Atv Anyone??

[TOOLTIME]

Anybody Else Here Like Using Their Atv To Explore And Camp Etc.
I Have Owned 4 Quads. My Newest And Hopefully Last Is An 07 Suzuki Kingquad 450. Have Ridden For Years, But Now Wanting To Use The Machine For More Things Like Said Above. Ride And Camp/fish Etc.
Happy Trails...
Tim

[Jason_Montana]

Occasionaly. I mainly use my ATV for training my sled dogs, but I do sometimes use it go exploring. I really love traveling in Wilderness areas by horse, dog or paddle craft. But, maybe once or twice a year I'll load up my ATV's racks and take off into the mountains behind my house and cruise the logging and fire roads and camp by myself for a night or two. I can get deeper into the national forest quicker by ATV than any other means- so it is a cool way to explore if I have limited time.

But, for me, my days of gasoline powered recreation are winding down. I have a tough time justifying to my wife that I can't afford to mow our grass, but I can afford to go cruisng in the mountains on my 4 wheeler. LOL!!!

[ryaninmichigan]

Anybody Else Here Like Using Their Atv To Explore And Camp Etc.
I Have Owned 4 Quads. My Newest And Hopefully Last Is An 07 Suzuki Kingquad 450. Have Ridden For Years, But Now Wanting To Use The Machine For More Things Like Said Above. Ride And Camp/fish Etc.
Happy Trails...
Tim

I do all the time. Must be a Michigan thing. I ride a 99 king quad. I have been thinking of getting the 450. how do you like it? What area are you from?

[Ole WV Coot]

My Honda Rincon rides great, goes where I want and carries everything I can pile on it. I need it to get to the areas I enjoy.

[Beowulf65]

Sorry I can't stand ATV's as they tear up the land. Well around here the ones are not considerate and tear up the land not following any kinda decorum.

[TOOLTIME]

love the 450....I live in Westland. Will chat more later, at work on my I touch. Pain to type long posts.

[fitfisherman]

Sorry I can't stand ATV's as they tear up the land. Well around here the ones are not considerate and tear up the land not following any kinda decorum.

Theres a lot of that going on here as well. I feel the same.

[TOOLTIME]

Well I'm happy to say I am not one of those people. To each there own

[Beowulf65]

THESE YOUNGSTERS JUST DON'T RESPECT THE WILDERNESS ANYMORE, makes a guy shake his head and worry about the future of our wilderness.

[Beowulf65]

Tooltime,Not saying you were, just said it happens here, if you respect the places you go then I am very glad and you are a fine example for others to follow and please keep it up.
Here we have problems and are having trouble deaaling with it.
And hello, its nice to meet you.

[fitfisherman]

Well I'm happy to say I am not one of those people. To each there own

I didn't mean that as a shot at you either. I think mine of Beo's experience are similiar.

Its just like everything else you have the good and the bad.

I'd love to have one for ice fishing.;)

[Jason_Montana]

There are bad apples in every bunch. But, honestly all types of use have impact- Horse trails cause huge erosion problems in some Wilderness Areas, and spread disease when hay is packed in. New Zealand mud snails and whirling disease microbes hitchike on canoes and wading boots from one stream to another and devastate Trout populations. I could go on and on, but the point is we are all loving our wild places to death.

So instead of pointing fingers at certain user groups, and alienating people that actually love wild places but choose to visit them in a different way- we should all join in and try to make our impact as less destructive as possible- use wisely. ATV's do have a place on public lands, and we should all ban together to protect the Wild Places we all enjoy.

[crashdive123]

Nicely said.

[Beowulf65]

[quote ATV's do have a place on public lands.[/quote]
In your book, in mine it would be no ATVs, 4x4s, Mountain Bikes etc.
Feet are the best mode of travel, they do less wear and tear, and horses were wild at one time and now some herds are being reintroduced. I can't stop most of the problems but I help stop those. And a love of the wilderness is one thing but tromping it on an ATV, 4X4, or truck is another, not much love there. You may love the sport but to me I find it hard to love nature when treat with the disrespect of tromping through it with one of the above.
The Leave No Trace rule is my favorite, and those listed above leave a huge trace.
But this is only my opinion, no one esles. However I wasn't picking on anyone when I posted my earlier remarks.
Beo,

[ryaninmichigan]

Everyone hates ATVs.....

