A Guide to Riding a UTV in the Summer

As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to dust off your UTV and hit up some of your favorite riding trails or discover new ones. We have provided some tips for riding a UTV in the summer so you can stay cool and enjoy every moment of your favorite recreational activity. If you’ve got any questions or need assistance with service or repairs, then get in touch with us at our dealership. We’ll help you get back to doing what you love most.

Dress for the Warm Weather

Of course, the easiest thing you can do is make sure you’re wearing clothes that’ll help you stay cool. Keep in mind, this isn’t going to mean shorts and a T-shirt. Your clothes will still need to be able to protect you in the event of an accident, as well as shield you from debris. This means you’ll still need to be wearing pants and something with sleeves. So the trick is to wear clothes that are lightweight and lighter in color. Breathable materials will make it easier for you to cool off and light colors will reflect the sun’s rays, rather than absorb them.

One area where you’ll probably notice the heat the most is your helmet. It can trap a lot of heat and you’ll feel like you need to stop more often so you can breathe some fresh air. We recommend a motocross helmet, instead of a motorcycle helmet, because it lets in the air while still giving you complete protection.

Ride in the Shade

When the clouds aren’t going to give you any shade, you’ll want to stick to trails that have dense foliage to keep you in the shade while you ride. This might even challenge your riding skills more than an empty track would. You’ll still need to apply plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin.

Stay Hydrated

This is a good tip for any outdoor activity during the summer or just healthy living in general, but it’s especially important when the weather gets very hot. The more you sweat, the more water you’ll lose and need to replenish. Keep a water bottle near you at all times, preferably one that can stay cool. This should be easy, given all the storage space that comes with a UTV, so definitely don’t forget it at home.

Take Breaks

Be kind to yourself when you’re on the trail and take some breaks. Use the time to take a drink of water, stretch your limbs, relax, and step away from that hot engine. To make this more interesting, you can look for trails that offer vista points and scenic views. Ultimately, you’ll want to listen to your body’s signals and stop when you need some rest. After all, UTV riding should be fun, not stressful.

With all this in mind, it’s time to hit the trails! Don’t have a UTV yet? Stop by Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, IL, and we’ll help you find the right side-by-side for you. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI.