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Riding ATVs has become an enormously popular pastime, particularly in the rural areas of Alaska. It not only gives you an adrenaline rush, but it lets you see many locations that might otherwise be inaccessible. If you are new to the hobby, below are some tips to help you enjoy yourself safely.  

What ATV Beginners Should Know 

1. Always Wear Safety Equipment

You'll be tackling tricky hills, muddy bogs, and thickets of brush, so it's important you always wear proper gear. A helmet will protect your head if you get thrown from the vehicle, while boots and gloves protect your extremities against getting whipped by branches and brush. Goggles similarly guard your eyes against branches, flying mud, and thrown gravel. The better protected you are, the more fun you will have, and the less stress you'll experience.

2. Start Out Slow

ATVsDuring your first few rides, you may be tempted to go full-throttle. It's important to resist this temptation and learn how the ATV runs first. It doesn't maneuver like a car, so it's possible for the vehicle to topple. Off-road traction can be tricky, and you could be thrown after the tires suddenly grip when you're expecting a slide. Operate the vehicle responsibly until you become more familiar with how it reacts to certain terrain. 

3. Practice Shifting

If you've never ridden a motorcycle or a standard-shift vehicle, you might be completely unfamiliar with a clutch and manual transmission. Spend some time getting used to shifting up and down, engaging the clutch, and braking to a stop without stalling. It may take considerable practice to get the timing right and to shift smoothly. ATVs are not as user-friendly as an automatic transmission, so give yourself the necessary time to get used to driving it. 

 

For a wide selection of rugged ATVs, turn to All Seasons Honda & Peninsula Ski-Doo in Homer, AK. They serve customers from all over the Kenai Peninsula and carry four-wheelers, motorcycles, lawnmowers, generators, and snowblowers. Visit their website to see their selection of ATVs. Call (907) 235-8532 to ask about availability, pricing, and store hours.

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