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Friday, June 16, 2006
Wyoming ATVing Fun
When ATV riding in Wyoming, you may feel a lot like an outlaw conquering the badlands. Wyoming has a lot of fantastic trails and varying degrees of difficulty. 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. There are so many trails already; you shouldn't have a problem finding an ATV trail you like!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Getting ATV Training In West Virginia
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, 2005, 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 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!
An unfortunate statistic with ATV riding in West Virginia shows West Virginia averaged 26 ATV related deaths per year from 2000 through 2004, the sad fact of this matter is that with proper training and understanding how vital good quality safety gear is, some of those deaths may have been prevented. More than 95% of crash victims were not wearing a helmet. 13% of those fatalities happened to passengers. ATVs with their long narrow seats, look like they were all made to carry more than one person, this is not the case with many models. Check out your ATV's specifications to see if passengers are recommended or not. And sadly, nearly one third of all those accidents involved alcohol and/or drug use, which just should never be done consumed, when operating an ATV.
As you can see, safety training in West Virginia is not only a good idea, if you're under 18, it's the law!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Obtaining ATV Training In Tennessee
Even if you have been riding ATVs for years or if you use your ATV for work or for play, you should look into some ATV training. So many rules and regulations have changed for riders both young and old, 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.
You will need to wear 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 and proper braking in different riding conditions.
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
Riding the ATV Trails at Klamath Sportsman's Park
Klamath Sportsman's Park is a great place to take your next ATV ride. These are multi-use trails and as their rating is very easy, these are also very busy trails during the riding season from April through November of each year.
If you have younger persons in your group who can not yet trail ride or people along for the outing that don't ride ATVs, Klamath Sportsman's Park has a multitude of activities for the non-ATV riders such as open spaces for radio controlled aircraft with a landing strip, shooting ranges, archery ranges, and clay shooting.
If you have your Oregon ATV permits clearly displayed, you're ready to ride your ATV on some fun trails! There are approximately 20 acres of trails to ride your ATV on, make sure to keep it on the clearly marked ATV paths as trailblazing is not allowed. You will experience a few mud bogs and most of the trails are wide. It's a great place for new ATV users to hone their skills and even better for experienced riders to just enjoy the ride.
The fee for all this fun on your ATV is only $3 and camping is allowed just outside the park so if you'd like to make a long weekend out of riding these trails on your ATV with your favorite group, gather the gang and come out to Klamath Sportsman's Park.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Spark Plug Colors Made Easy
Knowing how to read your spark plug colors can be a valuable aid when giving your engine a tune up. Let's look at how it's done.Your spark plug colors can let you know if your engine is firing properly, or if you're beginning to run into trouble. There are five basic spark plug colors and condition combinations to judge by.
Grey or slightly discolored spark plug colors are a good indicator that your engine is running properly. When your air and fuel ratio is just right, your spark plugs burn properly and there isn't a lot of surface build up.
Sooty black, dry spark plug colors and surface conditions would indicate your engine could have one or more problems. Your carburetor may be set too rich, so your plugs don't burn properly, leaving behind the build up. Your flame arrestor may also be too dirty to work well. Sooty spark plug colors may also indicate a problem with the ignition system causing a weak spark.
Black spark plug colors that look wet in appearance are and indication of fouling. Your oil, or possibly your gas ratio is too high for a proper mix, which keeps the plug from burning the way it should. It's also possible to get this kind of build up when you only drive in the city. Taking your car on the freeway allows it to reach higher rpm's, allowing the plugs to burn hotter and burn off the build up.
Chalky, lumpy build up spark plug colors may indicate bad fuel or an oil problem. Always be sure you are using the right grade of oil according to the owner's manual. If you can rule this problem out, you might want to look for an oil leak in the combustion chamber.
If your spark plug colors look white, with bubbles or blistering, your plugs are overheating. A gapping could cause this or torque problem, as well as an air and fuel mix set too lean. If you can rule these problems out, check your timing, as too fast will cause your spark plugs to burn too hot.
By knowing how to read your spark plug colors, you can catch problems developing early before they do more serious damage to your engine. Raceway now carries a full line of ATV accessories and parts, if your spark plugs need updating, order from Raceway where shipping is always free.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Things You Should Never Do on an ATV
Riding an ATV is a lot of fun and when people wear the proper safety equipment and follow commonsense rules, they have a great safe time. There are number of people injured each year riding ATVs and the reasons usually boil down to they were using their ATV in manner in which it was never intended.
