How To Prepare For Your First UTV Ride
Your first ride on a UTV is sure to be full of excitement, adventure and adrenaline-pumping thrills. Utility terrain vehicles, also called side by sides, are powerful vehicles capable of handling almost anything you throw at them, including the most difficult terrain and harsh riding conditions. This means you can take them places that cars simply can’t go. To prepare yourself for your first UTV ride, read this guide by the folks at Richmond Equipment. We’re your one-stop shop for all your powersports needs, so come to us with any questions you may still have about UTV riding!
Be Ready To Get Dirty
UTV riding is a dirty business because they kick up a great deal of dust, debris, mud and rocks as they clamber over difficult terrain. Be wary of riding over creeks and through mud puddles as you’re liable to get splashed. Your side by side ride is not the time to wear nice clothes that you want to keep pristine. Protect all of your belongings and equipment as you ride, since debris and water can damage electronics and other items easily.
Acquire The Right Safety Gear
Safety gear is vital when you’re riding a UTV because most lack an enclosure or windshield to protect you from the elements and from anything that your tires kick back. While UTVs operate similarly to cars and have seat belts to hold riders in place, you still want to wear a well-fitting motorcycle helmet with a face shield or a motocross helmet and pair of goggles to protect your eyes and brain. Wear jeans or other sturdy pants, long sleeves, gloves with good grip and a pair of boots that protect you at least to your ankles. Make sure you also have a first aid kit and a repair kit on board your UTV when you ride.
Follow Your Leader
When you’re new to UTV riding, it’s better to follow someone more experienced so that they can guide you over simpler paths and help you to avoid obstacles. Let a professional show you the ropes and lead the way for your first rides. Don’t stray off the path they provide and make sure you follow them at enough of a distance that you can brake suddenly without running into them.
Know Your UTV
Take some time to learn about the UTV you’re planning to ride before you set off on your first adventure in it. Not all side by sides are the same, so you’ll want to thoroughly consult the owner’s manual to know how yours operates and where all the controls are located. Practicing in an empty field a little before going to a trail or track can be beneficial to get you familiar with how your UTV rides. Older models of UTV are more prone to tipping over, so be cautious when riding them. If you want a smoother ride, stick to a newer model that provides increased stability.
Bring Your Camera
As you ride your UTV, you’re sure to see some fantastic sights worth capturing so you can share them with friends and family back home. Take a camera along in your storage compartment, preferably in a waterproof container that will keep it safe from splashes and dust. This camera could be the one on your phone, a helmet-mounted camera or a fancy film camera for you photography buffs. When you stop riding to rest or admire your surroundings, snap some photos for your feed!
Still trying to find the right UTV for your recreational or work purposes? Visit our Richmond showroom to see our full inventory of new and used utility terrain vehicles for sale by all the greatest brands. Richmond Equipment serves the greater Houston metro area, as well as the city of Rosenberg, Texas.