Beginners Guide
Student Booklet Sample
|
|
Before You Ride
Now that you know what proper and safe protective clothing to
wear. you are almost ready to go for a ride. Prior to each ride. you should
always perform a pre-ride inspection to see that your ATV is in proper working
order.
Inspecting the mechanical condition of your equipment before each ride is very
important to help minimize the chance of injury or being stranded, as well as to
ensure long-term performance from your ATV. Remember you can ride farther in an
hour than you can walk in a day.
Your owner's manual will list what to check on your particular
model. Follow the maintenance procedure outlined in your owner's manual.
There are a
few other tips that you should pay close attention to before riding.
1. Always
tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
2. Never go
alone. Use the buddy system-ride with other ATV'ers.
3.
Under-inflated or over-inflated tires may cause wheel damage when riding over
bumpy terrain, or your ATV may not handle properly.
4. Accurately check your tire pressure (usually
around 2 to 6 psi or, pounds per square inch). You'll need a low
pressure gauge. Consult your owner's manual for proper pressure.
5. Make
sure wheel lug nuts are tight. Grasp the tire at the front and rear and try to
rock it on its axle to detect worn out bearings or loose nuts. There should be
no free playas you rock the wheel.
6. Check the brake wear indicator. Periodically disassemble and
clean the brakes. Check your owner's manual for the correct procedure.
Learning to ride an ATV can at times be a frustrating experience,
but everyone must go through the beginner stage. Even seasoned riders don't know
it all. The experience, plus constant attention to good riding practices, will
put you on your way to becoming a skillful, safe rider.
Trouble-Shooting
Emergency
situations can occur with any type of mechanized vehicle-unknown hazards on the
trail. a burned out light at night, an empty fuel tank in the middle of nowhere.
These are not only inconvenient, but are unsafe conditions for ATV riders.
Since ATVs are designed for OFF-ROAD use only, ATV riders
must be prepared with the right safety precautions. It is not like being in a
disabled car which may be within walking distance of help. fortunately, most
problems can be fixed on the spot if you carry a minimum assortment of tools and
spare parts.
Tools
and Supplies
A basic set
of tools is supplied with your ATV. In addition, you should carry one or two
extra spark plugs with your machine. The most frequent cause of engine stalling
or poor performance is a bad spark plug.
On long rides or extended trips, other items that should be
carried include: flashlight, spare head lamp and taillight bulb, electrical
tape, at least 25' of 1/4" nylon rope, waterproof matches, knife, hand axe,
first aid kit, compass, map, tarpaulin, signal flares, an emergency food and
water supply, with fuel deicer and snowshoes in the winter.
Preparing for Long Trips
When you
are planning a long outing into a remote area, there are some items you should
bring in addition to the ones already mentioned. essure tire gauge,
assorted springs, nuts and bolts.
In cold
conditions be aware that a dramatic altitude change. i.e., from sea level to
8,000 feet elevation will bring about a change in tire pressure. Recheck your
tire's psi if you get into a higher altitude. Follow the recommended psi for
your model ATV {listed in your owner's manual). but be sure you know what it is
before you set out.
If you ride
in dunes during evening hours, be sure you and your ATV are well lighted. A
product called Cyalume light stick can provide this extra needed light. The
light stick lasts about six hours and is then disposable. It is a small three
inch clear plastic tube that contains chemicals which when mixed together, by
bending the tube, create a bright fluorescent light. They come in a variety of
colors.
Whip antennas are available with a plastic holder on top in which
this Cyalume light stick fits neatly, thus providing a night light for safety.
|