Here is a rundown of things you should never do on your ATV:
Never allow children and young people under the age of 16 to ride adult ATVs (with engines bigger than 90 cubic centimeters) and never allow children to ride their ATVs without adult supervision. Never drive an ATV with a passenger and never ride as a passenger.
Never ride without your helmet and goggles. Debris in your eyes and face can cause you to have an accident.
Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this shouldn't even be an issue, but recent studies show over half of all ATV accidents had drugs and/or alcohol involved. If you must ride alone, always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Never operate an ATV without proper instruction. Training classes are available nearly everywhere and many times they are free or just a nominal charge which is well worth the price to learn ATV handling skills and techniques.
Never ride on another's land without asking. Some folks just aren't very enthusiastic about sharing their land with ATV riders. Furthermore, never disregard your State Laws and Regulations for riding ATVs. This can cost you, literally. Getting a ticket and taking time to go down to the courthouse and pay it is a big time waster when you could be riding your ATV. Avoid the trip and follow the rules.
Now that you know the basics, follow good safety guidelines for riding your ATV and you won't be a statistic, you'll be a safe ATV rider out having a great time!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Riding Your ATV at the Index Wall Overlook Trail
Index Wall Overlook Trail is a very, very challenging ride. At only 3.2 miles it isn't a very big trail, but it has more obstacles to overcome on your ATV than you will encounter on much longer ATV trails.
In order to ride this challenger, make sure you have your ATV permit in a clearly visible place and as with all Oregon trails, make sure to follow the rule of thumb, "If you bring it in, take it out with you and leave nothing behind but tire tracks."
Now are you ready for a wild ride on your ATV? This is a trail that needs more than a little preparation to insure your ATV ride is a positive experience. There are several water traps along this ATV trail that can lead to frustration if you don't do a little advance planning. If you plan this out and know what you're facing on this ATV trail, you're in for a truly challenging and skill testing experience for you and your ATV.
There is a lot of mud on this ATV trail as well, best not to try the trail right after a rain. Wait a day or so before taking this one on with your ATV. After the initial entrance into the ATV trail, the rest of the trail features a lot of dips and turns that will test your skill levels but nothing harder than the beginning of the ATV trail ride.
There are lots of dense foliage, dips, and hills but the real treat comes at the end of the ATV trail; there is a definite reward. There is an awesome view over a 350-foot cliff that overlooks the town of Index. Stop your ATV and look for a while, you earned this view!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Getting ATV Training In Oregon
ATV training is a requirement if the ATV rider is between the ages of 7 and 17 years of age or any ATV rider who does not possess a driver's license. The ATV Operator's Permit is required for those in this situation and it's just good sense to take a safety and training course even if you think you know more than any human should about ATV riding.
In order to take a safety class in Oregon, they require the following from you: a DOT approved helmet, goggles, boots, gloves, your own ATV and a willingness to learn about safe and responsible operation of ATVs. If you do not have an ATV of your own, arrangements may be made to enable you to borrow one for training use.
In the course, you will learn Oregon laws regarding ATV riding, safety inspections prior to riding, how to ride defensively and courteously. How to better control your ATV in several different weather situations, and safe riding techniques such as starting and stopping, turning (gradual and quick), hills (stopping, u-turns, traversing), emergency stopping and swerving and riding over obstacles. Upon the course's completion, you will be issued an ATV course completion card that shall be considered a temporary operator permit until the permanent ATV operator permit is issued by the Department.
Ride a Quad that's right for your rider's age, the guidelines are:
Age 6 and older Under 70cc
Age 12 and older 70cc-90cc
Age 16 and older Over 90cc
Furthermore, all riders younger than 16 should be supervised by an adult well versed in ATV safety and handling. All riders should wear safety gear and wearing a helmet that is DOT certified and age appropriate when operating your ATV is the law in Oregon.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Join an ATV Club In Oklahoma
With its vast flat lands and densely forested areas, Oklahoma is heaven for ATV owners. Finding an ATV club in Oklahoma isn't the problem, choosing which of the groups to join will be!
Oklahoma has a lot of red dirt, which turns into red mud when it rains. And rain is not an infrequent thing, therefore there are a number of down and dirty mud loving ATV clubs in Oklahoma, here are a few:
Mud Slingers in Wewoka is a family oriented group with their riders aging from under 10 to over 65. They do both one-day rides and weekend long ATV rides that include camping out. Another family oriented group that doesn't mind getting dirty is the OKC Dirt Riders out of Oklahoma City, they are a newer group but if you like getting dirty in your ATV, this might be the group for you!
If you're looking for a more casual get together, there are a couple of ATV clubs that might interest you, such as OKC Quads is a group that meets twice a month, usually on weekends. All are welcome and they are planning out of state rides to fun destinations for ATVers such as Utah and Colorado. Rebel Outlaws out of Oklahoma doesn't collect fees or dues and they ride from Arkansas to Missouri. They are family oriented and do other activities outside of riding ATVs too.
Oklahoma has a lot to offer its ATV riders in the way of terrain to explore and their super ATV Clubs are representative of just that!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
ATV Clubs In New Hampshire
There is a very big ATV community of both riders and supporters of the sport in the small state of New Hampshire. There are a number of great clubs to check out. 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 and safety as well as fun for all ATV users.
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 properties.
The Tri County Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Club is located in Southwest New Hampshire and have 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. Working within a committed group is a great way to keep the trails you love open to ride.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Finding an ATV Club In Massachusetts
There are a number of really fine ATV clubs, 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. With its lush landscape, Massachusetts is a great place to own an ATV. There are numerous trails and miles and miles to ride. 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. You will find a number of good groups in Massachusetts with the same mind-set as you!
North Quabbin ATV Association located in Athol, Massachusetts is a local group from the North Quabbin Woods towns. They actively work with the State of Massachusetts for more 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!
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.
Find an ATV group near you and meet a new group of friends that love to do what you do, ride your ATVs in Massachusetts!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Riding at the Isabel Lake ATV Trail
Isabel Lake has a pretty name for an ATV trail, but this can be a very challenging ride in many places. ATV riders of all skill levels will enjoy this area. If you are an inexperienced ATV rider, make sure you have someone with good skills and experience with you, there are a lot of difficult navigations throughout these ATV trails, but the challenge is what makes it fun! Just always be honest with yourself and never attempt a trail you know you honestly don't have the skills for. That ATV trail will be there when you have the necessary skills and experience to conquer it!
We couldn't find anyone that had actually taken the ATV trail to Lake Isabel and as far as we know, it doesn't go that far. Everyone did agree though, that many of these ATV trails were once mine access thoroughfares. There are a lot of rock hills to climb, if you love to feel the grip of those ATV tires as they pull you over the rocks, you're going to love this ATV ride!
There are a couple of streams that cross the trail and be aware they have fairly steep inclines, if you haven't handled steep inclines before, on the trail is not the time to learn. Always err on the side of safety; riding your ATV should always be a fun experience. If you have the skills, this will be a challenging ride for you to enjoy.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Riding the ATV Trails In Louisiana
Think Louisiana is nothing but low laying swamplands? Think again! Louisiana has some excellent ATV trails just waiting for you to explore! Even after the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, most of the trails are open again for riding.
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. This ATV area is not for beginning riders for that reason.
Are you an extreme ATVer? 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 wet state, and all trails have the chance of closure due to excessive rain. Check with the District Office before your trip. Louisiana offers some wild riding on their trails that will please even the hardest to please ATV buff!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
About Kid's Quads ATVs
There are numerous quads (four wheeled ATVs) available for kids, you just need to narrow down how experienced the child is riding an ATV and exactly what you both want in an ATV to help you make a good, informed and safe choice that will make you both happy.
If your looking to purchase a quad for a first time rider. You should really look at the Kazuma KMX - 50cc. It has a very quiet engine at only 35 db that is equivalent to a soft whisper at a distance of two meters. A quieter engine means more safety for your child as they can hear other riders and other noises more clearly. Another feature of this ATV that makes it fantastic for first time riders is the governor (speed restrictor) that can be turned on which cuts the maximum speed from 45-50 mph down to mph. This will lessen the chances of the ATV getting away from the rider while he or she is learning proper handling.
There is also an auto kill switch. You simply attach the cutoff attachment to the back of the ATV and if your child needs assistance and you need to turn off the engine immediately, simply pull the cord and it's done.
