My atv got me out of the "wrong" crowd, back with my good "real" friends, and out enjoying nature more. I can't ask for anything more.

 

For most of us old school guys, we started out being gear heads.. and gravitated to motorcyclest (ATV's didn't exist back then) ATV's give us the excuse for turning wrenches while not putting too much of a dent in the pocketbook. In my case, I was racing cars... Midgets, Sprints, then jumped to drag cars.. and then took up snowmobiles and motorcycle racing (Flat track and MX), and all it turned out to be was a real strain on my finances.. and when you raced, it wasn't fun... it turned into one great big thrash every time you went out...

Now days, the biggest thing I worry about is punching a hole in a tire, and scraping the mud in between rides... and changing the oil and cleaning the air cleaner once in a while. I can get out and have fun again.. and not worry about all the crap I deal with daily in Washington DC.

It has given me a chance to spend quality time with my children... you can't believe what a rush it is to see the kids smile on their first time around the yard. Now I am looking forward to the grandkids getting to the age where their parents turn them over to Grandpa .. for "training"...

 

Dragginbutt hits it right on the head. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

One thing I didn't mention, when I began duning in the early and mid 80's it was all a bunch of dumb kids like me out there. Now, us dumb kids are older with our own kids and the dune experience is very family oriented. We all kept on doing it and are passing it down to another generation. We meet not just other riders but whole families. Very cool sport.

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You cannot forget the utility value that many use them for either. Tasks that used to take a very expensive tractor to perform, are now routinely being handled by ATV's. You save time, and expense using them on a farm. Hunter's gain great benefit too. Especially us older guys, or those with mild handicaps... in many cases it makes the differance between being able to hunt or not. But you are right... Mostly, the benefit is the time we spend with family and friend.. in a non competative environment... Too many soccer games, and baseball, and hockey etc have really soured many of us who just are looking for something we can do that is relaxing... instead of yelling encouragement at our kids from the sidelines, and getting upset over an officials call etc... At my age, I don't want conflict any more.. and I am not looking for excitement. I am looking for peace.. something that is sorely lacking these days... Ah, we long for the days when all we did was watch the grass grow.. and the wind blow in the fields of grain... sure would be nice if we could go back... just for a day or two...

 

Reduced the amount of floor space needing to be sweeped in the shop. With a new baby in the house seems my riding has come to a halt.

 

ill agree with dragginbutt....our ute has saved us hours of work, and loads of money. My dad sprays the CRP fields for thistles, that saved alot of money in itelf. I have used it to chase down an escape mare and her foal...not a fun experience, but I am glad we had it because without it, the horse could have been injured, or someone else could have been. I also used it for daily chores, like putting out hay and water, plowing snow, and even quick trips into town.

 

Ah don't worry too much about it Bigblack... If your wife is anything like mine, eventually, she will grow tired of having you in the way and tell you to go outside and play... It is funny how girls learn to play house when they are kids, while boys just learn how to have fun... It carries over to adult life too..... wierd.. really scary if you think too much about it..

Makes a guy wonder if we are being manipulated by girls from the time we are in kindergarten. Come on girls out there, admit it.. you got us by a lottery or something right? My poor wife must have drawn the short straw to end up with me... Oh well, her loss, my gain right?

The good Lord works in mysterious ways...

 

I'll add that I've found myself gettin out of the house more when its rainin or when its really muddy out cause I hate ridin my dirtbike when its muddy. Atv is funner in the mud. I'll even be able to drive it when its snowin out and when the pond freezes over. Thats a lot of fun drivin on the ice! Keep them all comin guys, these are great posts!

 

What it has done for me and what it will be doing for me in the near future: Plow Snow, Pull Springtooth plow, help haul garbage, transport me and gear on frozen lakes for icefishing, provide hours of endless fun and other possibilities![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]