ATVs started out as work machines. Many people originally got ATVs to help them around their farms and homes with hauling and getting around large properties. Then it expanded to other people get ATVs to take them fishing or hunting. In certain States, North Dakota for example, an ATV is the one and sole way you may collect your game (including deer) if you're bow hunting.
Then came the recreational riders and there is a large group of people that is growing every year who ride ATVs simply because it is a way to get out an enjoy nature. ATVing is a great way to make family bonds stronger and enjoy a weekend of riding together.
Even the newest of ATVers can keep up on a trail ride and most areas that offer up public riding lands, have different levels of ATV trail systems so you can plan your trail riding to meet the skills of all riders in your group.
ATVing also comes with valuable lessons for your kids. It will teach them to read maps, and if you use GPS, how to read latitude and longitude. It will also teach them very valuable thinking ahead skills. Looking carefully at the terrain ahead and knowing whether or not they can ride it is a good skill for kids to learn early on as it can be applied to situations throughout their lives by asking "What happens if I......."
If you have a newer ATVer along for the ride an easy way to ensure that no one gets lost or left behind when you're riding single file on ATV trails, is to not go forward until the person behind you catches up. That way everyone gets to enjoy a leisurely day of ATVing and no one has to feel frustrated or rushed and won't have the possibility of getting lost. Some trails are so densely foliaged they block out the sun and it can be quite dark in some areas of the forests even at straight up noon. Therefore, it can be easy to get turned around with your directions, always carry a map with your when you ride.
ATVs have made life easier for farmers, hunters, and fisherman. ATVs have made outdoors activities more fun for recreational riders. Get the best ATV for your needs and hit the trails with your favorite group of riding buddies this weekend!
