ATV rentals are extremely fun and exciting. At Fractional Toys in Minnesota, we feel grateful every day that it’s literally our job to hook you up with well-maintained machines ready to hit the trails!
Fall and winter are some of the most gorgeous times to ride in the Midwest, whether exploring on your ATV or riding on the back of a two-up snowmobile. The first time you capture a sunset over a horizon that looks like a watercolor painting, you’ll fall in love all over again with this part of the country, where it’s picturesque year-round. There’s no wrong season to ride!
Winters here have a unique charm, despite their sometimes-painful temperatures. Many ATV riders keep trailblazing through the cold season, reveling in the snow tossed under their tires and the ice crystals refracting from the sunlight.
As much as we advocate for you to get out there and SEND IT, it’s our duty as a provider of four wheeler rentals to discuss safety protocol. Driving responsibly ensures you have a great time and walk away without injuries or regrets.
No one wants to accidentally wreck rental equipment and deal with the fees – or worse, hospital bills. So before you head out, PLEASE take the time to read up on proper ATV safety.
Many people who rent ATVs don’t have the experience of someone who owns one, so you may not know safety procedures like the back of your hand. And unlike a more experienced ATV rider, you may not yet know where your limits lie – like what terrain your vehicle and skillset can handle.
Read on for location-specific, cold weather safety tips for ATV beginners straight from the Minnesotans at Fractional Toys!
Plan Ahead Before Any ATV Ride
Always research your route ahead of time. This doesn’t need to take forever! Most Minnesota parks have information posted in an easy-to-understand format online. A quick internet search usually brings up an official website and a trail map.
What are you looking for? Well, quite a few things. You want to outline which trails you’ll take so you don’t get lost in the cold. While getting lost in the summer or spring can be a merely unpleasant experience, it can become deadly in the late autumn or winter as temperatures rapidly decline.
You don’t need to stick to your planned route if it gets late or you want to call it a day early. But having a cursory idea of your whereabouts in your mind will help you reorient yourself if your phone battery dies and you find yourself needing to get back to the trailer without a guide.
Invite your riding buddies to share in the planning process and plan your ultimate adventure!
Watch the Forecast
We don’t need to tell you twice about the unpredictable nature of Minnesota weather! Keep a close eye on local radar as your trip approaches, and pack accordingly.
Items like hand-warmers and rain gear can come in handy if you encounter a storm, and portable phone batteries are always helpful. Obviously, don’t forget the appropriate cold-weather clothes. It’s chillier riding an ATV than simply standing around, so dress in layers for the most comfortable experience.
Choose water-resistant or waterproof outerwear, especially if you’ll be riding through snow, as ATV tires tend to kick up a lot of it during powdery days. (But that’s all part of the fun!)
Don’t Push Your Limits
Remember those limits we talked about earlier? When that little voice pops up in your head and suggests that the current situation is unsafe or that you don’t feel comfortable proceeding, listen to it!
As ATV rental providers, we implore you: Listen to your intuition.
Better yet, while studying the map and planning your route, also plan which trails and areas to avoid. Don’t put yourself in an unsafe situation because you’ll just end up feeling icky at best or ruining your rental and injuring yourself at worst.
When navigating your ATV through the trails, always ride courteously. Always share the trails when you’re riding, and respect the ground beneath. If you come across an obstacle, try to go through it rather than around. The trails are there for a reason, and you don’t want to have an accident by going off the trail.
Always yield to unpredictable pedestrians, particularly those with pets, who might share the trail with you. Go slow and be watchful as you pass. Finally, don’t block the trail access by stopping your ATV in the middle of a train. Leave room for yourselves and other riders to go through the trail.
Always be respectful in every situation, and you’ll have a wonderful experience. Get more tips for new ATV riders here!
Know How to Prevent Getting Stuck & How to Get Out
When you’re out riding, it’s always possible that you might get stuck. But don’t worry! There are ways to get unstuck.
Remember to always stay calm when you get stuck. Getting upset won’t get your ATV out of the mud quicker!
When riding, prevention is the best way to avoid getting stuck. Stick to trails that you are familiar with and keep a steady pace. Always ride with a friend, so you’ll have someone there to help if something happens.
If you do get stuck, try not to make the situation worse by spilling your wheel. Doing this will dig you into a deeper hole. Always ask for help from friends or other trail riders if possible, so you aren’t trying to do it yourself.
Think through your plans before executing them as you work to get unstuck. Try to do everything safely, so no one gets injured in the process.
Still Need ATV Rentals? Fractional Toys Has You Covered!
With our phenomenal rental fleet and wide selection of ATVs for all experience levels, you’re sure to find something that’s just your speed! Give our Oakdale location a call for service at 651-360-1617, or get a hold of our Rogers office at 763-265-6891.