ATV Riding For Beginners
Whether you’re about to purchase a brand-new all-terrain vehicle or you’ve just become the proud owner of one, you’re about to make your life much more exciting. Your ATV is great for weekend off-road or trail riding and it will also make your weekday work tasks more enjoyable and easier to do. But if you’re new to riding a powersports vehicle like an ATV, then you’ll need to learn how to ride them carefully to keep yourself and those around you safe while still having fun.
Nielsen Enterprises, located in Lake Villa, is your Illinois ATV dealer. For those of you who have just bought your first ATV, it’s important to learn how to ride it safely. Follow these tips to master your new quad and enjoy some exciting fall rides!
Be Prepared
Before you head out, you’ll need to get your ATV into good shape. Reading the owner’s manual is a great way to learn how your quad operates and what you need to do in order to maintain it. Examine the tires and check their pressure, airing them up to the psi levels specified in your owner’s manual. Fill up the gas tank and make sure the oil is clean and topped off. Check lights and signals to make sure they function correctly. You’ll want to talk to a fellow powersports enthusiast about assembling a toolkit for taking care of your ATV, too.
Practice Makes Perfect
Getting in some practice on your ATV before you hit the trails will ensure you know how it operates before going over really hard terrain. Find a flat area of ground like a field to learn how to brake, reverse, turn and accelerate in your quad. You’ll want to go slowly at first and avoid riding recklessly or trying any tricks until you’ve gained much more experience. Following a more experienced rider for your first few rides can help you stay safe and learn how to master the basics.
Gear Up Correctly
You need to prepare yourself adequately, too. A helmet is a must when riding any type of powersports vehicle. Motocross or motorcycle helmets with either a full face mask or a pair of goggles will keep your head and eyes protected. Long sleeves and pants along with sturdy boots and gloves with good grip are also necessary. Carry water, food, your toolkit, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and your GPS unit, along with your phone and an emergency radio.
Follow The Rules
When off-roading on your own property, there aren’t really any rules you’ll need to follow. But if you go to a public riding area or nature trail, you’ll need to make sure you’re obeying all posted signs and being a responsible rider. ATV trails are specifically designed to be easy to ride, providing you with a safe and direct route through an area. Don’t go off the trails, since this can do damage to the surrounding environment and leave you vulnerable to hitting unseen obstacles. Always ride while sober and alert; don’t use recreational drugs or drink alcohol before you ride, and don’t attempt to ride your ATV if you’re exhausted or sick. Make sure that you don’t lock your knees and elbows as you ride so that you don’t shock your joints. Slow down around animals and hikers and give stopped vehicles a wide berth.
Following these tips should help you to master ATV riding and, with practice, you’ll become a powersports expert in no time. Seeking ATVs for sale near Chicago? Visit our dealership in Lake Villa, Illinois, to take a look at our entire inventory of new and used ATVs and other powersports vehicles for sale. Nielsen Enterprises welcomes all of our Illinois customers as well as those in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.