After slugging 24 ounces of Mountain Dew and downing some sugar-infested donuts, the caffeine and glucose-induced alertness finally kicked in as we headed north to the St. Croix State Forest near the Minnesota and Wisconsin border.

It was our first “real” ATV ride of the season in the upper Midwest. Sure we had spun some rubber elsewhere in the country, but it was our first ride of the year with our own staff ATVs that we were able to ride near home. We had been to the area before. We’d used a portion of the ATV trail on some rides during our first couple of ATV Trials events. We liked the trails so much, we decided to go back.

The St. Croix State Forest offers 45 miles of trails. ATVs and dirt bikes are allowed on the trails. They are rated as difficult, which are suited for intermediate and expert ATV riders. Throughout the state forest there are five separate parking areas, one campground and five primitive camping areas. The Boulder campground is located on Rock Lake. A forest road, which is available for use unless posted closed, leads from the campground to the forest trails.

A Rocky Mix

We got lucky choosing the day we planned to ride. It had been a rainy spring, but it was a perfect, sunny day with temperatures reaching the mid-70s.

Our starting point was in Danbury, Wis., along the Gandy Dancer trail. The Gandy Dancer trail is an old railroad line turned into a multi-use trail. Technically, it begins in St. Croix Falls, Wis., and ends in Superior, Wis. However, only a portion of the trail is open to off-road vehicles.

We crossed the St. Croix River via a high wooden bridge checking out the views along the way. Once on the other side, we were in Minnesota. After clicking through all the gears as we sped up the Gandy, a left turn brought us to some twisty trails and the St. Croix State Forest OHV trail system. We decided to ride on a 15-mile loop and sped off on our two sport quads and one sport utility ATV. With the recent rain, we dodged puddles and maneuvered through some deeper and unexpected standing water. On this loop of the trail system there’s one other thing that does make it for intermediate riders – rocks and lots of them.

Most of the rocks are medium sized and most ATV riders can ride over them, which adds to the fun. There are long sweeping turns, switchbacks and hill ascents and descents that make the trail fun and challenging. The trail is narrow in spots so riders must use caution and watch for oncoming traffic. We shot around the loop three or four times, resting at our starting and ending point.

Low on gas and near lunch time, we rode back into town. Once our machines and we were fueled up, we ventured back out. This time, though, instead of doing the loop again, we turned onto a 7-mile feeder trail. While we remained mostly dry during the morning, that wouldn’t be the case in the afternoon. The trail was wider and smoother, but littered with more puddles. We steered around what we could, but often had to blast through them. And, those who’ve ridden a sport quad before know they don’t offer much protection. When we reached the end of the trail at a parking lot, we were soaked, and not looking forward to the wet ride back. We brought it down a notch as we made our way back to our starting point. After clicking off several miles and with our wet gear, it was time to call it a day.

The St.Croix State Forest trail system treated us right. And on the Monday we visited the area, we met only three other ATV riders and two dirt bike riders on the trail. Not bad considering the area can get congested on the weekends that sometimes spills over into the week. With the riding done, the exhaustion of a good day’s ride set in on our drive home. This time, though, we didn’t need any sugar or caffeine to keep us awake. It was definitely time to rest.

John Prusak is Group Publisher of ATV Magazine and Snow Goer magazine. He has more than 15 years experience riding snowmobiles and ATVS and just as much experience writing about them. Come along on many other riding adventures at http://www.atvmagonline.com/category/destinations/

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The Chance Arrives

The first thing I noticed was the nice building at the trailhead. Inside the building were showers and clean bathrooms. There was a vending truck parked next to the building set to serve hot dogs, hamburgers and anything else a tired trail rider may need. Across from the building was a place for hosing off dirty ATVs – a plus in my book.

I was greeted by Richard Mull, one of the park’s co-owners and the main architect of the park. He was happy to show me around.

Time to Find Out

Mull let me ride one of his own ATVs. It was an old Yamaha Big Bear 400; he rode a Yamaha BearTracker. Together we disappeared into the hills to explore the land nestled in the Brushy Mountains. The first trail we hit looped around a ridge and led to a clearing with a great view of the valley below. Continuing, I was surprised at the amount of elevation change. He took me on the “beginner” trails first to get a feel of the land and its variety. All the trails are clearly marked and use a ranking system similar to that on snow slopes. A green circle means the trail is easy and can be ridden by beginners. A blue square is for intermediate riders. And the black diamond is for advanced riders only. For the time being, we meandered on a green trail. The trail was wide and had multiple lines, including those around obstacles.

