ATV Riding Tips for Beginners

With summer in full swing, you might have decided to get an ATV to make the most of every sunny day off. But if you’re new to the sport, you might be looking at your brand-new quad and wondering where to start. We’ve got you covered. Check out these beginner ATV riding tips from Road Track & Trail and get ready for your next ride like a pro. If you need additional help, or if you’d like to check out some of our four- (4-) wheelers for sale, stop by our location in Big Bend, Wisconsin. We proudly serve Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin, as well as Chicago, Illinois.

Ride Preparation and Practice

Before you hit the trails, you’ll want to practice in a safe and secure environment. Trust us, this is as much for other people as it is for you. As simple as ATVs may look, they still take a little bit of getting used to. Give yourself some time to practice in an open area with minimal obstacles so you can get used to the throttle, directional control, and braking.

We know flat ground in your backyard and trails can mean two very different riding challenges, so we recommend asking a more experienced rider to join you on your first trail ride. They’ll help you through tough spots and give you tips along the way.

Wear and Carry Safety Gear

Of course, you’ll always want to be wearing the right riding gear to ensure your safety. At the very least, you’ll want to be wearing a helmet with goggles, if needed. You should also be wearing durable riding clothes that cover your arms and legs--even if it’s hot out. Even a little tumble can lead to injury if you’re not properly covered. We also recommend durable riding boots and gloves, for added protection.

Some of the supplies you bring with you should include a first-aid kit, a map and compass, and plenty of water, especially as the temperatures continue to climb. You’ll want to prepare for what to do if you break down and don’t have an easy way to walk to help, so some form of communication, like your phone, is also important.

Rules of the Road

Finally, it’s time to hit the trails. Firstly, you’ll want to know there are rules to riding, just as there are to driving. Some of these rules will be provided by the riding park, so make sure to look them up ahead of time or ask about them. In general, stay on the trail and move aside when someone’s looking to pass you. Be courteous to other riders and don’t leave behind any litter.

Adapting to Trail Riding

As you’re riding on the trails, you’ll inevitably encounter some challenges. The key is to simply go with the flow. Adjust to the trails as needed, like slowing down when encountering big obstacles and ruts, since hitting the gas too hard could cause you to flip over. As you’re still figuring things out, don’t be afraid to slow down when you hit a difficult riding spot. Give yourself time to work up to more adventurous riding so you can avoid making rookie mistakes that lead to accidents and injuries right out of the gate. 

There are lots of other tips you can collect from our staff and fellow riders, but the best way to learn is to simply get on the machine and start riding. Look in your area for ATV riding classes so you can get expert advice and a closed course to practice on. Then, stop by Road Track & Trail to ask us about some of our favorite riding trails so you can test out your skills on some fun trails. We welcome all patrons from Big Bend, Milwaukee, and Waukesha, Wisconsin, as well as Chicago, Illinois.