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Friday, May 05, 2006
Riding Your ATV in Wyoming
Want to feel like you're riding in the badlands of the good old days? Check out the great ATVing in Wyoming. Wyoming has a lot of fantastic trails and varying degrees of difficulty on each ATV trail system. Off the bat, be aware if you are riding any Forestry Trails in Wyoming, you must pay $15 for the permit and have it displayed in an easily visible spot on your ATV. The permit is valid for a full year.
Black Hills National Forest has hundreds of miles of primitive roads that are ideal for ATV riding. You'll be sharing these roads with other traffic, so ride carefully. Traffic volume is usually low on these roads but increases during fall hunting season.
Bridger-Teton National Forest has hundreds of miles of trails for exploring. Pack a lunch and plan on spending a day or two here, these trails are long and vary in difficulty from very easy for the beginning ATV rider to very difficult for the expert ATV rider.
Medicine Bow and Thunder Basin National Forest are a real treat with hundreds of miles of winding trails to explore. Rich vegetation on each side of the trail and the abundant wildlife make this a real experience.
Big Horn National Forest has over 30 trails that can take days to navigate with a difficulty level for all makes of ATV riders. There is an abundance of wildlife as well, be on the alert for elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion, and prong horn antelope all of which reside in the forest.
Your ATV group will enjoy the wilderness and terrain. Currently, the Forestry Department is asking that you don't create new trails as the natural habitats of the resident animals are being destroyed. As there are so many trails already; you shouldn't have a problem finding an ATV trail you like to ride!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Getting ATV Riders Training in West Virginia
A sad statistic shows that over 95% of ATV injuries happen to people who were not wearing helmets at the time of their accident. By the very nature of an accident, you cannot plan to have one so always be prepared and wear your helmet. Another sad fact is nearly one third of the people injured in West Virginia were passengers on single person ATVs that is another common unsafe riding practice. Another one third of all accidents showed the people injured were imbibing in alcohol and/or drugs.
If you're going to ride an ATV in West Virginia, be a smart rider and do it safely. West Virginia has some fantastic training classes, and you will learn so much by attending.
You need to know the laws of your State for operating your ATV, and you will pick up some great safety tips you may not have known. As of January 1, 2006, anyone under the age of 18 must have a certificate of completion for rider safety awareness issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
In West Virginia it is the law that you cannot drive your ATV on any interstate highway except by public safety personnel responding to emergencies or any road or highway with a centerline unless you are crossing the road and can do so safely and quickly.
Helmets are also the law and they must be age appropriate and meet current performance specifications. The penalties for allowing your children to operate ATVs without a helmet, have or be a passenger on an ATV are stiff. The penalties range from $50 fines and 10 hours community service to $200 fines and 20 hours of community service and Driving License suspension.
When taking an ATV safety course, you will be taught how to safely maneuver your ATV around and over obstacles, how to safely climb and descend hills and what being a responsible ATVer really means.
As you can see, safety training in West Virginia is not only a good idea, if you're under 18, it's the law and a smart one at that.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
How to Get a Properly Fitted ATV Helmet
No matter what your riding style on your ATV or where you love to ride, you must have a properly fitted ATV Helmet. Forested trails can hold dangers just as much as climbing a sandy dune on your ATV and you must protect yourself.
Some people still opt for the open face helmets, although most safety experts do not recommend them. Accidents happen occasionally and on that occasion, you want your face as protected as possible. Full face helmets provide excellent protection. They come with a built in face shield and the molding of the helmet extends over your chin and mouth for added protection.
Your helmet, no matter which type you choose, should be DOT and/or Snell certified and should fit snugly. It should be tight when you pull it on your head. As we've discussed in other articles, you don't want any room inside your helmet. You want your helmet as snug as possible so if an impact occurs your head won't slam against one side or the other inside your ATV helmet. When fitting children for ATV Helmets, make sure there is no wiggle room by shifting the helmet from side to side while the child holds their head as steady as possible.
You want a good seal around your ears, keeping the wind and noise out will actually improve your hearing of the sounds around you. When researching helmets, you will see those three letter repeatedly. Just remember EPS = foam type cushioning inside your ATV helmet. Therefore, the more EPS the better because the EPS is what actually absorbs the force of an impact.
Make sure you have a DOT approved helmet when you ride your ATV and make sure your kids have properly fitted helmets to make every ride a safe one!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Finding an ATV Club In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a small state with big ATV riding opportunities. There is a large community of great riding clubs for you to join.
The NHATV (New Hampshire ATV Club) is located in Auburn, NH where some great riding is to be found. They concentrate of safety and environmental issues with ATV riding.
North Country ATV Club has the claim to fame for having the longest lineal trail system with over 100 miles of trails located on over 90 private landowner's properties. If you like undeveloped ATV riding, this is the group for you.
