By Lance Schwartz

I had the opportunity to attend the 5th annual Fisher's ATV World reunion at Rock Run Recreation Area in Patton, Pa. This family-friendly event centers around Brian Fisher, the host of Fisher's ATV World show that appears on The Outdoor Channel. The weekend was chock full of trail rides, free autograph signings, competitive events, vendor displays, demo rides from manufacturers like Yamaha, Can-Am, and John Deere, and some fantastic concerts.

As the parent of two young kids, the thing that I appreciated most about this event was how well the Fisher's crew catered to the kids. Fisher took the time during his Meet and Greet sessions to rap with the kids and their families and sign autographs on shirts, hats, helmets and sometimes their quads. I heard Fisher comment repeatedly about how much returning kids had grown in the past year, and he often joked about them now being taller than him. The kids really looked up to him. It impressed me how well he positively played that role, while also promoting responsible riding.

Trail riding was permissible all weekend, with special rides happening periodically. Fisher... [ Read Full Post ]

By Mike Calabro

This photo was taken during a weekend ride in Silver City, Idaho. It is a great place to ride, and has lots of varied terrain.
 
When
Silver City can get a little crowded during events and on weekends. If you want seclusion, go off-season or during the week. The Fourth of July is a big family event with old-fashioned games and such. Little Billy and Susie would be better off staying at home, ya dig?
 
Where
The Idaho Hotel was first built in 1863 in nearby Ruby City, but a few years later the hotel was moved a mile away to its current location in Silver City. Haul your quad there and stay a few nights. I recommend making reservations in advance by calling (208) 583-4104 or hit the net at www.historicsilvercityidaho.com. Tell them Mike Calabro sent you and they just might charge you extra (I mean less)... it’s doubtful, but worth a try.
 
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By Mike Calabro

When you’re out in the bush, you can’t call 911 for help or expect a rescue anytime soon. You’re on your own. One small injury or unexpected event could be disastrous or even fatal on backcountry trips. The following is a list of essentials to bring along if you want to be self-sufficient on ATVs. This not a full list, though. Do your own research before attempting any long trips without any support trucks or other backup.

Keep a list of emergency contact numbers (family or friends) with all your medical conditions, medications, and allergies on your person at all times. This info saved a well-prepared friend’s life last year on a backroad motorcycle trip to Sturgis. It is also a good idea to keep this information on your helmet, as well. [ Read Full Post ]

By Mike Calabro

You definitely won’t be taking one of these out on your next hunting trip, but for just 2 million yen (about $25,500) you will be able to brag to your friends about the Lambo parked in your garage. This bad boy is obviously marketed to the more-money-than-brains crowd.

The super deformed little Lamborghini Murcielago based on an ATV frame was built by some dudes in Japan. It might look cool, but the 50cc powerplant means this mini-Lambo sure can’t keep up with the real thing. See how a Yamaha Grizzly 660 fared against a real Lambo. [ Read Full Post ]

By Lance Schwartz

Fly Racing F2 Carbon Helmet
MSRP: $289.95

Performance:
A quality helmet is the most important safety equipment an off-road rider will ever purchase. Protecting the rider’s head from impact is certainly the helmet’s primary purpose. But the best helmets also provide users with other creature comforts that “Dukes of Hazard”-type helmets never dreamed of. 

The Fly F2 Carbon utilizes a carbon/Kevlar construction to provide excellent protection and allows the design to remain lightweight. The helmet fit my face snuggly — the way it’s supposed to — and was very comfortable for the 10 straight hours I spent with it on my head. The light weight certainly helped prevent my neck from feeling fatigued as well.  [ Read Full Post ]

By Lance Schwartz

I refuse to ride without wearing a good quality riding boot. The main reason is that a riding boot, by design, will protect the rider’s ankles and the soles of their feet. Foot pegs tend to be pretty sharp and without a sturdy boot, those pegs don’t take long to shred ordinary footwear. 

I’ve run into two significant problems while wearing a full height riding boot. First, they make the task of walking even a menial distance frustrating at best. Second, pushing the gas and brake pedals on a SxS is nearly impossible. Over the last month, I’ve spent many hours in a pair of black size 13 Alpinestars Tech 2 boots. For me, the Tech 2’s have taken the place of two pairs of boots. In the past, I’ve always packed a pair of riding boots  to ride ATV’s and a pair of hiking boots to drive a SxS.  Those days are officially over. [ Read Full Post ]