Off-Roading with Kids
Posted
by
WinterKids
on Thursday, June 19, 2014
Being the outdoorsy and spontaneous people we are, my husband and I went out and bought ourselves ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) this spring. We have already been on multiple day trips as well as a long weekend trip to Moab last weekend, discovering new trails and destinations with our group of friends that also have ATVs or Side by Sides (Utility Terrain Vehicles).
I must admit that I am no expert and yes, 4-wheeling can be dangerous! This is especially true if the machine is handled in an improper way or correct safety equipment is not used. However, when handled correctly and all the safety precautions are taken as well as wearing correctly-fitting gear, it is an extremely fun sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Off-roading is great for camping, riding on rough terrain, and most importantly, spending quality time with friends and family. If you are not quite ready to purchase an ATV or UTV, find a location near you that rents them out and take your family on the experience of a lifetime adventure that they will never forget!
There are many different options for your kids to come along 4-wheeling with you. First, they are able to ride one on their own! That’s right—unlike driving a regular vehicle, ATVs fall outside of federal highway safety regulations, and are instead regulated by the states. While most states do have age requirements, it is usually lifted if they are supervised by an adult and/or possess a safety certificate. Visit here to see the requirements in your state. We encourage you and your child to take the safety course offered in your state, even if it’s not required. Some of the courses offered are also FREE!
Children’s ATVs range in size from as small as 50cc and go up to 250cc. They offer little or no suspension, little power, and an automatic transmission. Smaller 4-wheelers are specifically designed with smaller people in mind that have little or no previous riding experience; however, before purchasing an ATV for your child, be sure to put serious consideration into your child’s physical and emotional development. Is your child a good size for their age and able to reach all the controls while seated? Are they strong enough to handle machinery on their own? Are they well-disciplined, able to focus, and have good decision-making abilities? If so, there are many benefits to teaching kids to ride their own ATV at a young age, such as gaining more driving experience for once they do turn 16, as well as being healthier and leading a more active and disciplined lifestyle. It’s very important to provide the proper education about correct ATV riding to your kids, and make sure they wear protective gear together with goggles and a helmet!
If you are not too keen on your child riding their own 4-wheeler, adult ATVs have the option to come equipped with a back seat or you can also add one on at a later date. While in some states it is legal to ride two up on a quad designed for one, the purpose built two-up ATVs have a longer wheelbase putting the passenger inside the rear axle and also providing hand and foot holds making for a more comfy ride with less slippage. A Side by Side is also a great option for families, and they are becoming increasingly popular. Unlike typical ATVs, which have handlebars and an open saddle, side by sides — the seats being beside one another — have a steering wheel as well as gas and brake pedals. They come with two or four seats but now, with as many as six seats, roll bars, seat belts, and cushy bucket seats, side by sides have become the luxury sedan of off-roading.
Also available as of 2014 is a single seat ATV/UTV made by Polaris called the Sportsmans Ace. The Ace is reasonably priced, has all-wheel drive, offers rollover protection, a seat belt, and is easy for a novice off-roader to get out and explore. The Ace would be a perfect choice for your teenager. With all these great options to get you and your kids out on the trails, what are you waiting for?
One of the trails we explored on our recent trip to Moab was called Top of the World. OHV or Off Highway Vehicle trails are rated like ski trails: Easy, Moderate, or Difficult. Since this trail was rated Difficult on the OHV Trail Scale, cousins Dylan and Sam, both 10-years old, had to ditch their 125cc wheelers halfway up the trail when the difficulty level became too intense for their little motors to handle. After the small ATVs were securely hidden and locked to a tree, the boys rejoined the clan by jumping on the back of each of their dad’s ATVs. 10-year old Kayley was already riding along in her mom’s RZR (Polaris’ version of a Side by Side) and 16-year old Joey rode shotgun in her aunt's RZR, while 17-year old Cyndi rode her own the whole way up. The camaraderie of 4-wheeling in a group is unbeatable—everyone looks out for one another.The person in the lead is the ultimate decision maker who has to decide which route is the safest to take when dealing with rocks or tough obstacles, and when it is the best time to dismount their own ATV to help each person maneuver their machine over a very difficult trail feature.
As we rode up the trail one by one, we had no idea what was in store for us once we got to the summit. The jaw-dropping scene we reached at the top of the trail made all the sweat, dirt, bug bites, and sunburns worthwhile. The pictures we had seen on the trail description page from the internet did not do it justice. We were literally on top of the world. It was only fitting that Kayley began blasting the song “On Top of the World” from one of the RZRs Bluetooth music devices as we took in the breathtaking scenery surrounding us.
Have you gone off-roading with kids, or are you planning to take your family in the future? Let us know in the comments below!
Categories:
Family Fun
Tagged: Family Fun, kids, off-roading, outdoor activities
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