[Rick]

Nice write up, Jason. Imagine the good we could do if all of us worked in the same direction.

If I were injured I wouldn't mind at all to be toted out on a horse, canoe or ATV (even dog sled!). I'd be thanking the rider/driver for their help.

[trax]

Good point, Jason, but I have to brag, I've never seen my canoe damage a lake or river :D I like ATV's if I'm somewhere that I don't have to worry about tearing up the land, as in the damage is already done, then I can give 'em ****!

[Rick]

Snail 1 in squeaky voice: "You think Trax knows we're stuck to the bottom of the canoe?"
Snail 2 in whisper: "Shush, you. He'll hear you!"

[Jason_Montana]

Beo, I respect what your saying- and in Designated Wilderness Areas, I agree there should be No Motorized use. there should be places where we can get away from motors.

But, on Nat'l Forest land, to me, motorized use is acceptable given the ground is hard, and the roads/ trails are already established. Also, motorized use gives people with disabilities access to wild places. I would hate to tell someone who had fought for our lands and way of life in a war- that he was not allowed into the NAtional Forest because his legs were blown off fighting for the land he loves. ATV's give access to more people.

However, I am not for motor head menaces ripping around tearing stuff up just to see dirt fly- that is irresponsible use. But, There are certain times of year that responsible use of ATV's cause very little impact. After all vibram soles and ATV tires are made out of the same thing. And boot soles can cause irreplaceable damage as well (cryptobiotic soil, and alpine tundra)

On a side note- Horses are not Native to the America's. They came here as domesticated animals brought over by the Spanish. Only when there herds escaped did this land get "wild horses". So really there impact to me is just as unnatural to the American landscape as ATV's.
Just my feelings...not right or wrong

[Rick]

Freakin' Spaniards! Hey you! Get that horse back on the ship! You think the only thing I have to do all day is walk around lookin' after your horse? And pick up that shield! Who let these characters in here anyway? Gold doubloons you say? Gold? Naw, that horse is okay. Let me see some of those doubloons......buddy.

[trax]

Well Rick, on the plus side we now have Taco Bell, you know there's give and take in everything.

Beo, sit up and pay attention, someone just said he respects what you're saying, take it where you can get it, bro.

[fitfisherman]

the other point that has not yet been made is:
How can you enjoy the sites, sounds, and smells of nature when you're racing across the land on a motorized vehicle. You'll be sucking exhaust fumes and listening to the motor.

I'd rather walk. Its good exercise and you see more. Plus I'm usually scouting for the coming deer and turkey seasons when I'm out.:p

[Beowulf65]

I know that horses are not Native to the America's, as far as a disabled vet or other person goes I can see using an ATV, or whatever. But for Johnny Butterbutt and his kid to race around the wilds I think is wrong and poor treatment of the land. It happens all the time, well not on my watch mister! Just kidding always wanted to say that. Its just a thing I have about it, I may be biased because we have problems here, so I dunno. I can't change anything so it doesn't matter anyway.

[crashdive123]

But for Johnny Butterbutt and his kid to race around the wilds I think is wrong and poor treatment of the land. It happens all the time, well not on my watch mister! Just kidding always wanted to say that. Its just a thing I have about it, I may be biased because we have problems here, so I dunno. I can't change anything so it doesn't matter anyway.

May be a good use of those blunts you were talking about in another thread.

[Beowulf65]

All that Baja and motorcross racing... Gawd I can't stand that, and don't get me started on 4x4 off roading.

[Rick]

Someone get Beo a class of water?

[Beowulf65]

I agree Crash, now that would be fun.

[Rick]

Now look what you've done, Crash.