Granite ATV Association is the State Association ATV Club, and is considered representative of all ATV and Trail Bike users in the State of New Hampshire. There are 23 clubs within its membership base. They promote continued education; the group also works hard to keep the ATV trails open and promotes safety as well as fun for all ATV users.
The Tri County Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Club is located in Southwest New Hampshire and had lots of trails and a great group of people. They are big on promoting safety and ethical ATV riding.
If you're an ATV rider in New Hampshire, check out the group near you and join a great group of like-minded folks that love to ride their ATVs as much as you do!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Montana ATVing - One Wild Place to Ride
Just like riding your ATV in the state of Wyoming, riding your ATV in Montana offers a lot of ATV trails that have been left wild and natural.
A great place to explore is Beaverhead National Forest has over 400 miles of trails that ATVs can use. With dense forest on each side of your trail it's easy to get turned around and a little lost. There are some great trail maps available from the ranger's office. The maps are usually only a couple of dollars and well worth the price.
And remember, for safety's sake, always tell people where you are going riding, stick to your trail, as with any forested area, please be aware of the potential for animal encounters and learn the appropriate avoidance techniques; and never, ever ride alone.
Flathead National Forest there are over 1,700 miles of roads and trails to seek out. Ancient glaciers carved out the mountains in this area and then dense forests grew around those hills and valleys. There are thousands of trails to explore on your ATV.
Helena National Forest has thousands of trails of Montana's finest ATV trails to seek out, and the degree of difficulty is contingent on how much ATV riding experience you have. Check with the Ranger's Office to insure which trails are open when you plan on visiting and once again, spring the extra bucks for a map, you'll be so glad you did.
Lolo National Forest has over 2500 miles of trails on the Lolo National Forest for you to explore. The ATV trails range from the valley bottoms to the tops of the mountains, from urban areas to undisturbed wild lands and from gentle terrain to the ruggedness of the Northern Rockies. ATV riding in Montana is wild, untamed, and a whole lot of fun for you and your favorite group of riding buddies!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Join an ATV Club in Massachusetts
When looking to join an ATV club, it's really just about finding a good group of folks that have the same interests you have, riding your ATV and riding it safely and responsibly. If you live in the Massachusetts area, you will find a good number of ATV riding clubs to join.
North Quabbin ATV Association located in Athol, Massachusetts is a local group from the North Quabbin Woods towns. Actively work with the state for more areas of legal riding. This group rides nearly every weekend. If you're looking for a busy group that loves to ride, this is the group for you to join!
Check out the New England ATV Association that is the State Association. As with all State Associations, this group promotes safety classes, continuing rider education, and also teaches ATV riders to be environmentally friendly.
Western Mass ATV Association is a very specialized group of ATV riders. They are part of the Berkshire Trails Council, and this group is dedicated to ATV trail maintenance, environmentally friendly resource preservation, emergency responses, and furthering education teaching ATV riders the importance of responsible use of trail systems.
Finding an ATV Group will not only widen your riding horizons, it will allow you to meet a new group of friends that love to do what you do, ride your ATV in the great State of Massachusetts!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Finding Great ATV Riding in Maryland
Riding your ATV in Maryland is a real treat. There is something for every skill of ATV rider. Please be aware of State Regulations. Maryland requires a permit for all ATVs used on trails, helmet and eye protection is mandatory, you must be over 12 years of age, and you must stay on designated trails. There are some really fun places to ride your ATV in Maryland; here are a few great areas to ride your ATV:
Green Ridge State Forest covers 40,000-acres of mountainous terrain. Elevations within the forest vary from 475-feet at its western border along the C&O Canal to 2,039-feet above sea level. This is a diverse ride for ATVers. Because of the relative dryness of the area, you won't find a lot of mud but you will find a lot of densely foliaged trails to explore in your ATV.
Southern Maryland ATV Park is a family oriented park that offers not only some really fun ATV riding on their tracks, but there are some dense forest trails to explore all around the park. There is even a trail for kids only and there are made trails within the park the adults will enjoy. Another interesting ATV network of trails in Maryland is the Potomac-Garrett State Forest features the Potomac River Trail runs in all four directions and has many mapped trails to explore but be aware the Southern Portion has many closed off areas due to environmental concerns.
Savage River State Forest and Poplar Lick Trail may only be used by motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles and contains a stream that an ATV must cross several times, be aware of your skill level before taking on this trail in your ATV. All signs point to an extreme ride for the more experienced ATV rider. Just remember, use common sense and never attempt to drive a trail you know is over your skill experience. ATV is a great sport and having a good safe ride starts with using your commonsense to be safe at all times.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
ATV Trails In Louisiana
Even Hurricane Katrina didn't damage many of Louisiana's great places to ride your ATV. Although not for beginning ATV riders, Bonnet Carre Spillway has developed into a major ATV recreation area. With over a quarter of a million visitors per year, the public is allowed to pursue pretty much any recreational activity that doesn't interfere with the operations and maintenance of the project. Be aware there will be folks doing activities from fishing to dog training and Bonnet Carre has its fair share of motorcycle riders.
