The Basics

Braking in a Straight Path: Place two markers about 100 feet apart. Staying in first gear, speed up from marker #1 and then stop as close as you can to marker #2. When you can stop without skidding, repeat the exercise and speed up into second gear. Then, as you approach marker #2, downshift into first gear and brake to a stop.

Braking in a Turn: Place markers #3 and #4 ahead and about 40 feet to either side of marker #2, as shown in the diagram. In the straightaway, speed up into second gear and then downshift as you approach marker #2. After passing marker #2, make the turn and stop as close as you can to marker #3 or #4. When you can stop without skidding, speed up into higher gears in the straightaway.

• Keep your eyes forward in the straightaway, and look around the turn as you approach marker #2.
• Before shifting, remember to release the throttle. After shifting, keep your foot away from the shift pedal.
• Move your weight forward, and lean into the turn.

Braking in a Turn

Turning in a Large Oval

Turning in a Large Oval: Turning an ORV isn’t simply a matter of turning the handlebars. You need to shift your weight to avoid losing control. To practice, place two markers about 60 feet apart and ride in an oval around the markers. Stay in first gear as you ride around the oval in both directions. Remember to:

• Keep both feet firmly on the footrests.
• Keep your eyes focused on your path.
• Lean forward and into the turns.
• As you approach a turn, slow down. As you come out of the turn, gradually speed up again.
• If an ATV starts to tip, lean farther into the turn.
• If your turns are too wide, slow down more as you approach the turn and lean farther into the turn.

Turning in Small Circles (diagram to the left)

Ride around one marker turning to the right, making smaller and smaller circles. Then move to the other marker and repeat the exercise, turning to the left.

Making a Figure Eight (diagram on right)

Ride around the two markers in a figure-eight pattern. Gradually move the markers closer together until the pattern is as tight as you can make it.

Turning Sharply: Practice shifting your body to maintain your balance while using the throttle and brakes to control your speed.

• Place three markers about 50 feet apart to create a triangle with equal sides.
• Ride around the triangle in one direction until you feel comfortable making the turns, and then head back in the opposite direction.
• Change the shape of the triangle to vary the challenge.
• Remember to use all of the techniques practiced earlier.
• On an ATV, practice marking the turns without tipping the vehicle.

Making Quicker Turns: On a ride, you may see an obstacle at the last moment and need to make a quick turn. Although you use the same skills as in a sharp turn, you need faster reaction times and may need to make your actions more extreme.

• Set five markers about 35 feet apart. Weave back and forth around the markers.
• Start slowly, and then gradually speed up without going beyond second gear.
• When you’re comfortable with the current spacing, move the markers closer together, working down to a minimum of 18 feet.
• If you frequently hit markers, swing wider as you go around the marker and shift your weight more. Also add a burst of speed but not so much that the front pops up.

Making Quick Stops on a Straight Path: You may need to stop quickly for any number of reasons, so this is a very useful skill.

• Set two markers about 100 feet apart. Start at one end, and ride toward the other. Do not speed up beyond second gear.
• Keep a constant speed until you reach the second marker, and then apply the brakes and shift into first gear.
• Mark the spot where you come to a complete stop. Try again to see if you can stop quicker.
• When you can stop quickly and accurately, repeat the exercise in higher gears.

Making Quick Stops on a Turn: Being able to come to a quick stop while making a turn is also useful. Set up the same course used for braking in a turn.

• From marker #1, speed up into second gear. Pass to the right of marker #2, and turn left toward marker #3.
• At marker #3, apply the brakes and stop in as short a distance as possible. Remember to downshift into first gear.
• If the ORV swerves to one side, make sure that your body is centered on the machine and that you’re looking straight ahead.
• If the front of the ORV skids, ease up on the front brake.
• If the rear of the ORV skids, ease up on the rear brake and downshift more smoothly.
• Repeat the exercise passing to the left of marker #2 and turning right toward marker #4.

Riding Up a Hill and Making a U-Turn: Climbing hills is part of the fun of riding an ORV. (Note: Before attempting this exercise, review “Riding Uphill” and “Riding Downhill” so that you’ll know what to do if the ORV starts to stall or tip over.)

• Before starting the climb, shift into a lower gear and increase your speed.
• During the climb:
  • Increase the throttle steadily to keep your forward momentum.
  • Slide forward on the seat, or stand and lean forward.
• When you’re ready for the U-turn:
  • Turn to the left, and lean to the uphill side of the turn.
  • Continue turning in an arc until you’re headed down the hill.
  • As you come out of the turn, slide back on the seat. It’s important to slide as smoothly as possible.
• Shift into a lower gear, and use the brakes to slow down.
• Repeat the exercise, making the U-turn in the opposite direction.

Traversing a Hill: For steeper slopes, you may need to traverse the hill instead of riding straight up it. (Note: Before attempting this exercise, review “Traversing a Slope” and “Riding Downhill.”)

• Before starting the climb, shift into a lower gear and increase your speed.
• Approach the hill at a slight upward angle, closer to horizontal than straight up.
• While traversing the hill:
  • Increase the throttle to keep a steady speed.
  • Lean to the uphill side.
• On top of the hill, turn around, and traverse the hill downward.
• Repeat the exercise, traversing the hill in the opposite direction.

Stopping While Descending: This is a fairly straightforward exercise.

• Move back on the seat, and lean forward.
• On steep slopes, straighten your elbows and knees but don’t lock them.
• Shift into low gear, and apply the brakes to slow your descent.