Cincinnati Register

API - Police said they are looking for the personal responsible for hundreds of flat tires in the Wilderness Survival parking lot. A rally of American ATV Enthusiasts was called off at the last minute yesterday when the forecast for rain dampened their planned outing. Police suspect the jackrocks used in the parking lot were slated to be used against the ATVers but inadvertantly shattered the monthly AARP meeting when it was moved to the Wilderness Survival megadome to replace the ATVers. Twenty seven elderly men died while trying to change tires.

[Jason_Montana]

About Johnny Butterbutt and his friends rippin' around- I don't like that type of user either. I'd classify that as irresponsible. But, there are many ATV users out there that merely putt around on old logging roads, and are ultimatly just using there ATV's as a way to access wild places. They ride there then park and camp. And, enjoy the forest after turning off the motor.

THis is a much different activity than being an adrenalized throttle jockey. I am not talking about throttle jockeys....I really don't like that type of use...people who view the ATV as an the awesome part of the outing- not the landscape are not the people I am defending.

[crashdive123]

Jackrocks? I was thinking more along the lines of the blunt tipped arrows. Headline would be something like:

API - Police said that they were on the lookout for a perpatrator wearing buckskins, carrying a long bow. According to reports the fugitive was taking aim with blunt tipped arrows and knocking riders off of their ATV's. One rider, who asked us not to reveal his name said "I was just out having a good time. The next thing I know, I hear a shrill cry saying something like GET OUT OF MY WILDERNESS JOHNNY BUTTERBUTT and wham....this rubber tipped arrow knocks me off my 4 wheeler. As I'm getting up, I hear - Nice shot Pops. Police have called out the SRT. One officer - their heavy weapons specialist said to us "no need to worry - nothing to see here - move along"

[Beowulf65]

the other point that has not yet been made is:
How can you enjoy the sites, sounds, and smells of nature when you're racing across the land on a motorized vehicle. You'll be sucking exhaust fumes and listening to the motor.
I'd rather walk. Its good exercise and you see more. Plus I'm usually scouting for the coming deer and turkey seasons when I'm out.:p

I agree, Jason... No hard feelings bro, that's just me. I understand where your coming from, but its just not my way. Now if ya'll will just write me in as President in November then I change things:D

[Beowulf65]

LMAO... Crash your funny, I spit my Mt. Dew when I read that.

[Jason_Montana]

I agree, Jason... No hard feelings bro, that's just me. I understand where your coming from, but its just not my way. Now if ya'll will just write me in as President in November then I change things:D
Defiently no hard feelings...my wife and I have this same debate everytime I take off on my ATV.

[crashdive123]

Jason - just tie the lawn mower behind the ATV - that should work.

[Rick]

Yikes! Now I envision this fresh cut swath of wilderness for about 20 miles through BLM land!

[klkak]

I live in a land where there are almost as many ATV's as people. Up here ATV's are another form of transportation. I admit that there are some folks that are pretty wild on theirs. However most people a very civilized. I couldn't guess at the figures but I am confident that most ATV riders ride on well established trails. It is much to difficult to go 'Boondock'n" and "Bushwack'n" cross country with an ATV. Alaska is one of those places where you can go just about any where you please on an ATV but almost every body stays on the ATV trails. I reckon if you don't want to be bothered by people on ATV's, step off the trail and walk where they can't go.

[hopeak]

I spent most of the day riding my ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE, I am using it to move cabins. It is a D-8 with a 13' blade........:) It makes a good Get out of Dodge Tractor..:eek:

[ryaninmichigan]

I should have tld you to put on your flame suit..

[TOOLTIME]

All Is Good...no Offense Taken. We All Have Things We Don't Like. And Yes, I Do Try To Set An Example While Atving. I Belong To A Club, I Do Trail Maintainence,
Have Rides, Kids Events, Hell I Even Went With My 13 Year Old Daughter When She Had To Get Here Cert. To Ride. Out Of About 25 Kids, It Was Me And One Other Adult There.(NEED MORE PARENTING)

I Don't Cross Country Ride, Meaning, Just Go Off The Trail And Start Riding. Here In Michigan, We Have Over 3000 Miles Of Marked Atv Trails. I Will However Cross Country Ride In Area Where It Is Permitted. We Have A Few, With Boundries.
All Is Good.