Do you love a challenge? Marengo Swamp Trail is not for the beginner or the faint of heart. It has some extremely down and dirty ATV riding on its trails in Louisiana. You will encounter water, a lot of mud, snakes, and sometimes the occasional alligator. This is the home of Suicide Hole, one of the most famous mud holes in the South. The Calcasieu Ranger District, the Kisatchie Ranger District and the Catahoula Ranger District have Off-Highway Vehicle Trails. The Kisatchie Ranger District's Sandstone Trail is seasonally closed from January 1st through March 30th of each year for renovations and repairs.
Louisiana is a very wet state and much of it is swampland. Many ATV trails have the chance of closure due to excessive rain. Make a call to the Ranger District before you haul your ATV out and make sure their trails are open.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Take a Ride on your ATV in Idaho!
Idaho has a lot of untamed wilderness that makes for some great ATVing! There are over 2 million acres of wilderness in the Boise National Forest alone, and every part of Idaho has something fantastic to offer even the most experienced ATV rider.
The Boise National Forest has several well known ATV trails for your enjoyment, Bull Creek Trail is a multi-purpose trail with a 35 foot long bridge that makes it good for all experience levels of Idaho ATV rider. Danskin Trails offers a huge network of clearly marked ATV and motorcycle trails that are easy to medium in difficulty range, but can be very slick when they are wet. East Mountain Way Trail is a 32-mile long multi-purpose trail used by mountain bikers and ATV enthusiasts with views of Round Valley and Long Valley. Make sure to be aware almost all of these trails will be shared with motorcycle riders and use your utmost care and caution when using these ATV trails.
The St. Anthony Sand Dunes have over 10,000 acres of clear, white quartz sand. The dunes have a high amount of ATV traffic. The varying heights of the dunes and the shifting sands make this an interesting ride for both the beginning ATV rider to the expert ATV tourist. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area located around Idaho's Seven Devils Mountains, this is Idaho ATV attraction is for the more experienced rider, but it's a thrilling experience! The Oregon Wallowas tower over each side of Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge.
Another unprecendented offering in Idaho for ATVers is The Sawtooth National Forest. This huge oasis for ATVs has more than 2.1 million acres of public land, most in south central Idaho with some in northern Utah. A must see when exploring this huge expanse of forest is Third Fork-Heart Attack Loop Trail in the Twin Falls Region located in South Central Idaho. This is a moderate to strenuous 13.7-mile loop, all single track, through aspen groves used by mountain bikers, horseback riders, motorcyclists and hikers.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Take Your ATV to Houston Valley ORV Area
For a day of great ATV riding run, take a trip to Houston Valley ORV Area. This ATV trail is about 25-miles long and will offer up a great day of riding run. As with all National Forest Service managed lands, make sure that you have your spark arrestor and muffler in place prior to riding and they do require that you be licensed and wear your DOT helmet at all time when riding your ATV on these trail systems.
They do ask that you do not go trailblazing and stay on the designated ATV trails that are clearly marked. Trailblazing wrecks the land and it takes time for nature to reclaim itself so the trails are systematically shut down and new trails established so there is a managed cycle of new trails and old reclamation going on in these forested areas at all times. These are multi-use trails so you will be encountering other traffic as well that ranges from motorcycles, other ATVs, and mountain bicycles.
The entire trail system is on an area of 2,600-acres and has a huge amount of networked trails for your ATV riding enjoyment. Houston Valley offers up some more challenging trails to ride your ATV on. The ATV trails traverse ridges and valleys, stream crossings, and steep, rocky sections. If you are a newer or inexperienced ATVer, it would be a good idea to further develop your handling skills of your ATV prior to attempting these particular trails on your ATV as they can be challenging in many areas.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
ATV Uses At Your Home
If you've wanted an ATV but with your schedule you're not sure that you can fit a lot of riding into your weekends. Your ATV can be very useful around your home, no matter if it is big or small.
Have a fireplace? Your ATV can be used for hauling firewood to and from the house. Have you thought about cleaning out your attic or basement space? You can use your ATV to get those heavier items to the curb for pick up. Let common sense be your guide, never overload your ATV, if you have to wonder if whatever you're hauling is too heavy, it probably is.
Some ATV's can fitted with a winch attachment that can be used to pull a myriad of things and aren't just limited to brush and logs. If you are lucky enough to have a pond or access to a larger body of water on your property, load up your fishing gear and take your ATV down to some part of your favorite fishing hole you've never used before.
An ATV is great if you have a lot of acreage to cover. You can use your ATV to zip around check your grounds, make sure your fences are all order and you might just find a new trail or two to explore around your home. If you need to fix a place on your fence, you can haul the materials right out with you on your ATV.
