It?s heady. It?s fun. It really is addictive. We?re discussing ATV driving. The thrill of driving through rugged, off-the-road terrain is something that most ATV lovers find irresistible. Way out, where there’s hardly another human being in sight, away from the madding crowds is where the ATV trails are. True, ATVs are also used as utility vehicles on farms where they’re used more as tools in agriculture and farming than for fun. But what a great deal of ATV users who are involved with it for sport probably don?t know is how lousy ATVs can be as far as nature goes. What the environmentalists say should be taken seriously.
ATV trails when used excessively can do many ecological harm. How does this happen, particularly when you take your sport to the back of beyond areas? It?s the deep threads in the ATV tires that the damage. While they are great for driving around on rough terrain, they dig deep channels in the unpaved trails, that could drain swampy areas and therefore cause more sedimentation of water bodies. So ATV lovers got together and formed groups to sort out this problem. There were special areas which they purchased and reserved only for ATV driving.
They also made a decision to educate ATV drivers about how exactly be responsible and respect the environment. One of the forerunners in this effort was Tread Lightly!, a non-profit organization which is dedicated to educating people how exactly to treat nature responsibly. It had been born in 1985 when a program was launched by the US Forest Service to address the problem of recreation visitors to the forests growing to unmanageable numbers. This became private in 1990 and Tread Lightly! came into being as a non profit organization.
For ATV drivers, Tread Lightly! includes a brochure with guidelines under ?Travel and recreate with minimum impact?. Let?s have a quick look at them. The initial one, of course, would be to stay within the areas open limited to ATV use. You can find designated trails today and you can find out where they are and have the time you will ever have there. Remember that when there are slick ATV trails, use the clutch so you obtain the maximum traction with minimal amount of tailspin and moderate your throttle. Don?t roost around the apex of a turn when on switchbacks. This should be kept in mind if you are brake-sliding while descending or climbing as both actions can gouge ATV trails. Streams ought to be crossed only where ATV trails cross the streams or at the designated fording points. Try not to drive in marshy areas or in meadows.
Keep your equipment in good shape and when winching, find a secure anchor, find the appropriate winch for the right need and don?t winch with anything significantly less than five wraps of wire rope wound round the drum. If you work with a tree being an anchor, avoid damaging the tree by wrapping a wide tree strap around it. Also do not make too much of a noise and disrupting the silence of nature around you. Use regular camping sites and be sure you camp at least 200 feet away from water bodies and trails. Dispose of waste properly by burying it 6 to 8 feet deep and use fire only when necessary.
They have some more guidelines and they are listed under the heading ?Respect the environment and the rights of others?. Here, you are asked to be considerate of everyone else on the trail or the street and to ride only what your location is allowed to. You should respect private land and leave the gates as you found them. Respect the right of way when someone passes you or is traveling uphill and give solution to hikers, horses and mountain bikers. Don?t kick up a dust ? literally ? and keep carefully the decibel level down. And pack out whatever you pack in.
You may still find more guidelines that come under ?Educate yourself by planning prior to going?. It tells you to get hold of a map before you venture out and determine where in fact the ATV trails are. yizzly will always be safe to tell someone about your travel plans and to adhere to the plans you make. Make it a point to get touching the land manager and have about closures, area restrictions and permit requirements. Always ask for permission before you cross private land. Monitor the weather and keep a few emergency items with you in case of emergencies. Do not go solo but get together two or three to travel with. Wear protection ? a helmet, eye along with other safety gear. In case you do separate, arrange meeting points beforehand. Keep a sharp eye on your own fuel, your time and your own ability. Don?t drink or do drugs and drive. Be always in charge of the vehicle and make certain it is in top condition. Keep tools and supplies in the event you need them
ATV Trails can be great fun invest the a few precautions. Respect the trail and the you?ll find you have a blast in return.