18
Riding Over Obstacles
Chapter 9
Obstacles should be avoided when possible. Smaller obstacles may
be crossed if proper judgement and skills are utilised. Remember some
obstacles are too large and should be completely avoided, even if it
means turning around and taking a completely different path. Attempting
to cross an obstacle improperly could cause a loss of control or result in
your ATV overturning.
When crossing obstacles, follow the procedures listed in your owner’s
manual for your model ATV. Keep your knees and elbows flexible. Use
your legs and arms as shock absorbers to cross obstacles more com-
fortably. Keep your elbows bent out slightly and away from your body to
retain a flexible riding posture for uneven terrain.
Mounds and ruts both act as obstacles. Be sure to stand on the
footrests for each. If only the wheel(s) on one side goes over the obsta-
cle (a single-track obstacle), be prepared to shift your weight toward the
obstacle and maintain balance as the ATV moves to one side. If there is
excessive jarring from impact, bend your knees and arms more.
Keep in mind the following tips when crossing obstacles:
•
Approach obstacle as close to 90 degrees as possible, while standing
on the footrests.
•
Adjust approach speed prior to the obstacle without losing momen-
tum.
•
Hold handgrips firmly, with knees and elbows slightly bent and body
weight slightly back as the front wheels rise up and over the obstacle.
•
As rear wheels ride over the obstacle move your body weight forward
to centre yourself on the ATV.
For two-track obstacles:
•
Concentrate weight on footrests, not on handlebars.
•
As the front wheels contact the obstacle apply a small amount of
throttle.
•
Lean forward and release the throttle as the front wheels clear the
obstacle.
For single track (offset) obstacles:
•
Use momentum to cross obstacles.
•
Do not apply throttle.
•
Do not pull up on handlebars or attempt to loft the front wheels.
Chapter 9 - Quiz
1. Obstacles should be avoided if possible.
True
False
2. The larger an obstacle a rider can cross, the better that rider is.
True
False
3. The best way to cross an obstacle is to keep your knees and elbows
locked. True
False
4. The SEE strategy can be applied in avoiding or crossing obstacles.
True
False
5. Mounds and ruts in the terrain are treated similarly to obstacles.
True
False
6. The faster an obstacle is crossed, the safer the manoeuvre is.
True
False
7. Weight shift is toward the obstacle when crossing a single-track
obstacle. True
False
8. Too much throttle could cause an accident when crossing an obsta-
cle. True
False
9. It is best to approach an obstacle as close to 90 degrees as possible.
True
False
10.You should check your owner’s manual for the correct procedure for
crossing obstacles.
True
False
