Owning an ATV is your ticket to joining a thriving community. Nearly every city and town has at least one group devoted to riding all-terrain vehicles. These groups organize group rides and tours, host workshops and compare past experiences to share their knowledge of the sport. Chances are there’s a thriving community outside your door. The National Institute of Health reports that some 10.5 million households own an ATV. You can join a group regardless of your experience level. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to learn. Read on to discover the benefits of getting involved in the ATV community.
How to Join an ATV Riding Club
Before joining, ensure you have everything you need to ride — or you might get left behind. Find the proper ATV riding gear to get in on the fun. You’ll need a full-face helmet or skull cap with goggles, gloves, boots, durable pants, long sleeves and a well-maintained off-road vehicle.
Talking to other off-roaders is half the fun of joining. Use off-road communication to connect wirelessly with your fellow riders instead of using hand signals or shouting over the roar of the engine. Mount the receiver to your helmet to use your voice to strike up a conversation on the trail. The device resets automatically when in range to help you navigate as a group.
Use Meetup.com and DownToMeet.com to see what’s available in your area. Signing up is usually easy and free. Every group sets rules and requirements to create a respectful and welcoming environment.
5 Reasons to Join Your Local ATV Group
- Find Riding Buddies
Joining an ATV group is the best way to find people who share your interests. As the sport expands in popularity, all types of individuals are getting in on the action, creating a diverse network of passionate off-roaders. According to a recent survey from Statista, ATV owners span all ages, with 8.11 percent of respondents ages 18 to 29 stating they own an ATV.
Riding with a friend not only makes ATVing more enjoyable, but it also keeps you safe on the trail by having someone to watch your back. The rest of the group will help you troubleshoot your engine when things go awry. Someone may also have a winch for getting your ATV out of the mud or sand. You can give each other riding tips in real time using wireless communication and spot one another when reversing or riding over less than solid ground.
- Learn About the Sport
The riding community is full of valuable knowledge that will improve your skills on the trail. Some members may have been riding before you were born. Joining a group and making friends is the only way to access this information. Reading about a sport just isn’t the same. If another rider notices you making a mistake, they will show you how to fix it.
Most people are happy to answer questions if they know the answer. Others will volunteer stories and tips to anyone who’s listening. ATVing has evolved over the decades from a niche recreational activity to a multi-billion-dollar industry, and these riders will tell you what it was like before the sport went mainstream.
- Discover New Places to Ride
No one knows where to ride like a group of impassioned ATVers. You will likely find an eclectic mix of locals who have been riding the local hills and parks for generations. They will highlight the best trails and spots for practicing your skills, doing tricks or admiring the scenery. They can also share tips for inspecting the terrain to ensure it’s safe to ride after a major storm or natural disaster to help you prepare for the unexpected.
- Get Involved with ATV Events
ATV groups often participate in local festivals to showcase their skills and get non-riders interested in the sport. Some members even get involved nationally, including some of the biggest ATV spectacles in the U.S., like UTV Takeover, Oregon Dunefest and Rally on the Rocks. Joining can help you go behind the scenes of the industry. Who knew volunteering could be so exciting?
- Save on Gear and Insurance
Looking to restock your supply of ATV accessories? Being a card-carrying member of a prominent ATV club could save you 10 percent to 15 percent on gear and riding passes. Some clubs provide discounts on merch when you shop at participating local retailers as an incentive for joining. Your ATV insurance provider might also cut you a break on premiums. Clubs often save money on riding passes when purchasing as a group.
ATV groups bring people together to celebrate this thrilling activity. You will be one of many vibrant characters exploring the outdoors, helping you make new connections that can turn into lifelong friendships. Find an ATV group in your state to create lasting memories with people who enjoy ATVing as much as you.
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