A Guide to Riding Your ATV in the Warm Weather
Warm weather is the perfect time to hit the trails for an ATV adventure. However, as the temperatures begin to soar, heatstroke is a big risk when you ride for too long. It can still be fun to take your ATV out in the hot weather, as long as you take some precautions to avoid dehydration and keep yourself safe and comfortable.
We have compiled some tips to help you stay cool and enjoy riding your ATV in the summer heat. If you’re still looking for your dream quad, get in touch with our sales department at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee. We have a wide selection of ATVs for sale in Monee, Illinois, where we proudly serve all those in Chicago.
Stay Hydrated
It’s essential that you stay hydrated when you’re riding your ATV in the heat. Your body is going to lose water and salt as you sweat, so it’s vital that you replenish them to stave off dehydration. Because of dehydration, you can experience troubling side-effects, like dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea. Be sure to keep a few bottles of water with you at all times and remember to drink them when you take a break from riding.
Keep in mind that you should avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks like soda. Besides the obvious dangers of drinking alcohol while riding an ATV, all these drinks are diuretics. Diuretics are dangerous because they pull more water out of your body by causing you to sweat and urinate more than usual. Thus, even though you are drinking more, you are actually becoming less hydrated.
Wear the Right Gear
No matter how hot it is outside, you still need to dress appropriately when you head out for some fun on your ATV. Wearing the right gear and clothes will protect you from injuries on the trail, whether they are from flying debris, low-hanging branches, or even a collision. You’ll want to keep your skin protected from various obstacles, as well as the sun. Opt for light layers of long sleeves and long pants that are made of breathable fabric, such as cotton and linen.
You’ll also need to wear a helmet whenever you ride your ATV. A motorcycle helmet is going to be too hot and heavy but a motocross helmet is a great choice. It’s more comfortable to wear while still being rated for extreme motorsports. If your helmet doesn’t come with a built-in face shield, you’ll need to wear a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. Go a step further and choose a pair that’s tinted with UV ray protection so they also serve as sunglasses. Gloves and boots might seem excessive in the heat, but they’ll help protect your hands and feet from debris and injuries.
Ride in the Shade
Another way to beat the heat is to avoid riding in direct sunlight whenever possible. This might seem like a difficult concept when you’re riding your ATV during a hot day, but you can make it happen. Be on the lookout for shaded areas that will offer plenty of cover from the sun. You can even go as far as choosing specific trails that offer cool, shaded paths rather than tracks that are out in the open air. If you have any skin exposed to the sun while riding, like your neck, nose, or ears, don’t forget to apply sunscreen throughout the day.
Take Frequent Breaks
You can’t expect to ride nonstop in the heat all day and still remain focused. Your muscles will grow sore and your eyes will feel tired if you don’t take enough breaks. Plan the route you are going to be riding ahead of time so that you can schedule your rest stops. Stop and take a break about every 45 minutes or an hour. There are several trails that offer scenic views for you to enjoy when you stop for a water and snack break. Dip your feet in the lake or take a short hike around the area to stretch your legs before you get back on your ATV.
We hope that these tips will help you stay safe and comfortable when you are riding your ATV in the warm weather! For more information or to check out some high-quality ATVs for sale, get in touch with us at Gina’s Motorsports of Monee. You’ll find us in Monee, IL, where we proudly serve all our patrons visiting us from Kankakee County.