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Adventure and Possibility: Exploring
America on an ATV
 I
will never forget my first ATV ride. I was visiting relatives who
had access to hundreds of miles of trails. Their love of the sport
and stories of faraway trails and adventures made such an impact
on me, that I went out and bought my own ATV the next day. I had
nearly 500 acres of my own land to explore, and within a year, I
rode over 2500 miles on my small plot of land. I checked the deer
stand, went fishing at the pond, built a tree house in farthest
corner, looked for the dog, and escaped when the in-laws came to
visit. This was enough to satisfy me for a while, but then I started
thinking about riding some real trails, and I made arrangements
to revisit the place where it all began for me. I met more people
who shared my love of adventure and filled my head with spectacular
campfire tales of wandering trails, dramatic scenery, and the thrill
of discovering uncharted territory. I was hooked all over again.
I questioned whether my back yard oasis would be enough any more.
I knew I had to find these places I had heard about and experience
the terrain first-hand. I made phone calls, wrote letters, and even
explored the Internet to plan my next adventure. Thus began my career
as an adventure tour guide.
That was 14 years ago. I started by taking family and friends–then
strangers who became friends. The next thing I knew, people were
calling to book adventure tours with me, and they were even willing
to pay! They started sending me thank-you cards and booking trips
for the next year. I seemed to be on to something. I was taking
people to locations in five different states and showing them the
adventure of a lifetime. I couldn’t keep up with the demand,
and eventually began producing off-road adventure DVD’s for
people who are interested in exploring America’s beauty. Showing
people where they can ride their ATV’s or off-road vehicles
is not as personal as taking them, but the logistical nightmare
of planning trips such as these have been solved. I can now give
more attention to each rider’s individual needs.
Many people that live in the Midwest, East Coast, and even the
West Coast have never seen the Rocky Mountains, and have no idea
of the beauty that awaits them. The mountains are every bit as majestic
as the songs describe them. The awe you feel as you crest a ridge
is indescribable. It is amazing how quickly you become captivated
while watching wildlife grazing in meadows of wildflowers or while
crossing the various bubbling creeks that are created by the many
waterfalls…then to realize that you are only a few miles from
your tow rig. As you continue to explore, you may find the remains
of old mines and mining equipmen,t or former homesteads of our pioneering
forefathers. You may even discover the railroads that once carried
ore and precious metals through the Continental Divide during the
gold rush. These are just a few of the many backdrops to your adventure.
Maybe traveling at 13,000 feet isn’t how you want to start.
You may want to experience the changing season at a slightly lower
elevation. When the fall colors are changing, and red and gold leaves
are in full contrast to the blue skies, the sunset below 10,000
feet just as breathtaking, and you can still see waterfalls, old
mines, living ghost towns, wildlife and post card landscape, but
you will also see petroglyphs, saguaros, Indian ruins, and a thousand
miles of trails that take you to the wild and remote land of the
southwest.
Perhaps you’re a beginner, or you are looking for easy-going
and family-orientated trails that allow you to discover the thrill
of
traveling were Native Americans or hopeful prospectors once roamed.
Maybe the navigation of a more challenging route is the only way
you can get your buddy or brother in-law to realize who is really
the better rider or has the better ATV. Either way, you’re
bound to have the time of your life.
Planning your next off-road trip or vacation is a lot harder than
purchasing a couple maps and making reservations. There are many
factors to consider in your adventure planning equation. How about
the skill level of everyone in your group or actual difficulty level
of the trails? Is your ATV up for the challenge? Did you purchase
the right maps and what about points of interest along the way?
Will the place you’re staying be able to accommodate your
rig? Will you have to park far away? Do you know the state and local
laws for the area you’re going to? Do you need registration
and/or special use permits? How about a place to get repairs? You
don’t want your fun ruined on the first or second day. What
about a place to eat? I’m not talking fast food, I’m
talking about great local grub where the proprietors welcome you
with open arms.. These are the questions that you must answer to
ensure the best experience possible.
Who says that ATV’s or off-road vehicles need to be limited
to back yard or empty lot recreation? I say when you limit yourself,
that’s when riding becomes dull and boring. Riding ATV’s
or off-road vehicles in our great outdoors has its rewards and responsibilities;
I hope you gain both on your next adventure. I’ll see you
on the trail!
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