If you were looking for yet another reason to buy an ATV, using it around your home just might be the one you need!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Take Your ATV Fishing!
If you love fishing and you love riding your ATV, why not combine your two favorite activities? Getting there will be half the fun, using your ATV to access areas for fishing you may not have been able to reach previously and for the sheer thrill of the ride will make any outing just a little more enjoyable.
Your ATV can carry you and all your fishing gear for a great day of fishing in your favorite fishing hole or as you find you can get more remote locations, your new favorite fishing hole.
If there is a little inclement weather, that's no big deal, your ATV was made for getting through harsh conditions and rough terrain. Don't let the fear of a little mud on your ATV keep you from finding new places to catch those fish, you just might get the one that didn't get away today!
And last thing, make sure you have proper apparel to insure safety and this goes without saying, but we're going to say it anyway, always wear your helmet!
Now, grab your tackle box, your fishing license, and jump on your ATV, the fish are waiting for you!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Choosing the Right ATV for Your Child
With warmer weather fast approaching, many parents are purchasing ATVs for their children to ride, but upon looking at the selection, finding there are a huge number of choices to purchase. If you're curious as to what size is best for your child, there are a few things you can ask yourself to narrow down your choice in ATV to the best fit for your child.
Good recommendations come from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and they state a child of average stature between the ages of 12 to 16 should ride ATVs hat are between 70 and 90 cubic centimeters (cc) - a measurement that correlates with engine size. If you child is smaller than average in stature, get them an ATV that correlates to their smaller size. Ditto if you child is on the big side. No one knows your child better than you. Problems can arise when you allow your children to ride unsupervised or purchase an ATV too big or too small for your child to handle. Many states have adopted laws that require any child between the ages of 12-14 must ride with a licensed adult over the age if 18, even if the kids have taken the recommended ATV safety course.
When you purchase an ATV, make sure you purchase the necessary safety equipment that is necessary for a good and safe ride. This includes a helmet, gloves and goggles. Also, sign your child up for safety classes. In many areas it is the law that anyone under 18 must take an accredited safety course. Most riders will agree, it's not difficult to operate an ATV, but all riders should know the trails they are riding on and follow basic safety rules. Such as no passengers, never ride alone, always wear your safety gear and always be alert to what other riders are doing.
Now that you know the basics for choosing an ATV for your child, get ready to have some great outings riding with your kids.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Do You Need To Take ATV Riding Classes in Tennessee?
An ATV rider-training course is for everyone. Even if you have been riding ATVs for years, and you use your ATV for work or for play, you should look into some ATV training. There is a constant stream of changing rules and regulations, keeping up to date on the latest safety regulations and laws in your state is always a good idea. Tennessee has some great classes for ATV riders to brush up their safety knowledge and riding skills.
Most classes will require that you bring your ATV and your safety gear for your training sessions and most training programs require that you bring your own ATV. You will learn everything from basic safety inspections prior to your ride to safe riding techniques and how to ride the safest way in soft dirt, mud, snow and ice. You will learn techniques for assessing terrain before you ride and proper braking in different riding conditions.
It is currently not a law in Tennessee that ATV riders take a safety course. Look into some ATV training for you and your family or employees. Training courses are held at convenient times so you normally won't have to miss any work to attend. You can never be too safe with when operating an ATV and being safe just insures that you and the other ATV riders around will have a good time!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Great ATV Riding Clubs in Nevada
No doubt about it, Nevada is ATV country. With its warm temperatures and light rainfall lend itself to being ideal ATV terrain.
If you're looking an informal gathering of people who just love to get out and ride their ATVs, the Large ATV Group is a very informal riding group in Northern Nevada. No officers and no dues, just a group of people who love the thrill of the ride. Northern Nevada ATV Association is a fantastic family-oriented club that does a lot of trail rides and establishes new trails in Lander County in Northern Nevada.
Dunes and Trails ATV Club is a very active club that not only rides in Nevada, but they are active in Utah, Arizona, and California. If you live near Ely Nevada, you will find the Roughnecks ATV Club, they are a casual club that you will find riding all over White Pine Country. Panaca, Nevada is home to the Outback Explorers ATV Club. Another family oriented club that is big on teaching safe handling, education, and being a responsible rider in the sport of ATVing. Sierra Nevada ATV Association is possibly the best-known ATV club in Nevada. Based out of Reno, the group meets for high desert and Sierra Mountain trail rides.
Almost anywhere in Nevada is a great place for riding your ATV. The weather is almost perfect all year around and there are so many trails to explore and when you have a good group to explore make new riding adventures with, it's even more fun!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
ATV Helmet - Should You Always Wear One?
