Your First Ride

Filed in archive Off-Road on December 27, 2006

So you've decided you want to go off-roading but you don't know what you want to get. More important, you don't know what you should get.

That's not an easy question. Start with the type of off-roading you plan on doing. Decide if you will be in sand, dirt, mud or trails. Do you plan to ride alone, or with a friend? How about an entire family?

In a nutshell, if you're planning on riding in sand (dunes), two wheels is probably not the best route. A quad for single riders is always a good start, no matter the terrain. A two-seater sand-rail or maybe even a Jeep if you plan on riding with a buddy or bringing your whole family.

I wouldn't suggest taking the young ones out in the bumps until they're able to sit legally facing forward in their car seat. Be sure to remember they're there, and stay away from water, (i.e. the canals at the ISDRA or the beach in Oregon). It's one thing to go under water with you and your friend who can likely get out of his seat himself. It's another thing to have to worry about getting your kids out of their seats.

Oh yeah, one more thing... You might start out spending $1300.00 to get you out in the dirt, but don't be surprised if you end up spending many many times more if you take a liking to the sport.