Quad biking is fast becoming one of the most thrilling outdoor adventures that people either want to try or experience again and with good reason. Riding a quad bike is an amazing way to experience nature and make unforgettable memories with family and friends. But before you hop on that quad for the first or fifth time, there are certain things you should expect when riding a quad bike. Here’s a rundown of the most important factors you should consider.
You will need to be protected
As with all vehicles, protective gear is needed, so before riding, ensure that you wear long trousers and protective shoes (sturdy boots). Your helmet, safety goggles, and gloves are also important. The noise from the quad’s engine can be pretty loud, so if there is no built-in ear protection in your helmet, it is recommended that you wear hearing protection. If the trail/course is dusty, you will need a face mask to prevent dust particles from entering your mouth and nose when riding.
You’ll need to use the park brake at the gate
A good percentage of quad bike accidents happen because the quad moved as the rider was getting off to either open or shut a gate. This can be either due to the quad being in neutral with no park brake or the quad driving away after the accelerator is accidentally knocked. Ensure that you use your park break every time you need to get off the quad for any reason.
You need to check the weather conditions
Always ensure to check the condition of the weather before embarking on you quad biking adventure. This will help you better prepare with the right equipment and gear. For example, the type of tyres you use for muddy and wet trails will be different from the ones you use for a dry and dusty one. Check out the reports for off-road trails to help you decide on which trail course you should go on.
You will need to observe safe driving best practices
The mechanics of quad bikes are quite different from that of cars. They have a solid rear axle which means that you will have to adjust your position to help the vehicle turn when riding. As a rule-of-thumb your weight has to be shifted to the outside footrest when cornering at low speeds while still ensuring to lean your body into the turn. If you are cornering at higher speeds, the momentum will pull the weight of the quad to the outside of the turn, which means that you need to focus on keeping your weight inside and lean into the turn as well. When driving your quad bike up an incline, maintain a low gear while leaning your weight forward. Same gear applies for going downhill; only your weight should be pulled to the back.
Another safe driving tip is to never carry equipment or passengers unless your vehicle has been specifically designed for them. Children should also never be allowed to ride adult-sized quads as their weight and power can’t handle a quad of that size.
Conclusion:
Riding a quad bike is supposed to be a fun adventure, and the last thing you would want is for something to go wrong because you don’t know what to expect. Make a checklist of everything you will need before you set out on any trail with your quad.