In a word: Absolutely. When speaking of ATV helmets to wear one or not shouldn't even be a question. That is, unless you think things like recovering from head injuries, facial lacerations and perhaps even losing your life sound like a good time to you. Not to mention, there's a very good chance wearing a helmet while operating an ATV is probably state law where you live and not wearing one will result in a fine.
ATV helmets can not only save your life, they will lessen the noise from the wind and when your hearing is better making your ride a lot safer. Also, a good full-face helmet is great protection against flying insects and other flying debris that gets kicked up when you ride. And let's face it, a bug in the face or dirt in your eyes is going to be a definite hindrance to maneuvering your ATV.
A lot of folks don't like to wear ATV helmets because they feel they are too tight. That's because they are supposed to feel tight. A properly fitted helmet conforms to your head, you don't want any wiggle room in there. If you did suffer an impact and there is room inside your helmet, your head will slam to one side and your brain will continue traveling inside your skull in the same direction with the same velocity. If this happens to you, you will most certainly have more than a headache at the very least and most likely a concussion. Hence, a good fitting ATV helmet will indeed feel tight when you first put it on but that is the intelligence of its very design.
No matter how good, helmets wear out. You need to replace your helmet every 4-5 years as the glues, resins and other materials the helmets are made out of will deteriorate with time. Helmets are good for one impact only. If you have suffered an impact while wearing your helmet, and even if you don't see any cracks or damage, replace that helmet before you go riding again. The integrity of the helmet has been compromised and you shouldn't rely on it for safety. Helmets are a definite must for the ATV rider and they should always be worn. If you need a helmet or need to upgrade your helmet, check out the enormous selection at Raceway and as always, shipping is free!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Why Should You Wear Goggles When Riding Your ATV?
When you get into riding ATVs, you will hear a lot about safety. You already know about wearing your helmet and gloves and protecting your arms and legs when you ride your ATV. But a lot of people overlook the importance of goggles.
Many people don't wear goggles with their ATV helmets because they have a pull-down visor on their helmet. And a lot of people think a full-face helmet can take the place of goggles, they have obviously never experienced the sheer joy of trying to remove a splinter of wood from someone's eye who thought the very same thing. For the cost of a trip to an emergency room to remove debris from your eye, you could have bought many pairs of goggles (and have possibly damaged your eyesight which you can't put a price on).
Many people state goggles aren't comfortable, expecting them to feel roughly like glasses or sunglasses. Goggles for ATV riding fit tightly. It's so that they don't slip and interfere with your vision. When you're riding your ATV, you want your goggles to stay exactly where you put them on your face. They should have a snug fit. You don't want to be driving over your favorite hill and have your goggles suddenly hanging around your neck or flying off your head.
Goggles used to fog up and interfere with vision when riding your ATV, this put a lot of people off wearing them and this was a common and valid complaint. Nowadays, there are anti-fog sprays and even handy foil wrapped wipes you can use on your goggles that stop the fogging up completely. Goggles are an important part of making your ATV riding experience as safe as possible and with the strides made in their design, protection your eyes when you ride your ATV is easier than ever.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Do You Need to Wear ATV Gloves?
One of your most important pieces of safety equipment for riding your ATV are your gloves. When you ride your ATV on the trail or in an outdoor park, your hands can get sweaty, dirty, muddy and otherwise conditions can occur that will cause you to lose your grip. ATV Gloves are specially designed to help you not only keep your grip but to cut down on soreness from holding your hands in a particular position for extended periods of time.
ATV gloves aren't the cumbersome, hard to handle items they once were. Modern materials and lightweight, yet super strong, poly foam materials and the addition of spandex in many makes of gloves, make them super flexible and more comfortable than ever. Many newer designs are even made with precurved fingers for an extra good grip.
Kids should also wear gloves. Some excellent designs for both boys and girls insure a good grip and that equals a safer ride.
Gloves should be replaced if they begin to look worn, if the rubber grips on the palms and/or fingertips begins to lose their grip, or any rips or tears happen. Raceway has a huge selection of gloves that will fit any riding style or outfit and find the perfect pair of ATV gloves for your next ride.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Take Your ATV to Oakley Mountain ORV Trail
This is a short and sweet ATV ride. Oakley Mountain ORV Trail is 6.2 miles of riding fun for you and your ATV. These are multi-use trails and you will encounter other traffic such as trail bikes, three-wheelers and ATV's with less than 48" axle width as these are very popular trails.
This ATV trail is near both Lake Burton and Lake Rabun. Be aware when you ride your ATV on these trails that they are not loop trails so traffic is two-way.
For the ATVers that like some challenge in their rides, there are some sections are steep, about 35% grades and rocky. There are also many blind curves on the trail slow down your ATV when you come to a curve, remember there is two way traffic here and you never know what might be coming around the corner.