For a more experienced ride, a quad that promises a lot of fun for your child is the Yamoto 110cc ATV with a sleek raptor style and an electric starter system, this is a very entertaining ride. As with all Yamoto ATV bikes, this one comes with a speed limiter screw so you can adjust the speed to the safest maximum speed your child may travel when riding their ATV.
If you're in the market for a quad, make sure your child has up to date safety garments. Children grow quickly and sometimes outgrow their safety equipement, always make sure your child has proper fitting safety equipment from head to toe.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Riding An ATV At Jordan Creek and Diamond Mill OHV Area
Riding your ATV at Jordan Creek and Diamond Mill offers something for both beginning and expert ATV riders. Before you ride in Oregon, make sure you always have your ATV permit up to date and prominently displayed on your ATV. Do a little pre-ride inspection and you're off and rolling!
Jordan Creek ATV/OHV trails provide more than 100 miles of easy to difficult trails. The trail difficulty levels are clearly marked; if you don't have a lot of experience riding an ATV, don't go on a more advanced ATV trail alone. Always have a more experienced ATV rider with you. Also, be aware you will be sharing these trails with other ATV riders, hikers, and dirt bikers. Drive your ATV defensively and friendly.
Diamond Mill OHV is a little more untamed and not for the inexperienced ATV rider. Seasoned ATV riders will thoroughly the riding challenges that await them here. There are numerous marked and unmarked trails. The park does have a rule that you should not create new trails and stick to the clear paths that are already there so the wilderness may be preserved for future ATV riders.
Having your GPS with you for this ATV ride would be an excellent idea. The site is open year round and charges no fees for camping. Enjoy your ATV rides at Jordan Creek and Diamond Mill.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Riding at John's Peak ATV Riding Area
John's Peak has a little something for ATV riders of all skill levels. There are over 20 separate ATV/OHV areas to ride on and those trails cover approximately 600 miles of fun trails to explore on over 14,000 acres.
The ATV trails are very well maintained and natural so it is a good idea to bring your GPS along for the ride as well maintained doesn't mean well marked. Make sure you have a map at the very least before you ride in case you and your ATV get a little turned around, and if that does happen, don't panic! Many of these ATV trails are designed to loop around to get you back on a path you were on previously.
As you ride the ATV trails, look into the dense foliage and you will see log cabins in various states, ditches originally built by the miners for a water supply, and even several abandoned mines. Be sure to have your camera with you, you're going to want to stop your ATV numerous times for photo opportunities.
The ATV trails are open all year around, you need only be aware of closures due to fire restrictions, so always call ahead to be sure the ATV trails you want to ride are open. Primitive camping is allowed so you can make this a long weekend of ATVing fun.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Joining an ATV Club In Texas
As far as ATV riding goes, Texas has something for everyone. Foothills, flat lands, desert terrain, swamplands and hill country. There is a terrain for everyone's taste. There are also ATV clubs to suit everyone's tastes. Whether you are looking for a casual riding group or a group with a firm environmental cause, you will find a group of new friends waiting for you in a Texas ATV Club.
Texas ATV Association is the State's official group of ATV riders. The goal of this group is to create more areas for ATV riders to ride. They are also environmentally conscious and not only look to create new trails, they try to teach the riders to be responsible so the trails will still be around for many generations of Texas ATV riders to come.
If more casual gatherings are for you, check out the Adult ATVers of Montgomery, Texas. They are a new group of adults only, who simply seek the thrill of the ride. Cass County ATV Club of Atlanta, Texas promotes casual riding and safety.
If you're the type that likes a little mud with your ATV, here are some Texas clubs for you: Cedar Creek Mudcats ATV Club in Mabank, Texas. Centex Quadaholics in Central, East Texas Muducks in Longview, Muddogs out of Kaufman, Mudgalore located in Houston which also promotes female participation in this sport. Mudd Turtles of East Texas situated in Kilgore, and last but not least of the set that loves to ride dirty is Carthage's own Ridin' Dirty ATV Club. Samantha, the point of the contact for the club states, "There are no annual dues to be a member of our club. The only requirement is that you leave your troubles at home and enjoy the ride. Oh yeah, and that you don't mind "Ridin' Dirty".
