Trail Riding with Girlie-Girl

For those of you women who pride yourselves as being as tough as any man and able to keep up with the guys in your life, relishing every moment of mud, grime, and the occasional blood spillage…this post is NOT for you!  

This post is for us, super girlie-girls, simply trying to survive a day of four-wheeling with that special man in our microcosm.  It is true that we want to support our husband/boyfriend/spouse in some kind of hobby, (especially one that gets him out of the house and out of our hair once in awhile).

That does not mean we desire to plunge through the rivers, valleys and mountains covered head to toe in trail dust, ditch water, and various other bits of mother nature clinging to our well-tailored jackets.  There must be a middle ground, right?  And there’s the rub.  

In light of my personal struggle to stay lady-like and also occasionally see my husband on the weekends, I have put together a little checklist of things to consider (BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE) for all of you ATV trail enthusiasts desperate to get out the door and onto the trail with your special lady.

Things to keep in mind when wheeling with the girlie-girl in your life:

• Ride Duration: the ride must be long enough to satisfy your trail urge, but short enough to not scuff her new boots up too much.
• Terrain: select your intended trail and terrain carefully.  Too steep is NO good and scary.  Too flat is boring.  Too bumpy will get you the silent treatment all the way home.  
• Attire/Gear: Her gear must be warm, comfortable and figure flattering.  If you are planning to make this couples ride a regular event, do yourself a favor and buy her some pretty pink riding gear (pants, coat, hat, gloves, helmet, boots...matching earrings.  You get the picture.)  These things can be obtained.  Do not deceive yourself into assuming pink riding gear does not exist.  It does.  I have girl friends working at Western Power Sports to prove it.  
• Food/Water: You must pack several appropriate snacks, bottled water, and preferably a picnic lunch if you are planning to be gone more than two hours.  Just saying.
• First Aide: Take a hint from the boy scouts.  Be prepared.  Carry wet wipes, Neosporin, and butterfly bandages at all times.  They are not for her.  They are for her sanity.
• Whine Prevention Kit: This can be assembled easily and is somewhat affordable.  Your kit needs to include but is not limited to; a bottle of wine & cups (I recommend a white zin or St. Chapelle’s Soft White), chocolates, yummy gum (Orbit winter-mint is safe), Red Vine licorice, and a Michael Buble CD for the ride home.

Remember, with careful planning on your part, you and your special girlie-girl can enjoy a wonderful ride out on the trail!  Until next time, Happy Trails and (as my seven year old would say) Big Balls!

Guest Blogger: Tia Davis (aka: The Pink Lady)

Big Ride Sept 2007

In 2007, three of us took a trip. The plan was to pack in with everything we would need for a good weekend including fuel. The week before we left I spent most of my time trying to get everything on the Brute I thought I would need or wanted to take. After culling out everything I didn't need and making a couple of phone calls to make sure we didn't have too many duplicate items we were ready to go.The place we decided to camp was about 30 miles from where we parked but with all of our supplies including a huge platter of ribs for Friday night dinner, it was a slow trip.

We made it to camp early evening and had a great ride in and more to come.  One of the high lights of the weekend was the five Apache helicopters that flew over our camp. The first one actually hovered right over our camp and waved, very low and very cool.  We took the bikes to a clearing and sat back to watch the show.  These guys came down to about 100 feet or so and it was awesome.  It really shows you if they had a reason to take us out they sure could have.

Mad dash to find reception for the game.

Over the weekend we road about 300 miles from Murphy, Idaho to somewhere in Northern Nevada and several places in between.  We had a great time and we even made time to listen to the BSU game that night “GO BRONCO”S!!!”

Over all the weekend was a great success. Dinner was ribs one night and prime rib the next.  Sandwiches during the day and a huge platter of wonderful views and adventure. This was the first of our year end rides that we continue to take in September every year.  More photos can be seen here along with the video of the Apache. Until next time, enjoy the ride.


https://picasaweb.google.com/112366868054103332166/Sept72007?authkey=Gv1sRgCJGMh9yCt6Xk5wE

Pre-Ride Checklist

Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is probably the easiest and fastest thing you can do check and adjust to improve performance and handling a low pressure tire gauge is not only inexpensive but a valuable part of you ATV tool kit along with a portable air compressor both can be purchased just about anywhere for under $30. keeping the tire pressure even and correct will improve the safety and handling of any ATV not to mention tire ware and traction. Think of it this way if you on a slow trail with lots of rocks snow or mud try a lower pressure better traction and improved ride. If your flying down a trail sliding corners and concerned about tire roll try a little higher pressure. Just a couple of things to keep in mind. Always check the recommended tire pressure for your tires.

Cable maintenance
This is simple as well sticky cables suck...no other way to put it I found that WD-40 works well and use the small hose that come with it to get the fluid into the cable sheath. Keeping your cables well maintained could save you a lot of heart ache out on the trail.  Also keeping your cable at the prop0er tension can improve their performance and life.

Fluids
This is a no brain-er right? check the oil and all of your fluids. here is the problem I don't know how many times Ive spent alot of time trying to get my tire pressure just right before a ride just to get an hour from home and realize I’m low on oil not a good way to start the day. Grease is cheep and should be used often a little maintenance today could save you alot of money in the future. Fuel, yep its a fluid and a vital one as well. ever had this happen? loaded up with all the gear and friends on your way ride for a couple of hours 40+ miles away from anything, Light bulb goes off in you head did I top this off with fuel? not going to name names but that can be a real bummer.

Lugs
A socket wrench and five minutes before each ride can save you a bunch of frustration. Check the tightness and condition of the lugs enough said. I keep a small tool kit in my bag that I can use to do minor repairs and maintenance while on the trail.

If you have a hard time remembering your maintenance schedule like I do make a list of tasks things to check before every ride things to check after each ride and things to check on a monthly bases. Check your owners manual for service recommendations.