Become a Master of Dirt

The lure of off road riding and racing attracts people of all ages and backgrounds – getting on an ATV and heading off into the wilderness is an excellent way to spend the day, or weekend. However, if you’re new to the world of off road riding, or it’s been awhile since you climbed onto an ATV, you might want to start with this blog entry.

Remember there are several factors that go into purchasing a new bike besides price and manufacturer – there’s also where you’ll be riding, and what you want to do once you get there.

The first major aspect to consider is where you’ll be riding – the local riding areas in this part of the country boast a variety of terrain. There are plenty of wooded trails you can explore, some hillier than others! Don’t forget that when the snow flies the fun you can have on an ATV is almost endless.

Terrain is one factor, but what you do is also going to influence your purchase. An all day long trail ride presents a variety of challenges – from navigating steep hills to cruising along quiet streams. If you’re riding your ATV to a favorite hunting or fishing spot, it’s good to have a machine that can haul extra equipment, and navigate uncharted terrain.

If speed is what you need, there are plenty of ATVs that can deliver. Area raceways feature tracks that are perfect for speed demons, and local ATV clubs are also excellent sources of information for racing events.
After you’ve decided where you want to ride, and what type of riding you want to do, you’ll find that most ATVs belong to one of two classes: utility or sport. Some manufacturers also offer hybrids which combine features from both classes – something to consider if you want to keep your options open.

Utility ATVs have stiff suspension for soaking up bumps, bigger motors for hauling equipment or tackling hilly terrain and storage for equipment. You’ll also notice they tend to weigh more and come outfitted with knobbier tires that help you get a grip on muddy, slippery terrain.

The sport ATV is a different breed – built for moving fast and sliding around dirt tracks. These ATVs feature cushy suspension and lighter bodies to make the ride quicker and smoother. In addition, the motors on these beasts are tuned for racing – which adds a learning curve for inexperienced riders.

As we said before, hybrid bikes are for the rider who wants to tackle a backwoods trail, but doesn’t mind opening up the throttle when the opportunity presents itself. These bikes are excellent choices for the rider who wants it all!

Choosing an ATV takes time and research – and our staff of ATV enthusiasts at Pete’s Cycles can answer almost any question! For a list of our locations and contact information, click here.

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