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Hit the Road and Camp America!

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Camping tips and trip ideas for the whole family

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Sport Spotlight

Tips for outdoor recreation and outdoor sportsOutdoor Sport Spotlight

Wild or mild outdoor sports and recreation are a passion of the camping.com editors.  Here we profile different sports and outdoor recreation activities.  We'll give you tips on getting started, tell you about the great places for outdoor sports and show you what gear you need to be comfortable in all conditions.  So whether you're a seasoned outdoor sports enthusiast or a enthusiastic beginner we have tips and advice to make the most of your outdoor recreation passion.

ATV Riding and 4-Wheeling

ATV Riding and 4-Wheeling


ATV Riding and 4-Wheeling is a great way to add some excitement to you outdoor adventures. The All Terrain Vehicle can traverse difficult terrain much faster than you could hike or bike. If you don't own your own vehicle, there are places where you can rent them for a day. Once you have tried this great sport you may find yourself wanting to go to greater heights and faster speeds, at which point you'll want to look for a good quality ATV. These vehicles are something of an expense, but you can find great deals on good quality machines.

The first thing to remember when dealing with an ATV is that you are operating heavy machinery. This comes with its own set of safety guidelines, and you also need to be aware of the impact these vehicles have on the natural habitat. There are many places where people ride ATVs often and you don't have to worry so much about your impact, but if you take your ATV into nature you need to learn how to have fun on your ATV without creating a huge negative impact on the natural environment.

A great way to start your ATV riding adventure is to take a class on how to ride safely. You will find that these vehicles will flip over fairly easily and they handle differently than other types of vehicles. A class will teach you about how to operate the machine, how to maintain it, and how to have fun safely. In a course they will teach you how to offload your ATV from the truck or trailer. In addition, you will learn about the proper safety gear.

Most importantly you need to have a good helmet. These vehicles have a lot of power and they are heavy and large, so be sure to protect yourself with a good helmet.  Your helmet can make the difference between getting up and walking away from an accident and ending up in the hospital, just like riding a bicycle. The power of these vehicles are what makes them fun to ride, but it is also what makes it a slightly dangerous sport.  If you know how to operate the vehicle and wear the right gear, you can have an exhilarating and safe ride.

Beyond a helmet, you will also need eye protection, gloves, and boots. After you have all of your gear figured out and fit properly, you need to learn the controls of the specific vehicle you are riding. They all steer with handle bars like motorcycles and bicycles, but they have different types of transmissions and braking controls. Some shift with a foot peddle, others have a button. You need to be familiar with how to control you vehicle before you go out on it.

It is always a good idea to practice on safe, flat terrain when you are first trying something. Riding an ATV may seem easy, but you really do need to be in full control of your vehicle when you are out off-roading. Once you are able to use your vehicle with ease, you are ready to try it on increasingly difficult terrain. This is where the sport gets really fun. You will find yourself having an amazing time zipping over the bumps and tearing up the terrain on your ATV.

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