ATVs & Snowmobiles

When you think of enjoying a fun day of four-wheeling over sand dunes and mountains, it's unlikely that the image of Japanese farmers is anywhere in your head. Yet it was Japanese farmers who invented the all-terrain vehicle or ATV, and the purpose was for work rather than play. The snowmobile is the cousin of today's fourwheeler. It is an amazingly cool device that lets you glide over snowpacked trails.

Whether you and your date are four-wheeling over dirt, sand, and mud, or snowmobiling over packed powder, why not bring a picnic along or enjoy a campfire dinner at the end of the day? Keep in mind that drinking alcohol is highly inadvisable on this date.

COST

ATV trails are rarely in the middle of the city, so allow money for food and transportation.

You can rent ATVs or snowmobiles by the hour, half day or full day. If it's your first time, a half-day rental (three hours) will be plenty. Hourly rentals will run from $25.00 or more per vehicle, and fullday rentals will start at about $90.00 per vehicle. Call ahead and ask what the rental price includes. If you have to transport the ATVs or snowmobiles to the trailhead, make sure a trailer is included in the price. If your vehicle can't tow a trailer, ask if they can do it for you and if will there be an additional cost. Are helmets and goggles included in the rental price? What about gasoline?

Be aware that some dealers won't rent to anyone under twentyone years of age, and all drivers will need a valid driver's license. Ask if insurance is included in the rental price, and what kind of security deposit you will need to pay.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear protective clothing, including gloves, long pants and a long- sleeved shirt or jacket. Places where you are four-wheeling can be very cold in addition to being very hot, so be prepared for both extremes. For snowmobiling, it's hard to describe just how cold it can get. A windproof outer layer is especially important, as are warm gloves or mitts, boots and a helmet.

YOUR BEARINGS AND BEHAVIOR

They don't have global positioning satellite systems for ATVs—not yet, anyway—so make sure you get a map of trails in the area. It's also important to respect the land and to be courteous of others.

There is a highly disproportionate number of deaths and injuries to kids under sixteen who ride ATVs, so beware if you are a parent.

RESOURCES

Ask your local visitor's center about trails for four-wheelers or snowmobiles. In the Yellow Pages, try "ATVs," "Motorcycle Dealers," "Ski Equipment" or "Ski Resorts." If they don't rent them, they should be able to tell you who does.

Try www.atvsource.com and www.atvillustrated.com for articles and a state-by-state list of ATV clubs.

For ATV Magazine and lots of info, go to www.atvnews.com

The ATV Safety Institute is at www.atvsafety.org or you can phone them at (800) 887-2887. Please visit this site!

The American Council of Snowmobile Associations can be reached at (517) 351-4362.

For snowmobile clubs, try dmoz.org/Recreation/Outdoors/Snowmobiling

Try http://www.gorp.com Click on "activities," then "skiing/snowsports," then "other snowsports." This site also lists off-road clubs for ATVs.

For a well-carbeurated site, check out the American Snowmobiler Online at www.amsnow.com Subscribe to American Snowmobiler Magazine on this site, or by phoning (651) 738-1953.

Snowmobillers might also consult the following book: Snowmobiling: The Sledders Complete Handbook by Dave Hallam, James Hallam; 14.95.