Strollin' Hobos located in El Paso is a family oriented group with no yearly fees or dues. Just good riding and good fun is their motto. Another family oriented ATV club in Texas is the Good Old Boys ATV Club situated in Cypress, they gather once a month to ride.
Whether you like to get down and dirty in the mud or you prefer to stay a little cleaner on your ride, Texas has an ATV Club for you!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Riding an ATV In Irish And Taylor Campground Area
Irish and Taylor Campground Area is an awesome ATV ride. There is a campground that allows you to stay for 2 weeks and you may need all that time to explore this area on your ATV. There is no fee for camping and that's always the right price!
The campground offers ATV trails right into Three Sisters Wilderness and it is rough terrain. As with many Oregon ATV trails it is alternately very rocky and steep and then flat with loose soil. These are not ATV trails for the inexperienced ATV rider.
These ATV trails are very narrow and are purposely maintained that way to retain the natural look of the trails. You will need to keep your ATV to the right and ride only in a single file. In this dense foliage, it is an excellent idea to have your GPS with you. A good ATV mount is a must for your GPS.
The National Forest Service manages these lands and therefore no trailblazing is allowed. But don't worry, this is such a large area to ride your ATV in, you'll find tons of trails to explore.
These trails are open June through October, be sure and call ahead and make sure no part of the trails are closed due to fire and if you're up for it, you and your ATV are in for one fun ride.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Prime ATV Trails In Idaho
Idaho has a huge amount of places to ride your ATV. 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 to the expert rider. Another great addition to make to your ATV for this venue is a pair of sand tires from Raceway.
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area located around Idaho's Seven Devils Mountains, 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 unprecedented 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
Is GPS Useful for ATV Riders?
In a word: Yes. If you haven't looked into getting a GPS (Global Positioning System) for when you're riding your ATV, you're missing out! If you aren't familiar with GPS, it does exactly what its name implies, it tells you exactly where you and your ATV are at any given point on earth.
If you're curious how a GPS works, it's very simple. There are 30 GPS satellites, called NAVSTARs, in place and the oldest one was launched in 1989.
A GPS will calculate its position using the signal emitted by 3 or more of those satellites. The more satellites it is able to communicate with, the more accurate its calculation of your ATVs exact location.
Even the lowest quality GPS units have an accuracy of 300 to 500 meters real time that is more than enough for your ATV riding needs. When activated, the GPS will search and attempt communication with all the satellites it can contact. The lower priced units are nearly impossible to use inside of buildings (especially buildings with steel girders) or in densely wooded areas.
If you find a new trail when you're out riding your ATV, all you need to do is jot down coordinates or even better, if your model of GPS has a "save" feature, you're in luck, you'll never have to remember where a particular ATV trail begins or ends again.
One good bit of advice, spare no expense on your GPS mount for your ATV, and consider the placement in relation to tree branches and other outside forced that might hit your GPS and damage it. Even a low priced GPS will improve your ATV ride by letting you know where you are at all times.
Raceway now carries a full line of ATV part and accessories, look into getting a GPS and a good mount for your ATV.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Find a New Fishing Hole With Your ATV!
If you love to fish and you love to ride your ATV, have you considered combining your two favorite pastimes and using your ATV for getting to some of the harder to reach fishing holes?
As a person with experience fishing, you know that fish tend to congregate where the least amount of human interference is. There are some fabulous fishing holes upstream of many rivers but they are difficult and cumbersome to get to if you are merely hiking.
If you're experienced riding your ATV over inclines, look into using your ATV to find your own secret fishing hole. Best of all, your ATV can make getting to your favorite fishing spot, whether it is a site you've used for years or one that you've recently discovered, because your ATV can carry your fishing poles, tackle boxes, fishing license and many ATVs have room for a small cooler which would be perfect for bringing your catches home in.
If bad weather happens when you're out fishing and you need to leave in a hurry, no big deal. Your ATV was made to run in all sorts of weather and terrain conditions but if you need to make a hasty retreat, an ATV is just the machine to get you home safe and sound! If you need to ford a few small streams or go through a little mud to find a new fishing spot for yourself, never fear that is exactly the kind of terrain your ATV was made for!
Now that you know how useful your ATV can be for your favorite hobby, fire up your ATV and seek out a new favorite fishing spot on your next ride!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Reasons People Don't Wear ATV Helmets
The question of whether or not to wear an ATV helmet shouldn't even be a question.
