ATVing on a Budget
Tearing Up the Trails Without Breaking the Bank
by Jason Giacchino
In these tough economic climes, there are certainly cheaper hobbies than ATV riding to consider. Just take a look around at the average sand dune gathering or racetrack at the motor homes, the quad-haulers, the gear, the fuel, and of course the machines themselves; it becomes clear that it could require some serious coin just to get involved, forget about maintenance!
The good news is that doesn’t have to be the case. Budget-conscious individuals can certainly assemble a plan of attack without breaking the bank. We have compiled some simple considerations that can be applied to those looking to get started in the sport as well as to those already involved. Saving money, after all, is never out of style!
Consider Used
Sure we all get the warm fuzzies peering through the dealership window at the brand new models on the showroom floor, but there are serious savings to be had by perusing the used market, especially in this digital age with services like eBay and Craigslist. A positive spin on the struggling-economy is that a lot of riders are forced to downsize their stables to make ends meet. Hence, good deals on well maintained equipment are plentiful.
Going used can encompass more than just the ATV/ UTV itself, as classifieds often contain sections devoted to riding gear, trailers, loading ramps and so on.
Capitalize on the Aftermarket
ATVs, like any machine, have a finite operating life. Wear and tear is a reality. But here’s the good news: The aftermarket offers parts and accessories for oftentimes a fraction of the cost of OEM equipment. There is a bit of dissention in automotive communities about the quality of aftermarket parts over the Original Equipment Manufacturer bits, but in the off-world realm, not only are such notions obsolete, aftermarket parts are often preferable for traits such as weight shavings/ performance enhancements.
Transportation Considerations
In an ideal world, all ATV riders would own a pickup truck or trailer perfect for loading and transporting their machine, but the fact of the matter is cars and minivans make a lot of sense for many families. No need to take on an additional car-payment to get your machines where you want to go. For about a day, U-Haul will rent you a trailer with a built-in ramp. That same amount (plus mileage) can snag you an enclosed box van, which is great for protecting your ATV from the elements and potential bandits on the road.
Rental Opportunities
If any ATV hot spots are on your agenda, keep in mind that hauling your ATV great distances may not even have to be a concern. Many riding-oriented destinations boast rental outfitters capable of providing machines, safety gear, GPS and even guided excursions. The beauty of these opportunities is that it allows for travel to and from the riding destination in the 34-mpg economy car while simultaneously removing the fear of racking up miles on your own trusty steed.
Rough It
Sure multi-hundred-thousand dollar (gas guzzling) RVs can make traveling to riding destinations a lot like driving your house, the fact of the matter is there is a lot of the ATV adventurer spirit to be had by packing up a tent and sleeping bag. Staying at campgrounds near the trails or right alongside the trails themselves (where applicable) is the best way to really get in touch with nature. Camping and ATVing are two activities that go hand in hand.
Explore Locally
There’s no denying the appeal of transporting one’s ATV to far-off locals, exploring regions previously known only to you through photographs and website descriptions. But there is a lot of adventure to be had in our own proverbial backyards too. A few short years ago, exploring one’s region was limited to simply cruising along in the hopes of keeping off private property and avoiding dead-ends. With the advent of the internet, Google Earth and GPS, the potential to map out exciting (and completely legal) trail networks has never been more accessible.
Additionally, simply searching for legal riding destinations in one’s area through any internet search engine often reveals parks and organized runs you may not have otherwise known about. Making the most of local riding opportunities is a great way to cut out excessive traveling costs.
Any other money saving ideas? Shout off in the Forums:
http://forums.atvconnection.com/general-chat/340606-atving-budget.html#post3071645