Are you ready to ride?
May
15, 2003 – With winter over, for many of us it's the first chance to
roll out the ATV and ride in several months.
It's tempting to just gas it up, hop on and go. But just like you need to take steps to prepare your ATV for the new riding season, you also need to take some steps to prepare yourself.
Here are some tips for preparing your machine and yourself for the new riding season. Much of it may be stuff you already know, and some may seem to be just common sense, but the first step in getting ready to ride is to review the basics.
And, who knows, maybe you'll learn something new.
First, your machine. How much you need to do to prepare your ATV for this year's riding depends on how well you prepared it for the winter layover. You filled the gas tank, put gas stabilizer in it and changed the oil before you put the machine away for the winter, didn't you?
If so, just throw in the battery, start 'er up and away you go. It's always a good idea to put in fresh gas as well.
You say you didn't put a gas stabilizer in the tank or change the oil? Well, the stale gas has probably gummed up your carb, so you'll need to clean the carb, top up with fresh gas and change the oil.
Those are the basics. Look over your ATV carefully and check for things like low tire pressures, missing fasteners or loose fasteners. Make sure everything is in good shape, including the tires, and that all the controls work.
With that done, take a little time to tune-up your skills. After all, it's been a while since you've been on an ATV. Find a place to practice figure eights, braking and other maneuvers.
Also be sure to check over your riding gear and make sure it still offers the protection you need. Maybe it's time to get some new boots or a new helmet. After all, they don't call it safety gear for nothing. Is your helmet DOT or Snell approved? It should be.
OK, so you're ready to ride. Now what?
Plan ahead. If your ATV breaks down while you're riding, would you be able to fix it? Make sure your tool kit (you're carrying one, aren't you?) has everything you need for trailside repairs. And think about what tools to carry. For example, does your ATV have some nuts and bolts that can be reached easier with a ratchet than a wrench? Then take a rachet.
The best way to know whether you have what you need for simple repairs is to work on your ATV with your tool kit in the garage.
Can you handle a flat tire? Get a flat-repair kit and practice on an old tire so that you know what you're doing out in the field.
Make sure you take a cellphone. A cellphone can be a lifesaver for calling 911 or staying in touch with other riders. You can carry it on a lanyard around your neck so it's easily reachable. Also, earplugs are a good idea.
Don't forget to carry a spare key. You can zip-tie it somewhere hidden on your ATV or give it to a riding buddy to carry.
It's also fun to carry a disposable camera on your ATV using a hook-and-loop fastener so it's available when you see that shot you've just got to have.
Before you start riding, take a minute to clear your mind. If you're worried about something or thinking about something else and not thinking about your riding, you could easily get hurt.
DON'T DRINK AND RIDE!
It's always best to ride with someone for safety's sake. But riding in a group can also be a lot of fun. There are some things you need to consider, though, to make your group riding as enjoyable as it can be.
If
you're planning a group ride, be specific about the meeting time and place.
And make sure everyone knows whether they should be gassed up and ready to go,
or whether the group will stop for breakfast and gas before unloading the ATVs
for a ride.
It's also a good idea to talk over the route before you head out, as well as to talk about whether the group should stay together or whether it's OK for a rider to drop back.
You should have a plan for what to do in case something unexpected happens, like someone gets sick and has to head for home. Will another ATVer accompany him or her to the truck and then catch up with the group later?
If you're going to be riding with a group you haven't ridden with before, be extra careful. Riders may have different skill levels from those you're used to, and may handle obstacles differently.
Most importantly for group riding, ride your own ride. Don't get sucked into riding over your head to keep up with others in the group. If you feel like you're riding over your head, you probably are. Slow down.
Most of all, always think about safety for yourself and your companions.
If you think safety first, you will have a safe and enjoyable riding season.