Monday, June 20, 2011

Got an ATV?


Do you love feeling the wind sweep across your cheeks? Do you enjoy the grit of the road beneath your tires? Well, if you find yourself nodding up and down, then head to the nearest tour company and rent an ATV (all terrain vehicle).
I will let you in on a little secret. At first, I really didn’t see what the hubbub was all about regarding ATVs. Aren’t they just gloried big wheels? Yes, they are and boy, what fun they can be!
Now, I am a huge ATV fan. In my humble opinion, no Mexican vacation is complete without using these vehicles to explore the natural beauty of the area. What changed my mind about ATVs? I have to say that it all started with a group of friends who craved adventure during their holiday.
There we were, decked out in bandanas, helmets, and gloves, trying to guess which one of us would win the “funniest looking rider” contest. Unanimously, my friends and I declared the youngest member of our group, a ten-year-old girl, the winner. She was thrilled to receive the honor and waved like a princess while sitting behind her father on their ATV.
Once we were fully instructed on safety procedures, we revved our engines and took off. We followed our guide as if he were a mother duck and we were the little ducklings.
You know what they say about life, “it’s not about the destination but about the journey”? That perfectly describes an ATV excursion. There are so many picturesque views of the mountains, rivers, rock formations and people that make the journey so unique.
When our group arrived at the clubhouse, we dismounted our ATVs, took off our helmets and burst into laughter. The dust had found it’s way up our noses!
We captured as many photo opportunities as we could before settling in to enjoy ice cold drinks and chicken tacos. After a quick game of “I Spy with My Little Eye”, we gathered our things, pulled on our safety gear and jumped back onto our ATVs, eager to let the excitement continue.
If you are interested in having your own ATV experience, then check with your local tour company. Most organizations provide fully automatic vehicles, which are “user friendly”, especially for beginners. You can ride solo, with a partner or have a private tour. They can even “super size” your adventure package by adding a canopy tour. Here are some helpful hints as you prepare for a great ATV excursion. Dress to get dirty and consider wearing long sleeve shirts and pants for added protection.
While tour companies provide helmets, goggles and bandanas, you might want to bring along riding gloves.
Wearing sunscreen and bug repellent is always a good idea and if you bring along a cell phone, keep in mind that you might not get reception. Other items to consider include a water bottle, money for refreshments and souvenirs, a swimsuit, sunglasses, tissues and toilet paper. It is always a good idea to pack any electronic equipment in a freezer bag just in case you come across a mud puddle or two.
The tour guides will be sure to give safety instructions before you set out and help you understand how to accelerate and slow down as well as how to break and park. Driving responsibly is emphasized and racing or stunting are strictly prohibited. Be advised that children under 16 may not be able to drive but can be passengers on ATVs that are built for two.
ATVs are considered to be “rider-active”, meaning that a rider will need to shift his weight while maneuvering turns, negotiating inclines and crossing obstacles. Because ATVs are designed for off-road use only, you will want to be sure to proceed with caution when crossing roads or highways.
Hitting the trails is one of the best excursions in town and if you have children, they are going to thank you for taking them on this adventure. They will love traveling through the small Mexican villages and plantations while pointing out the sights and sounds of the jungle. If exploring the beach is more interesting to your child, then ask about ATV beach tours. The choice is yours but be care, you might just find an ATV on their next birthday or holiday wish list! Happy riding!

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