Exploring America on an ATV can never be dull or boring.
I remember the first time I rode an ATV. It was an experience that will never be forgotten. I went from expressing my thanks to relatives one day and purchasing one of my own the next. They had a hundred of miles of riding in their area and I had 460 acres of my own land to ride. They thought they were in heaven in their state and I thought I was, in my own yard. One day I looked down to realized I had put 2500 miles on my ATV in a year and doing so all on this small plot of land. I thought to myself where did I really go? I checked the deer stand, went fishing at the pond, built a tree house in farthest corner, looked for the dog and I got away when the in-laws called to say they were coming over. I started thinking about riding some real trails and made arrangements to revisit the place that started it all.
I was hooked all over again. I met new people and talked about their love of the sport and heard stories of far away places that offered more trails and adventure than I could imagine. I asked myself, if I could be content with my back yard oasis any longer. I had to explore and see the terrain and landscape that was told to me in fairy tale fashion. I made phone calls, wrote letters, looked on this thing they called the internet and started to plan my next adventure.
That was 14 years ago. I started with taking my family and friends, then people I didnt know that became friends. I had people calling wanting to book an adventure tour with me. They were willing to pay for a guided tour.
Suddenly they were sending me thank you cards, wanting to book a trip for next year. I was taking them to five different states and showing them the adventure of a lifetime.
Now I produce off-road adventure DVDs that show people who were once like me (naïve to exploring this great America) where to ride. Showing people where they can ride their ATVs or off-road vehicles is not as personal as taking them, but the logistical nightmare of planning trips such as these have been solved. I can now give more attention to detail to each riders individual needs.
Folks that live in the Midwest, East coast or West coast for that matter, have no idea of the beauty that lies before them. The mountains are majestic just like we hear in songs. The feeling of awe you get as you crest the ridge is indescribable. The wildlife grazing in meadows of wildflowers, a waterfall that creates the many creek crossings youll encounter, then realizing you only have gone a few miles from your tow rig. That is just the beginning, what could be next, thousands of miles of trails, ghost towns!
You will see the remains of old mines and mining equipment or homesteads that once housed our exploring forefathers. Railroads that once carried ore and precious metals through the Continental Divide are just one of many back drops to your adventure.
Maybe traveling at 13,000 feet above sea level isnt how you want to start.
Maybe you want a little lower elevation because of the changing season. How about the when the fall colors are changing as red and gold leaves are in full contrast to the blue skies? The sunset at 10,000 feet or lower is just as nice but where can you go when the cold weather is a factor at that time of year and its only 28 degrees at home. You want to escape on your ATV to a place where you can see the sun for the first time in months or at least feel the heat from it. You can and still see the same similarities. Youll still see waterfalls, old mines, living ghost towns, wildlife and post card landscape, but you will also see petroglyths, saguaros, Indian ruins and a thousand miles of trails that take you to the wild and remote land of the southwest. Perhaps you want to head to more areas of this land of the free.
Maybe youre a beginner or looking for easy going and family orientated trails as you discover the thrill of traveling were Native Americans or hopeful prospectors once roamed. Maybe the navigation of a more challenging route is the only way you can get your buddy or brother in-law to realize who is really the better rider or has the better ATV. Either way youre bound to have the time of your life.
Planning your next off-road trip or vacation is a lot harder than purchasing a couple maps and making reservations. There are plenty of factors to your adventure planning equation. How about the skill level of everyone in your group or what are the trails really like? Is your ATV up for the challenge?
Did you purchase all the corresponding maps and where are those points of interest along the way? Will the place youre staying at be able to accommodate your rig? Will you have to park far away? Do you know the state and local laws for the area youre going to? Do you need registration and/or special use permits? How about a place to get repairs? You dont want your fun ruined on the first or second day. How about a place to get some grub?
Im not talking Mickey Ds, Im talking great local grub that the owners welcome you with open arms and will not badger you with their tree hugging antics. These are the questions that you must ask yourself to ensure the best experience possible.
Who says that ATVs or off-road vehicles need to be limited to back yard or empty lot recreation? I say when you limit yourself, thats when you become dull and boring. Riding ATVs or off-road vehicles in our great outdoors has its rewards and responsibilities; I hope you gain both on your next adventure. Ill see you on the trail!
Ranger Dave's
WHERE TO RIDE GUIDE
Dave Ferris
Producer / Director
253-875-6887
rgrdave@wheretorideguide.com
WE BRING THE TRAIL TO YOU
