Enjoying nature doesn't always have to be in a calm way. Exploring the wild is something that you can enjoy especially when done with an ATV. Riding an ATV is going off-roading in the deep as it can take place off a beaten path. While the same can be done with a powerful 4x4, the size of an ATV is perfect for the true off-roading experience through thick vegetation.
You get to spend time in the outdoors and also get a day's worth of exercise for the whole body and not just a handful of muscles. You also improve your hand-eye coordination and your problem-solving skills especially when you get stuck in a muddy stretch of land.
Must-Have Gear
Goggles
The unpredictable conditions of the wild require you to gear up and one of the first items you should pack is goggles. You have no idea how mud can fly off from the wheels and go directly into your eyes. This is not a pleasant experience and with goggles, you get the best ATV parts in Australia for the job as they are tough and don't impede your view.
Helmet
To protect both your head and eyes you should go for a DOT-approved helmet. You can double up and wear goggles with your helmet but keep in mind that this can be uncomfortable on longer rides. A high-quality helmet is one of a few ATV UTV parts that can literally save your life.
Gloves
When riding an ATV through the bush you'll need gloves more than you think so. These ATV parts found across Australia protect both from the elements and any branches that might scratch the back of your hands. With gloves, you can also improve the grip you have on the handlebars which can make it easier to use the throttle and brakes.
Boots
Your feet may not be doing much when riding an ATV but they too need to be protected from all that mud kick up as well as the elements. Quad parts store offers close-toed boots which is what you want to go for here as well as boots that go over the ankle. This way you get enough support and protection from the boots whenever you hop off your ATV.
Shirt & Pants
Covering up is something you want to do no matter what you go off-roading with, but that should be especially the case with an ATV as it doesn't protect you as much as a 4x4 vehicle. Both long-sleeved shirts and pants are a must-have in order to keep you dry and cleaner than when you would go with a short-sleeved attire.
GPS
Although you're out in the wild with an ATV, a GPS device mounted on the handlebars can be quite handy. These ATV UTV parts can help show you the direction you're headed and in case of an emergency, it can definitely make a big difference in finding your way out of an area that just looks the same wherever you look. GPS devices have a feature that lets you select the route you took up to a certain point so that you go the same route back without having to look for clues.
First Aid Kit
Lastly and most importantly you should always carry a first aid kit on your ATV adventures. Even if you don't go deep into the bush, you should ensure that you always have some of the essentials. Almost every quad parts store will have a kit with gauze, bandages, emergency blanket, antiseptic wipes, gloves, safety pins, a thermometer, tweezers, pain medication and a manual.
ATV Safety Tips
Space
Talking about safety, you should also ride safely, especially when in a group. For starters, you should always leave enough space between you and any ATV that is in front of you in case they hit the brakes out of nowhere. You should give even more space to the person in front of you when it raining or when you're on a dusty trail.
Hand Signals
If you're the one leading a group you should use the correct hand signals in order to let them know ahead of time what they need to do. These signals are made with your left hand and some are static while others are motions that inform of a hazard and tell people to slow down or stop and where to turn.
Stopping
When it comes to stopping, be it in a group or solo you should avoid doing so in a curve or on the trail. Make sure to pull off the path in a visible spot so that other riders can see you from far away. You should also leave enough space for people to pass safely.
Turns and Hills
What should be taken with care is a blind turn and a hill. In these cases, you should be slow and alert especially if riding on a more challenging terrain than usual. You can also check out the area on foot before you bring your ATV over. When going uphill it's best to stand up or lean forward so that you can see if someone is coming on time.
