Well, I just had to go up that hill that noone else would (they were smarter than me). It was very steep, lots of leaves, and lots of trees. Just as I was cresting (still at a very steep angle), there was a little tree in the way, so I proceeded to go over it. Well, apparently due to the steepness, the balance was at it's limit, and I was going slow. As soon as I slowed down just a little, the tree pushed back, & over it went. It flipped end to end 2 or 3 times and only stopped after slamming into a tree, it did land on all fours though (you know what they say about cats)

Tim (TL4x40) and Sean (Lurch77) were watching the whole thing unfold (hate that pun). At first we couldn't find the key because it was catapulted out of the ignition into the leaves somewhere, then I found my spare. That winch paid off, because there was absolutely no way we were going to unwedge that ATV from the tree, not at that angle. We started up the ATV for the winch, and at the bottom, limped back to the truck with a hurt paw.

The handlebars are pushed into the gas tank a little, the speedo and hydrolic brakes are broke (thank God for that manual foot brake, it was the only brake I had going back), a mud flap is damaged, the little frame connector that holds the upper A-arm bracket is bent (making the rim lean inwards), and 2 Sprites I had in the lunch holder were sacrificed. I was still able to ride it back to the truck, thanks to the manual foot brake, and overall it's not too bad (considering the tumble it took). There was no suspension, engine or drive tran damage, and I jumped off just as it started to go, so I'm fine (except for the sadness).

I took it straight to my dealer (and riding bud). He said he'ld be able to pull that little bracket out and fix the ATV back to new. We're going to take 'er in for surgery this Monday (Xmas eve), but due to the holidays, some of the parts he'll need probably won't be in until the first of the year. Which means I probably won't make da knob :-(

All in all, I learned a good lessen and didn't pay too much to learn it (ATV can be fixed, and I'm OK). When 2 experienced riders won't even go somewhere, next time, I'll stay with them.

So the score is now, me 1 and Grizz660 3. Hopefully I don't score anymore points in that game.

Glad to hear your ok. When do we get to see the pics. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

There is a small gravel pit by me that taught me a similar lesson. I tried to climb a steep ledge with lots of throttle. Quad landed square on the grab bar and stood right on the edge. I baled off in the air and landed 5-6 feet down square on my butt. Hurt to sit down for a good month.

I wish we did have pictures. We were commenting about how all of us forgot our cameras this time. And since we forgot the cameras, this would probably be the time something would happen. And wouldn't you know it.

It sure was an exciting chain of events though. In all reality, the tree that the Cat slammed into was a good thing. Had it not been there, the machine would have done quite a few more turns, and without a doubt, much more damage.

yeh, yeh, I'll know more tomorrow morning when my Dealer and I take 'er in for surgery, AND YES I'll take some pics for you. That tree probably saved the cat from 4 more end'oes, and as Lurch said, probably more damage. I only wish I hadn't slown down. Only after it happened as we were looking for the key in the leaf infested hillside, did I realize who steep and slippery the hill was. Testosterone sucks! Oh well, learned a good lesson, I didn't get hurt (physically), and the cat wasn't as hurt as it could have been. Man what a tuff ATV. You'ld think with the extended GC and complex suspension system, that C/V joints, ball joints, steering system, A arms, shocks would've been damaged. From what I can tell (will take closeup pictures for you tomorrow). The places where these suspension pieces attach to the ATV were designed to be the weakest link. So you don't damage more expensive parts, and only damage parts that are cheaper (or even fixable). Well, look for pictures tomorrow night.

You have my condolances. But look at it this way. You now have distinct OAM(owner applied marks). If it ever gets stolen you certainly can identify it. Hope that helps!

GirlRidr
2001 AC300 4x4

I fully sympathize with you-I had about 50 miles on mine when I too, had a testosterone surge and climbed a hill I could hardly stand on. I had an inch and a half Redbud jump in front of my tire and you know the rest. That was a little more than a year ago. I'm happy that there was no damage to you- well, maybe your pride. In any event, I'm sure you'll be back on the trails a little wiser, and a little more cautious.

I rolled mine for the second time about two weeks ago- lost traction on a steep hill because of frost under the leaves. I broke some plastic and popped some rivets- no damage to yours truly except for wounded pride and a case of adrenalin shakes. You'd think a guy approaching his 60th birthday would have more sense ! No need to comment on that; I can hear it now...

I keep telling myself "keep the rubber down", you all do the same !!

WOW Castr, you're my hero. I hope I'm still riding, and riding fun, when I'm your age.

Hey, Castr8r, I was gonna put one of those "This side up" stickers on mine, but I think you may need it worse.

LMAO, hey Rubidude I like the sticker idea. I think I'll get one. funny stuff.....

Rubidude- I wish you'd get a sense of humor...

Actually, I LMAO !! Maybe Rides4Fun and I should get one of those Jeep stickers that is put on upside down and reads " If you can read this, turn me over".

The important thing is that we can laugh at it now. It is my sincere New Year's wish that we can ALL laugh at the results of our mishaps.

My best to all for the New Year!!