On the green trails, the hillclimbs were mild and there were several off-shoots – most of them marked with blue squares and black diamonds. I hinted that maybe it was time to up the skill level of the trails – so Mull took me to the harder trails. The blue trails were much harder than the green trails; they had a lot of abrupt elevation change and nice mud holes. Mull said that some of the trails hold water for almost the whole year, while others can dry out. The trails were tacky from rain the previous week, so traction was great. Even when things are bone dry, Mull said the trails deep in the woods retain moisture well. Some of the hillclimbs were a little extreme for “intermediate” status, making me wonder what I was in store for on a black-diamond trail!

The blue trails were more muddy and tighter than the green trails. A lot tighter. If you are looking for twists, dips and turns, these are the trails for you. But all things must come to an end, and we had to hit at least one black diamond trail. Even on his BearTracker, Mull was happy to hit the hardest of the trails. He wasn’t kidding, these are black-diamond trails indeed. Imagine hillclimbs where there is no choice but to finish it out. These are the kind of trails that can catch unsuspecting riders off guard. So it is imperative that everyone in your riding group is an advanced rider before you hit these ATV trails.

As indicated, the trails are marked for difficulty, but they are also numbered. A map shows all the trails and also their difficulty, and the trails are well marked throughout the system. Plus, if you need to get back to the main office, most trails have signs that direct you so you don’t have to consult the map. One thing I did appreciate on the BMMS trails were their one-way nature, so there was no risk of blowing a corner and meeting another rider head-on. This contributes to safety, and allowed us to ride at a faster pace than normal.

The Story

Mull started this project years ago. Originally, the project began in an adjacent county, but was derailed when local environmental groups complained to the county board. After trouble at a meeting one night, Mull thanked everyone for coming and said he was taking his money and idea elsewhere. After a little more searching, he found another piece of property and started again. Citizens near the second site (near Hickory, N.C.) were happy to have Mull and his park.

“I started this because I was able to ride everywhere when I was a kid,” says Mull. “Now, I want my kids to be able to ride in a good area, too.” He also wanted to give riders the trails and facilities that he thinks is lacking in North Carolina. “There aren’t a lot of riding areas in North Carolina,” he explains. “And where there is riding, the areas are overcrowded with too many riders.”

Thus BMMS opened.

Rules

If you go, there are some rules you must follow. First, is age guidelines. BMMS strictly adheres to the manufacturer guidelines on engine sizes. That means that no children younger than 16 years old can ride a machine more than 90cc. Children aged 12 to 16 must stay on machines 90cc and less. And those aged 6 to 11 can ride machines 70cc and less. Safety gear is also strictly enforced, and riding double is not allowed.

Mull is strictly enforcing a sound limit for all machines on the trails. A 99dB limit at 3,500 rpm is enforced and all silencers must have a USFS-approved spark arrestor.

These rules are a necessary thing in this age of litigation. Mull says in order to maintain insurance on the park, and not open himself to a financially devastating lawsuit, the rules are strictly enforced. He also said he is not afraid to turn patrons away if they do not follow the rules of the park. In short, call before you go to ensure you comply with the rules.

The rules are in place for everyone’s safety and, in my opinion, they enhance the riding experience because you know everyone is serious about having fun on these beautiful trails!

John Prusak is Group Publisher of ATV Magazine and Snow Goer magazine. He has more than 15 years experience riding snowmobiles and ATVS and just as much experience writing about them. Read more ATV riding adventures from John and his staff of editors at http://www.atvmagonline.com/category/destinations/

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The company has several new models featuring more power, and some featuring less power.

Most of its machines ride a little bit lower for 2009, though one purpose-built mud machine rides a lot higher.

Cat engineers built more machines for two-passenger riding, and at the same time expanded options for younger riders. They rolled out a new Prowler UTV that’s going to bring sheer joy to performance junkies, and another new working-class Prowler that screams “utility.”

