The New Rage in ATV Clubs
By: Dan Delasanto, OHV Journalist

ATV riders have been associated with everything from the Hells Angels of the highways to the pollution burning factories in the industrial parks of America. The fact is, like any other fire breathing sport; riders have had to evolve from the accident prone three wheelers of the past to the dependable high velocity machines we enjoy today. In the process of that evolution, we as ATV owners have developed an understanding of riding fundamentals. There are now riders out there that have taken our biker trash reputation and turned us into supper stars across the country. They’ve accomplished this through organized ATV clubs.

The biker clubs of yesteryear where associate with destructive and sometimes dangerous activities. Well, celebrity riders have changed all that over the years on the street. On the dirt, ATV Clubs have stepped out of their traditional bad boy shoes and taken up the role of razing funds for several charities and have, changed our ATV World forever.

You might say, that’s great, but what’s in it for me? Good question, lets take a close look and see how much bang you’ll get for your buck! If you’re looking for a place to ride, you may be on the road for a while before finding a place that fits your riding skills. Picking the wrong location with difficult trails could have you flying over your handlebars in no time and wondering what went wrong. Perhaps you’ll find yourself riding on a trail only to receive a ticket and have your ATV confiscated for riding a horse trail.

Now, lets take a look at that ATV club you’ve been meaning to call. Each club has it’s own personality; so choosing the right one takes some time to get to know their rules and members. Most ATV clubs ride with sound ethics that will reduce the safety risks to members such as using helmets; assisting riders through difficult trails and reviewing trail difficulty before riding. Sound good to you so far, well it just gets better. Clubs tend to ride local trails more than their managing agencies. In some cases, these organized riders posses knowledge regarding trail location, trail conditions and the appropriate places to ride. In addition, they tend to keep up with State and local laws. Live in a State without an abundance of open land, Clubs maintain strong relationships with local ATV parks.

The worst experience a rider can endure is to be broke down, lost or hurt on the trail with out help. ATV Clubs have changed this by never leaving a rider behind. If someone is missing, members band together to retrieve the missing individual and their ride. If you like to camp or only have enough time for the occasional day ride, clubs can fit your individual needs.
Clubs tend to have a real mix of personalities. This usually means you’ll find someone who fits your style. If you’re the parent who wants to bring their kids up in an ATV environment, a club is a great way to go. Remember, this group of riders is made up of novice, intermediate and in some cases pro riders who can support the right fundamentals. When your kids see others riding by the rules, it will stick with them for life.

Now how much is all this going to cost? There can be dues associated with a club but they’re usually minimal, $0 to $45 a year. They go to maintaining the web site, ID’s, corporate status, national memberships, etc.

Ask not what your trails can do for you... ask what you can do for your trails! Many clubs have changed the way the public looks at off-road enthusiasts by getting their hands dirty on the trails. Clubs are being recognized for efforts in fire restoration and trail repair, and can make these efforts a fun experience.

Is that about it… not by a long shot! There are some clubs who sponsor ATV Poker Runs and Rodeos. Clubs have even created their own patrols and First Aid teams. “Get out-a-town”, yep! Traveling to new locations with a club can be extremely rewarding.

What, you don’t have an ATV Club in your area? No problem. ATV Clubs have been springing up all over the country for these reasons and more. They have become The New Rage of ATV Riding. Starting an ATV club can be as simple as getting a few members together and forming a basic rider group. Make your community proud to know your club. Have your club become a member of the ATVA, COHVCO, Tread Lightly and the Blue Ribbon Coalition to assist these organizations in defending your right to ride your ATV where it’s appropriate. Need more information on starting a club, email your questions: dandelasantos@comcast.net

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This page was updated on Wednesday, January 19, 2005