Sand-blasted fun - Riding ATV in the dunes

Sand-blasted fun - Riding ATV in the dunes

Some like it rocky. Some like it wet. Some like it hilly but there’s something about sandy ATV terrain that’s totally screams F.R.E.E.D.O.M. Most sand ATV terrains are wide open and spacious…and that alone contributes toward the feeling of utter emancipation. It’s good to alternate your riding between different terrains and that is precisely what I do as well when I get the chance but I find my heart floating back to riding ATV in the dunes all the time. Going full throttle in the dunes on my ATV and the sound of sand blasting out from my ATVs back tires!

But we know a lot of ATV riders who HATE sand, loathe sand not only because sand gets into physical orifices of one’s body, but when riding ATV in the dunes, control is of utmost importance just like power is important when riding in hilly terrain. When there’s sand riding, they think of sandy river washes and difficult steering, ATVs fish-tailing out of control….urgh. Which is true….it can get a little tough but that’s where the challenge is! Never heard of people liking to ride ATV in flat terrains before – I’ve heard kids say it, though and beginner ATV riders, actually. But for you and me, I say we go for a little bit more challenge.

Many people have asked, why sand? Why dune? The answer is very simple. Wide open space, any direction you want, burst of power, sun, no obstacles, wind….just space! Loads of space….just run your ATV in any direction you want. Beware of beginner ATVers trying out dunes for the first time – steer clear of these guys. Some people say that there’s absolutely no challenge in riding sandy terrains as there are no obstacles…well, to each his own but how about a little fun and games riding your ATV in sand dunes.

For example, I remember one time riding my ATV in a sandy terrain ala follow-the-leader style. Because there are no tracks, you can create your own while someone else try to keep up and follow the sand tracks that you have created. Trust me, it’s a lot more fun than I can make it sound! Add a neat little helmet camera on top and record everything down to very small details.

When riding sandy ATV dunes, there’s one thing you need to bring along….the safety flags which, to me, is just as important as any other ATV riding gears. You see, some sand dunes are a little hilly and you won’t know what’s coming at you over the top. So, with a safety flag on, before you see or hear an ATV roaring over the top, you’ll spot the bright red flag. Collision can be avoided this way….and collision is very common when you ride ATV on sand dunes.

The other thing is the tire. To me, beginners should get paddle tires so that there’s better grip and maneuvering the ATV is easier. But for experts, you can live without it. Instead, a standard knobby tire will get you quite far. There’s no mud to ride here unless it rains, so, you can safely remove your rear shock mud guard unless you don’t mind it being beaten up a little during your ride.

If you have one, put on the steering damper too to help with steering. Sometimes when there are unpredictable and hard-to-gauge ridges along the terrain, you can’t see it and avoid it. With a steering damper, controlling the direction of your ATV becomes easier. And besides, the steering won’t vibrate as much!

That’s about it. Bring along your sense of humor and your common sense and you’re ready to ride your ATV on sandy dunes and have fun!

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