Liviu Marcus
The ATV trail riding is a renowned recreational activity in the United States. The business is growing faster than the growth rate of the entire US economy, therefore, it is the best time to enter the market. A trail course is a very planning-intensive enterprise but it’s good news that you don’t need to invest a lot of money, as long as you have a beautiful piece of land. All you need is a set of decent all-terrain vehicles and some understanding of the wildlife. Additionally, you will need to buy ATV riding clothes for your guests which will protect them in the forest.
But what about the trail itself? You will need to create a specific course for the park to create a unique riding experience. This will show your guests where to go, so they don’t get lost. It will also preserve the land by limiting your guests to designated areas. Use these tips to build the ultimate ATV riding trail.
Trust Your Instincts
There are many tools which you can use to map out the course, such as drones and sophisticated AI technology, but there is nothing like walking the trail. No matter what approach to the course design you opt for, take a nice walk in the area to have a clear picture of what your visitors will see on their way. Make your choice careful paying attention to the local nature. Your eye will tend to focus on specific landmarks or paths. Ask yourself what you would like to see if you were a first-time visitor to the park. Do not forget to visit and point out any ponds, rivers, and other water bodies, noteworthy rock formations, and peaks that will provide the guests with an overview of the landscape.
Respect the Land
Riding an ATV is about appreciating nature, so you shouldn’t make any drastic changes to the landscape. Consider the needs of local wildlife and plant life to avoid harming the local ecosystem. Steer the trail away from natural habitats, so your guests don’t run into animals and other pristine environments. You can consult an environmentalist or a land management firm to learn more about the property. When designing turns and routes, think about how much work it would take to build the track based on what’s already in place. If there are trees, rocks, or plants blocking the potential route, consider having your guests go around the obstacles instead of paying to have them removed.
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Give Your Guests a Variety of Options
The best ATV riding parks have a variety of trails to explore. The sport can also be challenging for beginners. You will appeal to a wide swath of riders if you set up trails for those with different experience levels. Start by creating a beginner, intermediate, and expert course so everyone can participate regardless of their training. The beginner course should be mostly flat, with wide turns and many places to pull over and rest if your guests need a break. The next two courses can be longer with more challenging terrain. Try to make each one unique to encourage your guests to try all three. For reference, the average trail ranges from eight to 10 miles, according to the state of Wisconsin. This may be too long/short for some riders, so try to create courses with different lengths.
Prepare for the Worst
ATV riding can be messy when there’s lots of mud on the ground. The weather can also easily take a turn for the worse. When designing the trail, consider how the terrain might change based on the weather. Some low-lying areas could flood with heavy rain, which could render the route impassable. Prep your ATVs for extreme weather by waterproofing vulnerable parts.
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Do your best to keep your guests comfortable by protecting them from the elements. You should have a supply of waterproof shawls, pants, and shoes in case someone doesn’t have the proper attire. Consider using a utility terrain vehicle with a roof and a windshield to keep the mud and dirt at bay. You may also have to respond to a medical emergency on the trail. Keep first aid supplies on hand and a radio in case you need to call for help.
Create an Immersive Experience
Riding an ATV or taking a tour is much more fun when you can talk to the person beside you. Purchase an off-road communication to give your guests a better riding experience. Each person can use a wireless headset to talk to their friends while riding. They can coordinate their route and check in on each other when riding in single-line formation. The technology will help your guests stay focused on the trail, which will reduce the risk of injury. They won’t be tempted to make hand signals when driving. If you are giving a tour, you can also use the headset to share important details and stories with your guests.
Keep this information in mind when designing your own ATV course. From racing to touring, ATV riding has become an American pastime, and fans will love having new territory to explore.
