Trail and Travel

What do you think of when someone mentions the word “vacation?”  Maybe your idea of a vacation involves tents or a camper and daily campfires.  Some people think about sandy beaches, fruity drinks, and partying with a guy named “Sven.”  And then there are the adventurous types that will load the whole family into the car and head to an amusement park on the other end of the country (Queue theme music from National Lampoon’s Vacation).  But for an off-road enthusiast, the word “vacation” frequently makes us think of going riding.

There were two primary reasons early pioneers came to the West; to explore new territory, or for a chance to strike it rich.  Regardless of the motivation, though, nothing brought a flood of immigrants to the Western territories faster than the lure of easy gold, just there for the pickin’.  Today the lure of gold still calls to many and even the History Channel chronicles the life of those doing their best to claw a few precious specs from the guts of the earth.  California may have gotten the early glory, but it’s Elko, Nevada that is the capital of U.S.

Disneyland has been called, “The happiest place on Earth.”  For off-road lovers, the happiest place on earth is at Brimstone Recreation’s White Knuckle event.   This year over 9000 fun- loving, smiling, and at times dirty off-road lovers converged on the ATV and UTV friendly town of Huntsville, Tennessee for the annual festival of all things country.  

Camping is part of many people’s trail and travel plans and we’ve decided to list some of the basics needed for a riding and camping adventure.  We always go for gear that is durable, compact, and easy to pack on an ATV or Side x Side.  Here are our favorites: 

Burning Rock is another West Virginia ride area that considers the riding only part of the experience.  They think of everything when it comes to outdoor adventure and they’ll even help you plan it.  Want to camp, fish, go white water rafting, or even try zip lining?  You can experience it all at Burning Rock and if you need a guide or lessons they’ve got that covered too.

Every ATV & Side x Side rider has a little bit of explorer blood coursing through their veins.  A century or two ago, the riders of today would have no doubt been the ones to turn their horse West and venture out into unknown territory as the fur trappers, mountain men, scouts, and pioneers of the time.  It would have been the chance to live on one’s own terms, to explore mountains, prairie, rivers and plains, and with a little luck, to possibly even strike the mother lode.

Each year there are dozens of festivals designed just for ATV and Side x Side riders and their families.  It’s the chance to spend time with friends, to make new friends, and to experience great riding.  Here’s our list of some of the best.  Hopefully we’ll see you there!

Ever headed off for a riding adventure only to have your trailer swooping from side to side behind your truck like it was a happy participant in some kind of highway hoedown?  It’s not only annoying, it’s also dangerous to you, to other drivers, and to whatever you’re hauling.   Like so many things in life, towing a trailer is all about balance, and we’ll tell you how to tow a load safely.

Hola Riders!  Have you ever wondered what a riding adventure in another country would be like?  We just completed a unique ride through some of the most beautiful terrain of Mexico's Baja Peninsula and it’s a trail ride we won’t ever forget.  It’s also a trip anyone can do and all it takes is a passport and a spirit of adventure.

For thousands of years there have been mining operations in North America, and everything from copper to coal to turquoise and tar was hewn from the ground and either made into items of higher value or used in its raw form.  Regardless of the material or the geography, mining always has been and still is a tough business.  As long as we keep using electricity, we’ll need mines.  Every mine comes with two identical problems, however: the material being extracted is limited, and when played out you’ve got a big hole in the ground, especially with surface mines.