The consequences of not wearing a helmet and riding your ATV are many and none of them are pleasant or fun. 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. Violating this law can result in a very large fine.
ATV Helmets can not only save your life, they will lessen the noise from the wind and when your hearing is better, your ride a lot safer. Additionally, a good full-face helmet is great protection against flying insects and other flying debris that gets kicked up when you ride.
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 speed. If this happens to you, you will most certainly have more than a headache. Hence, a good fitting ATV helmet will indeed feel tight when you first put it on but that is the genius of its 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. Its integrity 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. With so many styles and colors available these days, you're sure to find a helmet that will suit your personal style while keeping your head protected.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
ATV Training in Arizona
Riding an ATV in Arizona is fun for the whole family. If your kids are going to be riding ATVs in Arizona or you would like a little brushing up on tips and skills for handling your ATV, check out some ATV training courses in Arizona.
You will learn about safety equipment, and the importance of wearing it at all times when operating your ATV, local laws such as state motor vehicle laws apply to ATV riders on many Forest Service roads meaning your ATV must be registered and you must be licensed, other roads and trails are open to unlicensed recreational riders. You will also learn how to find safe places to ride, and environmental concerns. And here's some good news, if you bought your ATV after 1986, you could very well be eligible for free training. In training classes, you will also learn how to pick the proper ATV for both yourself and your children as recommended by the ATV Safety Institute and ATV manufacturers:
*Under 70cc 6 years and older
*70 - 90cc 12 years and older
*Over 90cc 16 years and older
The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues two types of license plates for ATVs an "RV" and an "MC" plate. The RV plate indicates your ATV has been titled in the State of Arizona and is licensed for off road traveling, but you are restricted from traveling on roads or any road where your ATV would need to be considered "street legal".
If you are going to travel on public roads, you must obtain an MC plate that means your vehicle is street legal. Additionally, Arizona law requires either the "RV" or "MC" plate to be securely fastened in a clearly visible position to the rear of your ATV in order to ride your ATV on any state or federally managed lands.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Riding An ATV In Arizona
Arizona is a prime place to ride your ATV. The valleys and flat lands are great for really opening up your ATV. The Sonoran Desert area formed where the Yellow Mountains meets the Gila Bend Mountains,and it forms a great valley to explore with your ATV.
The Crown King Area is about 35 miles north of Phoenix, and you will find everything from old mines to some great winding trails in the area. The Ehrenberg Sandbowl is another popular place to ride your ATV with its hills and sand and a web of trails to ride around.
For some easy ATV driving, check out Route 66. You will find 42 miles of this road from Kingman to Topock, at the California border. Lake Havasu has many areas for exploring trails on your ATV. Sedona and Flagstaff are also popular spots for riders.
If you're a beginner, the "tot lot" at Hayfield Draw is a great place to start and once you get your confidence up, the Hot Wells Dunes Recreation Area has 2000 acres of rolling sand dunes for lots of open riding. Tonto National Forest has two areas specifically dedicated for ATV use, Rolls OHV Area and Bulldog Canyon. Vermilion Cliffs Highway has 277 miles of trails that wind through small rural communities and a Navajo Indian Reservation on the east.
You will find lot so of loose sand when you ride the areas in Arizona. Raceway now carries sandtires for your ATV. If you're going to hit these hills, make sure you have the best tires you can get on your ATV.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Monday, June 12, 2006
ATV Suspension And Steering Tips
A good suspension and steering system is paramount to safe riding. So when problems start to show up, you need to take care of them right away. Fine tuning your suspension and steering will help you avoid more costly repairs later on. Raceway now carries a full line of ATV parts to help you keep your ATV running perfectly - avoid the money crunch of a big mechanical problem by fixing your small issues on your ATV as they occur.
The first step to a better suspension and steering system is to adjust the length of your ATV's shocks to your body weight. This is best done with two people and your partner will be checking to see how much your ATV sags when you are sitting on it in full gear. A simple turn of the bolt near the bottom of the spring will let you adjust it for proper suspension.
You can also adjust how easily your shock compresses and rebounds for ultimate comfort and control. Mushy shocks keep you bouncing too much, while hard shocks make for a bumpy ride. You need to find a happy medium that allows your shocks to use the maximum amount of travel compression without hitting a hard bottom at the end. Likewise for rebound, you need your shock to return to position fast enough to take the next bump without ejecting you off.