WHEN I AM OUT RIDING. I RESPECT ALL THAT IS AROUND ME. I PICK UP TRASH, SEE HUNTERS, STOP LET THEM PASS, CHAT WITH THEM, SAME GOES FOR OTHERS OUT RIDING/WALKING/RUNNING ETC.
I TO LOVE THE WILDERNESS, I CAN SEE NATURE, I CAN SMELL NATURE, I CAN FEEL NATURE, ALL WHILE OUT ON MY ATV. LIFE IN GENERAL HAS DESTROYED MOTHER NATURE, HOMES, ROADS, BUILDINGS, TOWERS, ETC. BUT THATS WHAT IT IS...LIFE......

[Beowulf65]

How much hunting is he getting done with ATV riders around. Just had to ask. :D
Anyway I guess I kinda see your point... awwwwe, have fun, stay safe, and be wilderness aware and I got your back.

[Rick]

While we're on the subject, there is a hierarchy of courtesy on the trails, in case some folks don't know.

1. A horse always has the right of way. Others should move off trail to allow the horse to pass without spooking him/her. NEVER reach out to touch the horse.

2. A hiker has the right of way to all other forms of transport (below a horse). Everyone must yield to a hiker except a horse rider.

3. ATVs and Mountain Bikes yield to everyone.

Here are some more ideas along with a picture of a common trail sign:

http://www.dxhiker.com/trail-courtesy.htm

[hopeak]

In Alaska the ATV does the same job that a horse did 100 years ago. Many of the villages have two or three trucks, no cars, and 300 ATV's and Snow machines.

Now days you don't have to work to spend $7,500.- to $12,000.- for either a ATV or Snow machine.

[ryaninmichigan]

My ATV has saved me an unmeasureable amount of work while hunting. I don't know how I got along with out it. It does not tear anythign up BTW, unless I let it.

[crashdive123]

I'm sure most people that participate on this forum that use ATV's use them responsibly. Just like knives, guns, and any number of other items they are a tool. Those that have respect for their environment and the equipment that they use will use them responsibly. Those that don't - won't.

[flandersander]

Well put. Just adding in, there are designated atv trails. Meaning, only atv's and snowmobiles are allowed. Maybe it leaves a huge trace, but respect for the land is in many respects a vague definition. You may have respect for the land, and animals, yet use your atv on trails, hunting, fishing whatever. All i'm saying is that respect takes many forms, wheather its hiking and leaving no trace, or quading in. Just my 2 cents.

[TOOLTIME]

Thumbs Up To The Two Last Posts....as Stated Before By Me, I Think:) Here In Michigan We Have Over 3000 Miles Of Designated Trails. And Just This Year, We Got A Bill Passed To Allow Counties To Vote Whether Or Not They Want To Open Up Their Roads To Orv's. This Is Good. This Will Allow Us To Get Off The Trail, Hit A Shoulder Of A County Road And Go Get Gas,food,lodging In Some Towns, Up North Really Needs All The Help They Can't Get Now-a-days. Bad Thing Is Im Really Afraid To Many People Will Think That All Roads Are Open Including "fire Roads" And Two-tracks And Such. Not The Case, Still Only Open To Vehicles With S.o.s Plates.

[Rick]

What's an S.O.S. plate?

[TOOLTIME]

Secretary of StatE....OR IN MOST STATES (DMV)

[Rick]

Oh, yeah. Them. The zoom zoom folks.
http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/1214_smiley_playing_with_a_remote_control_car.gif (http://www.clipartof.com)

[Riverrat]

I use an ATV, and love it. If I did not have my bike, could not get back into the deep woods anymore, hip would not allow me to walk that far since I hurt it. I ride on woods roads to get me to where I want to hunt, fish or camp.