Cat’s got a new engine of its own, a 545cc liquid single, that is found in an H1 model, a 2-up TRV and a Prowler, and expanded the Thundercat engine. It also introduced new 150- and 300-class engines shared with KYMCO that are placed in a machine aimed at a new “transitional” market and a new sport quad, respectively.

All totaled, Arctic Cat eliminated 9 machines for 2009, including the 700 Diesel, 400 4×4, two DVX models (400 & 250) and two TRVs (650 & 500), while creating 13 new models. New machines include:

• Two new Prowlers, headlined by the Prowler XTZ 1000, featuring the 951cc liquid-cooled twin introduced in last year’s Thundercat, plus a Prowler 550 flatbed, featuring the new 545cc single and a flatbed rear.

• Three new TRV (Two Rider Vehicle) models, including a full-featured TRV 1000 Cruiser, plus a TRV 550 and TRV 400.

• An exciting, custom-made-for-mudding 700 MudPro, featuring huge tires, a snorkel and 14 inches of ground clearance.

• The scaled down Arctic Cat 150 – the first in an emerging class of quads aimed at teenagers 14 years and older.

• Three sporty new DVX models, including a DVX 300, plus new kids DVX 90 and 50 models.

• Two other new kids quads, 50cc and 90cc utility machines.

Plus, all full-sized Cats except the MudPro get new ergos and ride height this year, taking advantage of the suspension sit-in and lower seat that made the Thundercat ergos so popular in its debut last year. So sit down, Barack, because Arctic Cat appears to have cornered the market on change.

Not For Mr. Lonely

In these tough times in the ATV market, only one segment is experiencing growth: multi-passenger vehicles. Whether the seating is front-and-back or side-by-side, ATVs and UTVs that allow drivers to share the experience with a passenger are hot, and Arctic Cat is aiming to capitalize.

For traditional ATV riders, Cat is expanding its TRV Cruiser line while tweaking the engine options on the standard TRVs.

“We’re one of only three manufacturers offering 2-ups, and now we’re offering the best of the best,” explained Ole Tweet, general manager of Cat’s ATV division and VP of new product development.

There are two Cruiser models – a TRV 1000 H2 EFI Cruiser featuring the Thundercat’s big 90-degree twin, and the TRV 700 H1 EFI Cruiser featuring Cat’s 700-class fuel injected single – and both are glorious. They have a long list of standard features that includes a tall windshield connected to a new 2-piece fairing; mirrors; a cup holder; a comfortable 2-up seat with heated hand grips and a comfy backrest for the passenger; heated handlebars; a huge, lockable touring/storage case in back; and classy looking, 12-inch machined aluminum wheels. The 700 even comes standard with a winch.

We only had a brief chance to ride the Cruisers on a small test track set up for the demos, so our evaluation is far from complete. But, from what we saw, our now one-issue-old 2008 ATV Of The Year – the Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI Touring – already has stiff competition.

The other two 2-up ATVs are the TRV 550, featuring Cat’s new engine, and a TRV 400, featuring a 366 air-cooled single. On the new 550, Cat is claiming the top horsepower in its class, though they were unaware of the new Yamaha and Polaris mills being released when they made that claim. We’ll be sure to run them off and name a winner for you. The standard TRVs don’t have quite as long of a list of standard features as the Cruisers, but still make nice 2-up buggies, thanks to an expanded wheelbase and a nice seating setup.

On The Prowl

Like the TRVs, the side-by-side Prowler UTVs benefit from two of Cat’s newest powerplants – the 1000 and the 550.

The Prowler XTZ 1000 truly delivers ecstasy when you plant the gas pedal to the floor – it accelerates harder than any UTV on the market, bar none.

Driving over consecutive bumps, we were able to get this big dog to wheelie, but that’s not to say that it’s unstable.

Cat engineers redesigned the suspension systems on the Prowler 1000, lowering the ride height. With it, ground clearance dropped from 12.5 inches to a still respectable 10 inches, but it also stabilized the machine. Dual A-arm front and rear suspensions each offer 10 inches of travel.

As fun as the XTZ is to drive, it’s also easy on the eyes. It gets “sunset orange” paint with flame graphics. A hood scoop in front is all aesthetic – it connects to nothing – but it creates a real boss look. Foot rails, box rails, a custom-looking steering wheel, high-end shocks and a wide rear-view mirror all come standard.

