Beginners Guide
Student Booklet Sample
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Trail Riding
Be careful
of going from a sunny to shaded trail. Rocks or ruts may "hide" in the shade and
your eyes cannot adjust quickly enough to see them. Gradient lenses will help
this condition. Most properly designed trails are "out sloped" to allow rain to
run off the surface. This means your ATV may be more "tippy" and you will
especially need to keep your weight shifted into the hill.
Plan out
your ride. Don't take a trail you know you can't make. Always ride within your
limits. Remember that one short difficult section on an otherwise easy trail
would put the trail beyond your capabilities. Standing up on the footrests
slightly will aid your ability to take on rough terrain. Always be prepared to
meet oncoming traffic, as most trails allow two-way travel. Maintain a safe
distance between your ATV and those of others in your group. Following too
closely can cause rear-end collisions.
Know the cruising range of your ATV. If your machine lacks an odometer, figure
your fuel consumption by recording the number of hours your
machine will operate on one tank. Remember that fuel consumption varies with
terrain and on how well your machine is maintained.
Night riding requires extra caution. Night time is the most dangerous time for
riding your ATV. Be
sure your lights work properly. Don't overrun your lights! Slow
down and avoid unfamiliar terrain. Carry a flashlight.
Speed and Handling
No matter
how experienced you are, an ATV can only go so fast over rough terrain. Never
operate your ATV at a speed that is not reasonable for the conditions. Many
operators who have been involved in accidents claim that they lost control" of
their vehicle. What this really means is that they were going too fast for the
conditions to maintain control of their vehicle.
When you drive too fast, you risk the chance of crashing and
hurting yourself or hurting someone else. If other people are around, you also
give the impression of being a reckless driver. Your reckless actions reflect on
all ATV operators and lead to a bad image of ATV riders. Being a "good rider"
means being safe, responsible and knowing your limitations, as well as the
limitations of your vehicle.
Dune Riding
Dune riding
offers great thrills and fun. but certainly safety precautions are necessary to
fully enjoy this type of terrain. Make certain that your ATV is equipped with an
antenna flag so others can see you better. The antenna and safety flag should be
at least ten feet from ground to tip (with the tip lighted at night).
Assume that
wet sand is soft and could be quick sand. Do not attempt to cross unless it is a
known safe place.
Keep off
vegetation because it helps stabilize the dunes and may hide an obstacle or
hazard. Be aware of "razorback" dunes which have a gradual incline on one side
(usually the windward side) and nearly a sheer drop on the other side (leeward).
Dunes shift in size and shape. Never assume that everything is the same from one
visit to the next.
Be extra careful when the sun is directly overhead because no
shadows are created. Sunny days produce a three to four inch heat haze on top of
the sand that may create the illusion that the sand is level where large bumps
and holes exist. Travel slowly under these conditions. Night riding demands
extra caution. The best bet is to slow down. When stopping for a rest,
always park at the crest of a dune.
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