It’s hard to imagine
that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can get more
popular than they are today. The modern culture
has embraced them with open arms, using them
for countless pursuits.
For some, it is pleasure
riding. For others, it’s sanctioned racing
events. For still others, it’s simple
transportation, getting from point A to point
B.
Truth is, ATVs can make
your life a whole lot easier, especially if
you’re a property owner. I learned that
in spades last summer at my ranch in northern
Minnesota, where I used one of my Honda ATVs
to expedite some land management work.
It was still labor-intensive
work, but my durable four-wheeler, on which
I can attach implements for disking, spraying
and seeding, made it much easier. My lower
back is still grateful.
ATV use, it seems to
me, is limited only to one’s imagination.
With the help of one of my employees, Brad
Alcock, who, incidentally, is the very definition
of a handyman; I’ve customized my ATVs
for everything I do in the outdoors.
Brad and I have the rigging
down to a science – for spring, summer,
winter and fall. Here are a few ideas that
you may find useful.
Our basic motto is that
you can never have too much storage, and that
more is better. Saddlebags over the gas tank
work well. As do fender bags. In a pinch, we’ll
mount hard plastic storage boxes, made by Plano
Molding Company, on the ATV’s front and
back racks. You’d be surprised how much
hunting and fishing equipment you can fit in
each, not to mention other necessities like
tire repair kits, tools, first aid boxes, food,
35mm Nikon camera and binoculars.
Off-road travel can be
tough on equipment, therefore I like to have
my shotgun, bow and rifle cases mounted on
the ATV. For example, my Plano gun case is
mounted directly to the Honda’s tubular
frame, the bow case is secured with nylon straps
that have gripper teeth. Ratchet straps also
work, but the latter are much easier to use.
The main thing to remember is that you want
your cases to be secure. After all, the items
inside are worth a lot of money.
Perhaps the best innovation
Brad has concocted for my four-wheeler is the
three-bucket system. Cut a piece of 3/4inch
plywood large enough to cover the back of the
ATV’s back rack with an over hang to
cut out 3 large circles to place 5 gallon buckets
into. Then attach the board to the rack with
a U bolt.
The buckets act as containers
and can be used to store or haul just about
anything. I like to have my equipment organized
and accessible, so the bucket system is perfect
for ice-fishing trips. In one bucket, I’ll
put my rods and tackle. In another, I’ll
put my combination lantern-heater. In the other,
my Lowrance fish finder.
The buckets can be lined
with foam, which reduces the wear and tear
on your equipment. Also, over the plywood rack,
I prefer to mount a Plano storage case, so
everything is enclosed.
If you’re deer
hunting alone, as I often do during the bow-hunting
season, having an ATV trailer can be a real
lifesaver. Dragging out a felled deer is no
easy task, particularly if you are not in the
best physical condition. Of course, the trailer
can be used to haul a tree stand, portable
blind, decoys, extra tires and you name it.
Lastly, when it is cold
outside, I never leave home without affixing
my ATV with handle bar mitts. They’re
worth their weight in gold.
Remember, too, it’s
incumbent upon all of us to be responsible
ATV riders. In truth, riding an ATV should
be an exercise in responsibility – to
yourself, to others and to the environment.
All ATV manufacturers promote safe, responsible
use, because riding an ATV can be tricky business.
So before you venture
out onto some rugged terrain, take some time
and learn how to ride an ATV. In fact, Honda
recommends that all ATV riders take a training
course and read the owners manual before getting
behind the wheel. The use of helmet and goggles
also add not only safety, but warmth as well.
That’s good advice.
An irresponsible ATV
rider can take a toll on our sensitive natural
resources – from tearing up wetlands
to destroying stream banks -- so we need to
set a good example and correct the people who
aren’t abiding by the rules.
In addition, follow Honda’s “tread
lightly” guidelines when you travel off-road,
and always stay on established trails in approved
areas.
It should go without
saying, but always get written permission before
you ride on private property, and obey the
laws and regulations in your riding area.
ATVs are truly the ultimate
utility vehicle. They can be used for many
things, not least of which is making your days
afield a little easier and more enjoyable.
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