It gets boring after a while especially if it's only within a certain type of terrain. And besides, where's the fun when all you have to do is ride your ATV in a circle? For me, the ATV trail has to be at least a couple of hundred miles long.
Gradual increase in difficulty level is also important. We normally prefer our ATV trails to start off easy with a gradual increase in difficulty level. We want to test out endurance and challenge our own ATV riding skill when riding the ATV trail. Starting off easy is also great for beginners. At least the beginners get to ride during the early parts of the trail and when things get too tough, they can still find their way out before things get too big for them to handle. Usually, with the help of more experienced ATV trail riders, beginners can usually cope. Beginner ATV trail riders should NEVER, I repeat, NEVER ride a trail alone….no matter how tempted you are to do so.
I've said it a lot of times before and I will continue to say it. Before you ride an ATV trail, you should always ask around, call the trail management office or ask around about the difficulty level of the ATV trail. You don't want to be caught riding a trail that is either too easy or too hard for you. If it's too easy, it won't be fun. If it's too hard…well, it goes without saying.
Like I said, some people like it muddy and some people prefer hills. Some people like picture-taking opportunities during their ATV trail riding expedition, so, if the trail has a website, check it out and find out if the trail is right for you. Hills and streams are usually made for more experience riders, so, if you're a beginner, don't even think of attempting it alone. You need a lot of skill to tackle these stuffs.
Take the time to enjoy the natural environment too. It doesn't make you a sissy to like nature – which is, pardon me, what some of my friends tell me. I love nature! I love the sunset, the mosquitoes, and the whole forest thing.
So, let's hit the trails before winter rolls around. Get geared up and go!