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ATV Operation
4. If shifting your weight and balance aren’t enough to keep the ATV
tires on the ground, straighten out the handlebars as much as you can.
5. Gradually increase your speed as you come out of the turn.
Crossing Obstacles
Crossing obstacles is risky; avoid it if possible. Riding over logs, rocks,
and ruts means combining all the active riding skills into one big
motion. Your ATV will respond differently for different obstacles (logs,
ruts, etc.), but these are general guidelines for overcoming two-track
(both tires contacting the obstacle at the same time) obstacles:
1. Keep your speed way down; less than 5 mph.
2. Approach the obstacle head-on.
3. Come up off the seat.
4. Keep your weight on the footrests.
5. Apply a little throttle when the front tires make contact with the obstacle.
6. Lean forward and release the throttle when front tires clear the
obstacle.
7. Keep your body loose to absorb any shock.
8. If the ATV starts tipping, shift your weight to keep it in balance.
To clear a single-track (only one tire contacts) obstacle, follow the same
rules except:
1. Use the ATV’s momentum to clear the obstacle.
2. Don’t pull up on the handlebar.
3. Don’t apply the throttle.
Crossing Water
Your ATV can only handle water up to its footrests. Any more than that
and you risk engine damage and/or personal injury. Stay away from fast
moving rivers. ATV tires can be buoyant, so if the water is too deep, you
might find the ATV suddenly afloat.
1. Physically check the depth and current of the water, especially if
you can’t see the bottom. You’re also checking for boulders, logs,
or any other hidden obstacles.
2. Keep your speed slow.
3. Make sure you have a way out on the other side of the water.
4. If you get stuck in the sludge or mud, try rocking the ATV from
side to side.
5. Once you’ve cleared the water, briefly apply the brakes to make
sure they work.
Crossing Roads
Crossing roads on your ATV is also a bad idea, so avoid it. If you can’t:
1. Stop completely on the shoulder of the road.
2. Check both directions for traffic.
3. Crossing near a blind corner or intersection is dangerous; don’t do it.
4. Drive straight across to the opposite shoulder.
5. Take into account that your ATV could stall while crossing; give
yourself enough time to get off the road.
6. You have to assume that oncoming cars don’t see you, and if they
do, they won’t be able to predict your actions.
7. It’s illegal to cross public roads in some places. Know your local
laws.
