Are We Running Out of Trails to Ride our Atvs?

Executive summary about a running ATV by Ray Martin

It is rather frustrating for ATV riders to look for "adventurous" trails to ride on, especially when great ATV trails are so scarce now. The question now is, how are you to find an ATV trail out there?

Joining an ATV club is great way for you to get information on where to ride a running ATV. Some ATV clubs arrange ATV riding trips for their members and they usually go to really cool places to ride!

The Secrets of ATV Mudding

When it comes to ATV mudding, do you find yourself being the entertainment for your riding buddies?

ATV Mudding Tips and Tricks:

1. Before You Hit the Mud:

a. Make sure your airbox is sealed - Check all the joints from the intake on the engine to the top of the airbox to make sure nothing can get in. The airbox should have a lid on top and no holes in it.

b. Run an aftermarket air filter or cover - If you do a lot of wet riding, one of these products that are designed specifically for it, can be a good option.

c. Run an O-ring chain - They quickly pay for themselves by outlasting stock chains by a bunch. If you do much ATV mudding, you'll need it.

d. Use marine grade grease - Bearings and pivot points will last a lot longer with this water resistant grease.

e. Spray all the ATV surfaces with a lubricant like WD-40 - Well, not the seat!

f. Use electrolyte grease and silicone - Put the grease on all electrical connections. Pay attention to handlebar switches.

g. Install one way check valves in vent tubes - Crankcase and differential vent hoses can suck water in.

h. Keep the radiator clean - Use tape to help keep mud out of the radiator.

i. Run snorkels - You can install intake and exhaust snorkels when you get really serious.

2. When You're in the Mud:

a. Scope out the area - Watch other riders to see what line they take.

b. Stay loose - You're riding on an unstable surface, so you have to be ready for the quad to move around.

c. Enter the mud hole at a "just right" speed - Easier said than done. Not so slow that you lose momentum and bog down.

d. Try to maintain a steady speed - Slow and steady gets it done in most mud. If you're erratic with the throttle, it can cause the tires to lose traction and spin.

e. Don't over control the ATV - If it falls in ruts or slips in a different direction, keep the steering loose and don't fight it.

f. When you lose traction - Try to stand up and shift your weight back and forth and left and right. Wiggle the bars back and forth.

g. When you're stuck - If you lose momentum and stall, stop. Don't make it worse by jerking the throttle wide open. You'll just bury it that much deeper. If it's not too deep, get some buddies to help you lift the rear out and try it again. If it is deep, then it's time to get out the tow strap or fire up that new winch you just bolted on.

h. Go where they're not - If you come across a bog that has already trapped several riders, look for another way around. Laugh deliriously as you ride by those stuck suckers!