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 a thing that most ATV lovers find irresistible. Way to avoid it, where there’s hardly another human being around the corner, away from the madding crowds is where the ATV trails are. True, ATVs are also used as utility vehicles on farms where they are used more as tools in agriculture and farming than for fun. But what many ATV users who are into it for sport probably don?t know is how lousy ATVs is often as far as nature goes. What the environmentalists say ought to be taken seriously.
ATV trails when used excessively can do plenty of ecological harm. So how exactly 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 do the damage. While they are ideal 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 met up and formed groups to sort out this problem. There have been special areas that they purchased and reserved only for ATV driving.
They also made a decision to educate ATV drivers about how be responsible and respect the surroundings. One of the forerunners in this effort was Tread Lightly!, a non-profit organization which is dedicated to educating people how to treat nature responsibly. It had been born in 1985 when a program was launched by the united states Forest Service to address the issue of recreation people to the forests growing to unmanageable numbers. This became private in 1990 and Tread Lightly! happened 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 first one, of course, is to stay within the areas open limited to ATV use. There are designated trails today and you may find out where they’re and have the time you will ever have there. Remember that when there are slick ATV trails, utilize the clutch so you get the maximum traction with the least 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 proper need and don?t winch with anything 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 the very least 200 feet away from water bodies and trails. Get rid of waste properly by burying it 6 to 8 feet deep and use fire only when necessary.
They have even more guidelines plus they are listed beneath the heading ?Respect the surroundings and the rights of others?. Here, you are asked to be considerate of everybody else on the trail or the road and to ride only what your location is allowed to. You need to respect private land and leave the gates as you found them. Respect the proper of way when someone passes you or is traveling uphill and present 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.
There are still more guidelines that come under ?Educate yourself by planning before you go?. It tells you to get yourself a map before you go out and determine where the ATV trails are. It is always safe to tell someone about your travel plans and to adhere to the plans you make. Make Your reputation24 to get in touch with 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 several emergency items with you in the event of emergencies. Try not to go solo but gather two or three to visit 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 fuel, your time and your own ability. Don?t drink or do drugs and drive. Be always in control of the vehicle and make sure it is in top condition. Keep tools and supplies in the event you need them
ATV Trails can be great fun if you take several precautions. Respect the trail and the you?ll find you have a blast in return.