The popular Prowler XTX 700 H1 EFI and Prowler XT 600 HI return largely unchanged. Features like aluminum wheels, tilt steering and a turf-saver setting come on the 700, and both have 12.5 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of travel.

New for 2009 is a Prowler 550 H1 EFI Flatbed. As the name implies, it gets the new 550-class single from Cat, plus a flatbed in the back instead of a box. It was described by Cat officials as the work/utility-oriented “price buster” in the Prowler lineup.

Custom Build For Muddy Bob

Literally moments after the first wave of dealers saw the new 700 H1 EFI MudPro, message boards on mudder sites were going wild with buzz over the most ready-for-action mud machine ever built by any manufacturer.

The MudPro is far more than a name and cool graphics. It’s got multiple features that make it ready for the soupiest, sloppiest sink holes around. Starting from the ground up, it rides on giant, 28-inch High Lifter Outlaw MST tires mounted on 12-inch machined aluminum wheels. They attach to a raked suspension that features 14 inches of ground clearance.

Most notable at a glance, however, is a high-water snorkel that sucks in air higher than the handlebars. It also comes standard with front and rear bumpers, wide fenders and a 3000-pound winch “for pulling the other guys out,” a Cat official quipped.

The clutching and 4.0 gearing on the machine are specifically set up for mudding, Cat officials said. We didn’t get a chance to go bogging on it yet, but even taking it for a test drive on the small dealer demo course, the MudPro felt very tall, strong and competition-ready.

A New Class For Emerging Riders

Cat’s other class-breaker is the all-new 150 2×4. For years, riders and some factory officials have complained that there aren’t any machines for teenagers who are too big for a 90 but not old enough for a full-sized utility quad – in fact, all factory warning stickers tell owners that their full-sized quads are for ages 16 and up only. But sticking a 180-pound 15-year-old on a 90 is ridiculous.

Finally, after the manufacturers worked with the Specialty Vehicle Industry Association, a class was created for these “tweeners” or, as Cat called them, “transitional riders.” The first model released for them is Cat’s 150.

It features a smallish chassis, smaller than the 200s and 250s on the market, yet notably larger than the 90s. Its 149cc KYMCO-built engine is twice-governed through the CVT transmission. In stock form, it’ll top out at about 20 mph. Remove one spacer, and it’ll reach up to 30 mph. Remove both spacers, and the climbing belt will allow the machine to max out at 38 mph.

The machine comes with twin headlights and taillights, digital instrumentation and forward and reverse gears, and it weighs in at a claimed 334 pounds.

The 150 is fun. We took it for about 15 laps around the demo course and didn’t want to get off – it’s like a mid-sized go-cart. We tortured it over bumps and jumps and rollers, and it kept asking for more, and we could envision our own kids transitioning from their little quads to this machine in the future.

What Else Is New?

The DVX lineup changed significantly. Cat officials dumped both the Suzuki-based DVX 400 and the KYMCO-based DVX 250 and settled on a DVX 300. It’s closer in substance to the 250, featuring a dual overhead cam 270cc that’s got the same bore as last year’s 250, but with a longer stroke and two additional valves (now 4).

At 44.7 inches, it’s 3 inches wider than last year’s 250 but an inch narrower than the 400. A dual A-arm front suspension and swingarm in the rear handle the moguls, with new shock calibrations and adjustable preload up front. Power is put through a CVT tranny.

Like the 150 2×4, it feels like a transitional model more than anything. It won’t be confused with a race quad, but it’s fun and sporty nonetheless. Cat also expanded its kids quad lineup. The 90cc sport and utility machines are governed through the CVT to allow them to be certified for a Y10 category (ages 10 and older), with two settings – 15 mph and 30 mph. That eliminated the need for a 70, so Cat launched utility and sport quads. The 90s feature reverse gear – a rare feature for kids quads.

- John Prusak

For more articles like this, please visit http://www.atvmagonline.com to get the latest news and info in the ATV industry!

