ATV Sand Riding
If you’re a four-wheeler enthusiast who enjoys taking your quad on new adventures and exploring the various types of riding experiences, you should consider sand riding. After all, your ATV is an all-terrain vehicle that’s built to take on anything you have in mind. However, it’s important to take the time to learn the ins and outs of sand riding as it’s unlike any other type of riding. We’ve gathered some pertinent information and tips to riding your ATV in the sand.
Here at Road Track & Trail, we’re happy to help you prepare for your next adventure. For more information or to check out our inventory, stop by our dealership today! We’re located near Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Kenosha, WI. We also proudly serve Chicago, IL.
Get Prepared
Before you can hit the sand with your quad, you need to be sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the task. Keep in mind that sand is an extremely unique surface to ride on, so you’ll need to take some extra precautions as you prepare, which starts with your ATV tires. Paddle tires provide superior traction and prevent you from getting stuck in the sand. These tires also offer additional features that make them ideal for riding in the sand, like paddle ridges that move large amounts of sand so you have solid momentum.
There are some other factors to consider when you equip your four-wheeler for the sand. You should make sure your vehicle has steel sprockets rather than standard aluminum material. Steel handles the abrasive nature of sand much better than aluminum. Remember to choose lightweight chain lubricant with a low viscosity. This will prevent you from dealing with your chain jamming up in the stand. You should also make it a point to protect the air filters in your ATV as well as the airbox cover. Last but not least, many dune areas require riders to use an orange safety flag, which will make you more visible to other riders and prevent collisions.
Gear & Supplies
You still need to wear full-length clothing to protect your skin from the sun, debris, and abrasions in the event of a fall. While it can certainly be tempting to wear a tank top and shorts when it’s warm outside, you should always stick to long sleeves when riding your ATV. Additionally, you’ll still need to wear a protective helmet. Motocross helmets are ideal because they’re built to withstand intense activity, including extreme riding on your quad. You should also invest in a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from sand and other flying debris.
As you cruise about the sand dunes on your ATV, it’s easy for your vehicle to become hot rather quickly. If you ride that way for too long, it can end up overheating. As a result, be sure to pack some coolant and fuel. These items will come in handy when you’ve been riding for hours and your engine becomes hot and your fuel tank runs dry. Your four-wheeler isn’t the only thing that’ll get hot out there. Your body can become hot, too, which means you’re bound to sweat. You’ll need to replace the fluids and electrolytes you lose, so bring plenty of water and snacks to replenish.
Riding Tips
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the first thing you should do is take a good look at your surroundings to establish a riding area. You should always stick to designated areas so that you don't have to worry about getting lost when it starts to get dark outside.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s always wise to ride with a buddy. If you can convince one of your riding partners to come along for the fun, you’ll be in good shape. They can help signal you if there’s traffic coming from the opposite direction and help you avoid a nasty collision. Riding with others provides you with an essential safety net, too. They can come to your aid if you get injured and call for help if needed. Most importantly, it’s much more fun to enjoy ATV sand riding with friends!
If you need more tips or you’re still in the market for an ATV, visit us at Road Track & Trail! We’re conveniently located outside of Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Kenosha, WI. We also proudly serve Chicago, IL.