Next Ride
Please remember, all riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet in the state of Tennessee even in a UTV!
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Upcoming 2010 Rides
with East Tenn. ATV Riders and Soggy Bottom Boyz
July
ETATVR Pickett State Forest July 17th 8:00 am CDT
Windrock Get Your Mud On TV SXS Rally July 16-17
Bryants Cove with RZR Chick July 31st 2010 Souther OffRoad Riders
August
Town Rock Ride Royal Blue August 14, 9 am EDT
SBB H-M TBA
September
Rooster's Annual Labor Day Ride Pickett State Forest Sept. 4th 8:00 am CDT
Toys For Tots Off Road Trail Ride II September 18, 2010 Royal Blue
October
SBB Fall Ride TBA
ETATVR Fall Color Ride- Pickett State Forest Oct. 30th 9:00 am CDT
November
SBB Thanksgiving Ride
ETATVR Black Friday Ride Pickett State Forest Nov. 26th 9:00 am CST
December
7th Annual Stocking Full of Love ATV Parade
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The Responsibilities of the Leader of a Ride By Rooster
Leading a ride or offering to take other people out and show them around is a big responsibility. It should not be taken lightly. Now I am not implying any sort of Liability for other peoples actions. Everyone that comes out and rides their ATV’s is fully aware of the dangers that can present themselves. What I am saying is that as friends we should be looking after each other and offer assistance when necessary. In this article I will attempt to lay out what I consider some basic rules for leading a ride. Just thought an article on the subject might help some of those who lead or guide rides.
Rule #1 – Learn as much as you can about the People who have come out to ride with you. Try to find out how many trail rides they have been on. By asking this simple question you will get a good idea as to what kind of route you should be taking and the pace of the ride. Also I like to have the least experience riders right up behind the leader. That way the leader can watch after them. This also solves another problem which is the group getting spread out to far. By having the least experienced riders behind the leader the ride can be slowed or altered as necessary.
Rule #2 – Have a Drivers meeting before the ride. Explain to the group the following:
1. What time you expect to be back to the vehicles
2. How technical will the ride be, easy, moderate, extreme, slow pace, fast pace. 3. Explain to the riders to watch out for the rider behind them. Especially at turns or intersections in the trail.
4. Explain what to do if they break down or have a problem. In case of mechanical problems the group will wait and help out.
Rule #3 – Adjust your ride according to the wants or needs of the group. A good indication of a ride that is too fast paced is your group is getting separated. Slow it down if this happens. When you come to an area that is difficult, then motion to the rider behind you to wait while you proceed. That way they can see the path you took and decide what path they want to take. Also it gives you a chance to pull ahead and park so you can dismount and help some of the less experienced riders thru a rough area. Listen to the riders when you take a rest stop. They will usually tell you if they ride is to fast or rough.
Rule #4 – Never Ever allow your group to get separated. If a rider decides that they need to return to the vehicles then send someone back with them. Remember you were asked to lead or guide the ride because you were familiar with the trails. The other riders might not be. If someone breaks down then one of your responsibilities is to see that they make it out and back to the vehicles. Never leave anyone alone in the woods unless there is not other option to render assistance. Also if a rider decides that they are going to leave the group and explore on their own then make sure that they are familiar with the trails. It would not be a bad idea to check when you got back to the vehicles to see if they have left or still in the woods.
Rule #5 - Never do an exploring ride with a large group. Nothing worse than turning a group of 20 wheelers around at a Dead End Trail. Take the time to plan your route out the night before. At least get a good idea of the trails you will be riding. If you want to Explore make sure the group understands this and all are in agreement. Exploring rides are better when done with no more than 5 or 6 wheelers. Minimum Equipment - At a minimum the Leader and Tail Gunner should have GMRS Radios. Any other riders that have them helps. Some other helpful items, something to cut tree limbs loopers or chainsaw will do, Tow Strap, Air Compressor and extra gas for those that might need it. A GPS and knowing how to use it is helpful but not necessary if you know the area you are riding in.
Remember, you were asked to lead or guide a ride. You are not Liable but responsible for leading the group thru the trails and returning them to the vehicles. Stick to your planned return time to the vehicles. If you want to ride some more or others don't then it is still your responsibility to get the others back to the vehicles.
If you don’t want any of this responsibility then my suggestion is this:
Don’t be a Guider or Leader – Let someone else do it.