If you are inexperienced in the riding steep inclines on your ATV, this is not the time to learn on your own, make sure you have an experienced ATVer along for the ride that can show you the pointers for safely maneuvering your ATV along inclines and rocky terrain. There are definite techniques that work to safely get your ATV up steeper inclines and if you aren't sure what they are, do not attempt these areas of the ATV trail.
If you have under age riders along for the ATV ride that do not have a State driver's license, a legally licensed driver that is also riding an ATV should accompany them. Helmets are a requirement to be worn when operating your ATV no matter if you are young or older, as with all National Forest Lands, be sure to have your muffler and spark arrestor in place before you ride and get ready to have a great time riding these ATV trails.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Riding Your ATV at Moates Knob ATV Trail
If you're looking for a great day of ATVing with your friends, you can't go wrong with a visit to Moates Knob. While it is a short run as far as most ATV trails go, this 3.5 miles long trail will offer up a great day of ATVing with you and your favorite group of riding buddies.
The Moates Knob ATV trail is a multi-use trail and you will encounter both three and four-wheel ATV's and motorcycles. These trails are very easy rated and are a fantastic place for newer ATVers to learn how to follow trail markers and control their ATVs on the paths.
The paths are almost completely flat with very little in the way of sharp turns or any hills or grades to climb. Newer ATVers can develop good maneuvering skills on these trails and truly get to enjoy the ride while building up their confidence in their handling skills of their ATVs.
Since these are areas managed by the National Forest service, certain rules apply in order to ride your ATV in these areas. Certain areas of the ground here are always covered by shallow water and can be considered a wetland. No matter how inviting it might be to take your ATV off the trail and go mud bogging, resist the urge as you might be given a future reminder in the form of a hefty fine.
Riding your ATV through muddy areas wrecks the terrain and it takes years and years for the vegetation to return to its original state. That is why ATV trails are so carefully mapped out for specific trail areas so periodically the ATV trails that are being used will be closed and then new areas will be opened for ATV use to keep the cycle of the forest reclaiming itself and new ATV trails to ride going perpetually.
Moates Knob ATV trail has a lot of ATVing fun in their 3 short miles for you and your friends, bring your ATVs and come riding soon!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Riding Your ATV at the De Soto National Forest
The National Forest Service has a jewel of a ride called the De Soto National Forest.
There are some basics for riding your ATV in the De Soto National Forest. There are over 68 miles of designated ATV trails available for your ATV riding pleasure. They do ask that you wear your DOT approved helmet at all times. At the time of this writing there is no fee and no permit required to ride on these ATV trails. However they do require that you have a spark arrestor and noise muffler installed prior to riding.
Since 1993, ATVs are not allowed to drive on any roads shared by licensed motorized vehicle traffic. Be aware of this regulation and don't go on any Forest Service Roads where regular traffic is located. You are also prohibited from riding your ATV in the areas of campsites.
You are welcome to ride your ATV through the forest but they do ask that you stay on the designated trails and do not go "trailblazing" on your ATV, this erodes and damages the forest and that is against the Forest Service regulations and will end your fun day of ATVing if you get caught doing that as they can and most likely will issue a fine. Best bet: be responsible and don't do it.
The Forest Service asks that you adhere to the missives set for by Treadlightly along with if you bring it in, pack it out with you and stay on the designated trails to help preserve this beautiful forest land for future generations to ride their ATVs on.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Ride Your ATV or Motorcycle at Davenport ATV Trail
Davenport ATV trail is a multi-use trail that is a great ride for experienced ATV riders. This is only a moderately difficult trail system, so you can expect to encounter other traffic on this system while riding your ATV.
This trail is only 5 miles and it loops around Davenport Mountain with some moderate grades, and offers scenic views of Nottely Lake. The beginning areas of this ATV trail are ideal for riders accustomed to riding on flat to rolling terrain, such as young, or inexperienced ATVers where they can gain some valuable handling skills and increase their confidence in riding their ATVs.
If you want a more challenging ride, rest assured you will find it here as well. Further down the trail, there are some great places with some steep grades to crawl up on your ATV and some areas that are a little rougher terrain.
Trailblazing is not allowed on these trails and you must stay on the designated ATV trails only. The trails are periodically closed and new trails reopened to allow the vegetation to reclaim itself.
The ATV trail begins at the back end of the parking lot and goes forward around the mountain. Be aware this ATV trail crosses a road at two places. Watch for other vehicles on the road at these crossings.
Since the National Forest Service manages these ATV trails, you need to be sure to have your spark arrestor and muffler in place prior to riding and always wear your DOT approved helmet and goggles to insure you have a safe and fantastic time at the Davenport ATV Trail.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Riding Your ATV at Beasley Knob ORV Trail
The state of Georgia has a fun destination for your next ATV outing; check out Beasley Knob ORV Trail. These are multi-use trails and you are likely to encounter other traffic on these trails in the form of motorcyclists, hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and other ATVers.