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When to Replace Tires

Snow and Ice Tires

Mud and Dirt Tire

Hard Surface and Water Tires

When to Replace Tires: There is a host of different riding conditions, including snow, ice, mud, dirt, and hard surfaces, so having tires that are in good condition, and making sure they are the right tires for the right conditions, is important. Keep in mind that all tires are not designed to excel under all conditions. If your ATV is equipped with the right tires for the environment in which you are riding it will enhance rider safety and performance.

Wear and tear or a change of riding environments should prompt ATV riders to consider replacing their tires with newer and more suitable tires.

Snow and Ice Tires: An ATV that is expected to perform in conditions that include snow and ice has a set of challenges unlike other environments. Not only is traction a major issue, but moving the snow out of the drive path in an efficient manner is crucial for top performance as well. Those tires you now use which are rated for mud or dirt may perform adequately under those conditions, but don’t assume they can do the same under cold, snow or ice conditions.

An ATV should have tires rated for snow and ice if you expect your vehicle to perform safely under those conditions.

Mud and Dirt Tires: The ATV rider who finds they are frequently navigating through mud and dirt should have tires that can perform properly in those conditions. The tires should be able to not only maintain traction but displace mud at a rapid rate. If the tires are not suited for mud and dirt then performance will suffer and bogging down of the vehicle will be experienced. Mud and dirt presents their own unique challenges for riders, but the right tires will eliminate problems.

Mud and dirt presents the ATV rider with a specific set of problems that the right tires can solve effortlessly.

Hard Surface and Water Tires: When riding on hard, slick surfaces that may be soaked with water can change riding conditions quickly. If you find you are riding on these kinds of surfaces frequently you may end up in quick trouble if your tires are not designed to handle them. But, if you have the right tires, that have been designed to handle these kinds of conditions, then you have nothing to worry about. Make certain you know under what conditions your tires are rated.

Hard, slick and wet riding surfaces can present unique challenges of the ATV rider, so having properly rated tires for these conditions is necessary for safety and performance.

A great way to get a good price on an ATV is to browse online auctions. Check out GIO Bikes for great prices on an ATV including 110cc ATVs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billy_Whitmire

Riding Gear

Safety Gear

Navigation Gear

Survival Gear

Suitable Riding Gear: One of the accessory categories that will help to make any off or on-track ATV experience enjoyable is suitable riding gear. The conditions in which you are riding can be as diverse as the track or trail conditions and having suitable riding gear is important. If you don’t have proper wet gear a trek can get real uncomfortable, real quick. Being prepared for various weather or track conditions with suitable riding gear can enhance any excursion.

Riding gear is an essential ATV accessory that can help make any trek enjoyable even if weather conditions change.

Safety Gear: Another essential ATV accessory category is safety gear. It is crucial to not only have proper safety gear but to actually wear it too. Riding can be dangerous and perilous depending on conditions, and so safety gear is important to protect your body. Full safety gear including, boots, shin/knee guards, gloves, chest protector and helmet will help to keep you safe should you crash or take a tumble while riding.

Safety gear today may be considered and accessory, but every serious ATV rider should consider it mandatory.

Navigation Gear: Today the navigation gear that is available to the average ATV rider is quite sophisticated, and surprisingly affordable. If you make it a habit to venture into territory that is new and unfamiliar it is a good idea to have a GPS, map, or on a minimum, a compass. Having these accessories is a great precaution against getting lost, but also make sure you know how to use them properly too.

Today, sophisticated and affordable navigation accessories are available to keep any ATV rider on track.

Survival Gear: Trekking out into the wilderness for a ride on your ATV with only the clothes on your back is not a good idea. This is how many riders end up in trouble. A trek should always be planned and your ATV should be equipped at least with the minimum of safety gear should something go wrong. Essential on board safety gear would include tools, flashlight, food, water, and a basic first aid kit. An onboard safety kit can be purchased with all of these essentials included.

One essential category of ATV accessories that should be on-board every vehicle is survival gear, just incase of a breakdown, accident or emergency.

Before setting out on the trail always check to be certain that your essential ATV accessories are available, and in good working order. These accessories are designed to keep you and your riding party safe, so you can concentrate on an enjoyable riding experience.

A great way to get a good price on an ATV is to browse online auctions. Check out GIO Bikes for great prices on an ATV including 110cc ATVs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billy_Whitmire