If your ATV is pulling to one side, the problem may be unequal tire pressure as opposed to a shock problem. Check your tires before you blame your shocks. Most pulling issues are due to tire problems and not bad shocks. Maintaining your suspension and shocks will help your ATV last for many years to come.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Wild and Untamed -Montana ATVing
Montana has fantastic opportunities for riding your ATV and if you like your trails natural as possible, Montana offers a lot of ATV trails that have been left wild and natural.
A great place to explore is Beaverhead National Forest as it 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.
Flathead National Forest has 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 there are varying degrees of difficulty. From the very easy to the very difficult, you will find a trail to wet your ATVing appetite. 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!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
ATV Trails In Maryland
Riding your ATV in Maryland is a blast. There is a trail for every level of skill. Before you ride, please be aware of State Regulations that 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 points of interest:
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. Park your RV and stay a while, or just minutes away you can stay in a Bed and Breakfast. There is even a trail for kids only and there are made trails within the park the adults will enjoy too.
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.
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.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Safety Right Down to Your Fingertips with ATV Gloves
In order to ensure a good grip and optimum safety on the trail, wearing a pair of ATV Gloves is a must when you ride your ATV.
Your hands can get sweaty, dirty, muddy and other 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.
Kids should also wear gloves. Some excellent designs for both boys and girls insure a good grip and that equals a safer ride. You want your kids to have a blast riding their ATVs but you want them to be absolutely safe while doing it.
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. Also, most of the gloves made today have precurved fingers that conform to the shape of your grips on your ATV.
Gloves should be replaced if they begin to look worn, if the rubber grips on the palms and/or fingertips begins to lose its grip, or any rips or tears happen. Safety starts with good gear in good shape and as with all your safety wear, you want to make sure your ATV gloves are in tip top shape to keep your hands on the throttle and keep your ride safe!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
Get Dad an ATV for Father's Day
If you want to get your Dad a gift he can really use and enjoy, get him an ATV of his very own. If your father is a sportsman and loves to go hunting or fishing, he will love his own ATV.
An ATV can be used to lug around heavy hunting gear or cumbersome fishing tackle. Additionally, an ATV can be used to get to the fishing holes that are too difficult to reach or take too long to hike to. In many states an ATV is the only way to transport a deer that has been shot by either rifle or bow during deer hunting season.
Another great use for an ATV is if your father has a good spread of land to maintain. An ATV can allow them to cover a great distance over the roughest terrain and even carry necessary items such as fence repairing equipment and other implements of day-to-day life.
If you have a weekend warrior on your gift receiving list this year, an ATV would make a perfect gift for them. They can take their ATV out to the trails, national forest lands, and just about anywhere and spend a day seeing the scenery and viewing the wildlife.
Another great go-along present with an ATV is riding gear. If nothing else, purchase a good helmet for anyone that will be riding an ATV. It is the law in most areas that anyone operating an ATV must be wearing a helmet at all times, not to mention it is just plain good sense. There are other accessories you can add to your gift such as goggles, gloves, boots and riding outfits that come in a myriad of cool designs.
An ATV is a great investment in both a practical as well as an enjoyable gift. Best of all, when you purchase your ATVs from Raceway, your shipping is free.
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
ATV Training In Arkansas
ATV training and certification is just plain smart. If you are under 18 in the State of Arkansas, getting certified to ride your ATV is the law, just like wearing a helmet when you operate your ATV.
Certification is also available for all skill levels. If you've never had ATV training, no matter how long you have been riding or how experienced you think you might be, you will find you will learn at least a little from participating in a safety and training class and even a little knowledge gained is a good thing!
You will receive basic safety training, identifying poisonous reptiles, snakebite prevention and what to do if you or a member of your group suffers snakebite. You will also learn to avoid poisonous plants. Wearing the proper gear for the utmost in safety when riding. Choosing the proper helmet. Safety inspections of your ATV pre-ride, safer riding techniques, safer braking techniques, and learning to watch for the other guy. Everyone will get something of value from attending an ATV riding course.
Arkansas offers much in the way of ATV trails and unexplored areas. Knowing how to navigate them safely will just add to the thrill of the ride!
posted by Raceway ATV - the #1 kids Kazuma ATV dealer
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