Are you considering or planning to join the ATV community? If the answer is yes, riding can be done safely to ensure lasting fun! ATV riding helps strengthen physical abilities, teaches great life lessons, promotes a healthy and active lifestyle, and forms connections with new people along the way.
With all of that in mind, here are a few tips to prepare you for your ride.
How to prepare for the ATV season
Safety Gear is a MUST.
Before hitting the trails, make sure you have the necessary safety gear. This includes a helmet, chest protector, gloves, goggles, boots, and long-sleeved clothing. Recognizing the inherent risks of ATV riding, it's crucial to invest in the right equipment and follow safe riding techniques. DRR USA also recommends all new riders to take an ATV safety course. For safety course information, contact your dealer or call (866) 847-4571.
Remove Distractions
For your initial ATV rides, eliminate distractions. Adults should ride with an experienced buddy, while children should be accompanied by a responsible adult, such as a parent. This minimizes the pressure to impress others, allowing riders to focus on getting acquainted with the quad. Transitioning to a trail with people provides a gradual introduction to riding in a crowd.
Start in an Open Area
Begin your ATV journey in a wide-open area, free from obstacles. This setting allows riders to concentrate on learning the controls and mastering turns without unnecessary challenges. Taking these first few rides in a controlled environment lays the foundation for a solid riding skill set.
Pre-Ride Inspection
Perform a thorough inspection of your ATV before every ride. Refer to the owner's manual provided by DRR to ensure you cover all necessary checks. Neglecting this step can lead to malfunctioning parts, posing serious risks to the rider and potential damage to the quad. Prioritize safety by maintaining your ATV in top condition.
Be Patient
Achieving success in ATV riding requires practice, patience, and awareness. Learn the basics before exploring more challenging terrain and consider enrolling young riders in ATV riding courses to acquire fundamental techniques. Consistent practice builds confidence and competence, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.
Physical Capabilities
Recognize the physical demands of ATV riding, particularly the need for arm strength to maneuver the quad swiftly. Incorporate cross-training activities such as swimming or running to maintain overall physical fitness. Strengthening your body enhances your performance and endurance on the trail.
What type of ATV should you be riding?
Selecting the appropriate ATV is a critical decision, and contrary to popular belief, it is not solely determined by skill level. Instead, we emphasize the significance of considering age to ensure both safety and an optimal riding experience. DRR USA offers a range of quads tailored for younger riders, including the DRX 50cc, 70cc, 90cc, and 450cc.
Below, we outline the recommended age ranges for each model.
50cc – Riders should be above 6 years of age.
70cc – Riders should be above 10 years of age.
90cc – Riders should be above 12 years of age.
If you’re 16 and up, you can switch to a bigger quad, such as a 450cc.
Get connected with a dealer
Embarking on the journey of purchasing your first ATV is an exciting endeavor. To ensure a smooth start and proper maintenance of your quad, engaging with a reputable dealer is the best initial step.
DRR USA simplifies this process through our website, offering a convenient dealer locator tool. This tool helps you find authorized dealers selling DRR ATVs in your vicinity. Additionally, by connecting with a dealer, you gain access to valuable information on ATV maintenance and can explore participation in our social media program.
Where can I ride?
Finding out where you can enter in your first event can be difficult. A local dealer will be a great resource when it comes to this step. They may know all of the local tracks and upcoming schedules – or at least where you can go to find out the information for yourself. You can also join our DRR USA Riders page to connect with other racing families across the country: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DRRRiders/.
Or view our "Places to Ride ATVs," blog posts: Offroad Blog | News, Tips, and Updates | DRR USA
What to expect at your first event
Now that you have purchased a correctly sized quad and followed our preparation tips, you’re ready to start ATV riding. Transitioning from practice sessions to actual event participation can be a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience. The noise, cheers from the crowd, and the anticipation of the gate drop can be overwhelming for first-time racers. In this crucial moment, focusing on driving and mastering essential skills becomes paramount. Above all, enjoy the exhilarating experience of participating in your first event.
Good luck, and ride on!