ATV Riding Tips For First Timers

Before you even get on your ATV for the first time, make sure you have a DOT approved helmet, gloves, goggles, chest guard, and other safety gear. Don't skimp on safety, especially when you're learning to control and navigate your ATV. Most of it is common sense but other ATV navigation skills can only be learned by practice.

In "The ABCs of ATVing" by Bill Andrews, an experienced motorcycle rider, tells of his first ATV riding experience. "My thumb gooses the throttle on the ATV, breaking the rear wheels loose and sending dust and dirt flying behind me. The back of the machine slides to the right as I hang off the left side of the seat. With the ATV finally pointed the right way down the straightaway, I'm ready to go up a gear. I instinctively grab the clutch, as if it were a motorcycle, and attempt a click up with my foot. But instead, I nearly pitch myself over the handlebars. Nope, that's not a clutch in my left hand. It's the rear brake. Just one of the many lessons I learned while taking the ATV RiderCourse recently."

That person's experience should give you pause for thought about taking an ATV riding course. Even if you're an experienced motorcycle rider like this person was, you will need to re-learn many things in new ways to properly and safely use your ATV.

Learn where the clutch, brakes, accelorator are before riding for the first time. Never ride your ATV alone, especially when you're learning to ride, it's important to have someone with you; and never, ever ride without your safety gear.

ATVs are great fun and you can't beat them for getting around forested areas and flat lands, but always make safety number one and you will be assured of always having a good time on your ATV.