There are campgrounds and even a waterfall to see on these trails which just measure about 10-miles. The rating of these ATV trails is intermediate and anyone with a good maneuvering skill on their ATV and some experience handling steep climbs should not have any problem navigating these trails.
Since the inclines in some of the ATV riding areas can be steep, make sure you have a buddy with a winch attachment along for the ATV ride, That way you don't have to worry about getting stuck and it's a much-used accessory on most ATVs.
This ATV trail system is well developed and also has a 8 interconnecting trails which offer up a total of 10.8 miles of ATV riding fun for you and your friends.
Stay on the marked ATV trails for this ride. If you are a newer or inexperienced ATV rider, this may not be the ATV trail for you as it has several steep inclines that will require some handling skill. If you are an experienced ATVer, you know the fun that is waiting for you at Beasley Knob ORV Trail.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
ATVs Make Great Graduation Presents for Kids
Graduation time will be here before you know it and if you're not sure what to get your graduate, consider getting them an ATV from Raceway. Many people celebrate the transition from elementary school to junior high or middle school, and again when they graduate from high school. An ATV makes a great gift. Do a little objective thinking about your child. Is he or she ready for the responsibility of owning and operating an ATV? Some 12 year olds are ready for the responsibility before some 16 year olds. It is a matter of personal knowledge of your child, if he or she is ready, then go for it and get them the ultimate in fun gifts!
There is a make and model for every child. If your child is on the small side look at the Kazuma line of ATVs. Another good choice is the Jetmoto line of ATVs. The compact and sturdy design is great for a beginning rider to get confidence in their handling skills of an ATV. If your child is a little bigger, the Raceway Mini 90cc is a lot of power in a little package. Most ATVs come with governors to cap the speed at 5MPH while your child is learning to maneuver and control their ATV.
If you are going to get your child an ATV for graduation, also check out the great safety equipment. Raceway sells some of the sturdiest and coolest looking riding equipment to be found on the market today. A helmet for riding an ATV is a must and goggles and gloves are just the basics to get your child going. There are also riding jerseys and pants that not only look cool; they will protect your child's arms and legs while riding.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Monday, May 01, 2006
A Jewel of a Ride in South Utah
If you're going to be in the vicinity of Southern Utah in the near future, take your ATV to the South Utah AraPeen ATV Trail System that is located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
This is a large sized ATV trail system that has over 350 miles of ATV and OHV routes and the jewel of the ride is the South Skyline Drive which is rough and ready ride that goes for 58 miles and is not for inexperienced ATVers. Most of the terrain is an uphill climb and will challenge your handling skills. If you don't have experience maneuvering your ATV on sharp inclines, stick to the Arapeen Trail System for an easier ride.
There are several routes on the South Utah AraPeen ATV Trail System that are passable only by ATVs, along with some other sections where ATVs share the usage of the forest roads. Be aware you will be sharing these trails with hikers, mountain bikers, 4x4s and horses.
Your ATV does not have to be registered with the State of Utah, however you must have a spark arrestor and noise muffler installed on your ATV prior to riding on the ATV trails.
You may ride your ATV on the designated trails only. Bring your camera to get some shots for your photo album of this beautiful, scenic ATV riding area.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Check Out Patton ATV Trail
Patton ATV Trail is a lot of fun and is an easy ride. If you have new or inexperienced ATV riders in your group, this is a great area for new riders to learn the basics of safe trail riding. The trailhead area has plentiful parking, pit toilet facilities and you can get the most current map of the ATV trails. Make a note, that the facilities located here, are the only ones for miles around!
This ATV Trail system is actually a network of several trails that all lead to the valley below and most inter-connect to one another. Your likelihood of running into other ATVers doing a loop around using the Patton ATV trail is great.
This area is scenic and you will enjoy the view both on your way down to the valley as well as on the trip back. There is abundance wildlife and many of these trails also double as sheep herding trails. If you encounter a herd of sheep passing by, pull your ATV over to the side of the trail and kill your engine until the sheep pass.
The trails are clearly marked and easy to follow. Also, the trails have a good amount of loose shell. Be sure to wear goggles along with your other safety gear as a piece of shell can get kicked up fairly easily by another rider's tires and it is much better for a piece of debris to bounce off your goggles rather than land in your eyes!
The easy flat design of this trail system makes this a super ride for newer ATVers and a great day of ATVing for everyone else!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
More Great Arizona ATV Destinations
Along with the national forests that Arizona has in abundance, there are also a good number of federally managed lands that offer some fantastic ATVing opportunities.
Imperial Dam is a fun place to take a long weekend with your family or favorite group of ATVing buddies. The area of this place is huge, measuring in at over 3,500 acres. The riding area is easy with flat, hard packed landscape and not too much vegetation to create riding obstacles. You will see a myriad of desert plants and trees such as creosote bushes, palo verde trees, ironwood trees and mesquite trees; along with a myriad of cacti types.
Another riding area that was created to protect the desert ecosystem by giving people a place to play in the outdoors is the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area. The area is over 11,000 acres and it is also flat, barren terrain to ride your ATV on. Oxbow Campground is a heavily used ATV area. Expect crowds if you make this a riding destination on a weekend or holiday. The trails are extremely easy and circle around a lake. There are little to no riding obstacles and the campgrounds have shower and restroom facilities making it a great place to go for a long weekend.
Packsaddle Campground is a good place take your ATV if you're looking for a challenging ride. Located in the Cerbat Mountains area, the riding area has a 6,000-foot elevation and is above the old mining town of Chloride. There are a lot of scenic areas and shady areas to stop and enjoy the ride on the way up on your ATV.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Great Places to Ride Your ATV in Arizona
Arizona has several national forests and a good number of federally managed lands that allow the riding of ATVs. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is a jewel of a ride with its easy trails and rolling lush hills. The Coronado National Forest, Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forest all have easy, well-marked trails and even beginning ATVers won't have a problem following the trail systems or maneuvering their vehicles on the ATV trails. These are great places for learning to handle your ATV "out on the trail". A good rule of thumb if you're riding with people new to trail riding is to wait until the person behind you had caught up before moving forward across a stream or creek or other barrier. This will insure everyone stays together on the trail ride.
For a more challenging ride and unrestricted ATV fun, check out Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area. This area has a parking area and unloading ramp. There are also bathroom facilities. Your ATV must have the proper sticker and it must be in a prominently visible place on your ATV.
Crossroads OHV Area is a great place to bring your family or ATVing group for a long weekend of riding and having fun. The land surrounds Lake Havasu and there are trails that go around the Lake area. If you're looking to make a long weekend out of staying here. Over 90 campground areas line the shore and there are two public campgrounds, Empire Landing and Crossroads to choose from. The public campgrounds have dump stations, swimming beaches, showers and restroom facilities. There is a 14-day stay limit.
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area is another fun destination. The sands in this area were actually surrounding a lake roughly 2 million years ago. The remains of that now dried up lake are the sands found here and you can have a blast riding your ATV on the dunes. There are also hot tubs to relax in when you're done riding your ATV for the day.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Alaska ATVing - 4 Wheeling at Its Finest
When many people think of Alaska, they simply think snowmobiles. Alaska has a myriad of great ATVing opportunities.
Located in Anchorage, are a good number of ATVing sites. Included in this area are The Iditarod National Historic Trail which is a challenging run to make on your ATV, the Unalakleet National Wild River Trails and the Campbell Tract in Anchorage are administered under the program which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Anchorage.
The Dalton Highway Recreational Area located just outside of Fairbanks is another great location to take your ATV. Bring your camera as you are sure to encounter wild Dall Sheep that live in herds on the rocky slopes to the Atigun Pass. You will also most likely see Artic Foxes, Musk Oxen are usually found at the northern end of Slope Mountain as well as caribou, falcons, golden eagles and rough-legged hawks. At an elevation of 4,739-feet this is the highest road in the Alaskan Trail System. Because of the high incidence of wild life in this area, you will be required to have a noise muffler installed on your ATV prior to riding these trails.
Another great ATV trail to ride is located in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. There are over 1 million acres to ride. During February to April, snowmobilers and dogsledders heavily use the area. After the snows melt, great tundra for ATVing abounds. The Bureau of Land Management maintains 9 cabins for use by outdoor recreationists and the Trails by Beaver Creek National Wild River offer up several short trails to ride.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Alabama ATVing Fun
If you are looking for some new places in Alabama to ride your ATV, we have the few places that are off the beaten path. The first trail for you check out on your ATV is called County Road Trail 77 and it is located just outside of Russellville. This is a very muddy trail and if you like to get down and dirty when you ride your ATV, this is a great run to make. There are a large number of hills at this riding area.
Chigger Ridge is another fun ATV run to make. It is located in the town of Hanceville and it is over 20,000 acres of hills, wooded trails, hills to climb and more. The riding here is not for inexperienced or beginner ATVers but anyone of an intermediate skill level or better will enjoy riding these trails immensely. The terrain is natural and completely undeveloped so of course none of the trails are marked. Map out your trails before you ride this area. Kentuck ORV Trails located in Oxford is over 35 miles of trails with 4 loops. This ATV trail system is open all year around and the best riding is to be found in the spring and the fall. Kentuck ORV Trails are part of the Talladega National Forest and there is a $5 per day fee per ATV to ride this trail system. There are no designated camping sites but primitive camping is allowed at any point along the ATV trail.
Alabama doesn't currently require permits for ATVers but helmets must be worn at all times. Spring is upon us, if you live in Alabama or you're going to be visiting, take your ATV for a spin out at one of these trails and make it a great day or riding with your family and friends.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
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