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Exploring America on an ATV
can never be dull or boring.
 I
remember the first time I rode an ATV. It was an
experience that will never be forgotten. I went
from expressing my thanks to relatives one day and
purchasing one of my own the next. They had a hundred
of miles of riding in their area and I had 460 acres
of my own land to ride. They thought they were in
heaven in their state and I thought I was, in my
own yard. One day I looked down to realized I had
put 2500 miles on my ATV in a year and doing so
all on this small plot of land. I thought to myself
where did I really go? I checked the deer stand,
went fishing at the pond, built a tree house in
farthest corner, looked for the dog and I got away
when the in-laws called to say they were coming
over. I started thinking about riding some real
trails and made arrangements to revisit the place
that started it all. I was hooked all over again.
I met new people and talked about their love of
the sport and heard stories of far away places that
offered more trails and adventure than I could imagine.
I asked myself, if I could be content with my back
yard oasis any longer. I had to explore and see
the terrain and landscape that was told to me in
fairy tale fashion. I made phone calls, wrote letters,
looked on this thing they called the internet and
started to plan my next adventure.
That was 14 years ago. I started with taking
my family and friends, then people I didn’t know
that became friends. I had people calling wanting
to book an adventure tour with me. They were willing
to pay for a guided tour. Suddenly they were sending
me thank you cards, wanting to book a trip for next
year. I was taking them to five different states
and showing them the adventure of a lifetime. Now
I produce off-road adventure DVD’s that show people
who were once like me (naïve to exploring this great
America) where to ride. Showing people where they
can ride their ATV’s or off-road vehicles is not
as personal as taking them, but the logistical nightmare
of planning trips such as these have been solved.
I can now give more attention to detail to each
rider’s individual needs.
Folks that live in the Midwest, East coast or
West coast for that matter, have no idea of the
beauty that lies before them. The mountains are
majestic just like we hear in songs. The feeling
of awe you get as you crest the ridge is indescribable.
The wildlife grazing in meadows of wildflowers,
a waterfall that creates the many creek crossings
you’ll encounter, then realizing you only have gone
a few miles from your tow rig. That is just the
beginning, what could be next, thousands of miles
of trails, ghost towns! You will see the remains
of old mines and mining equipment or homesteads
that once housed our exploring forefathers. Railroads
that once carried ore and precious metals through
the Continental Divide are just one of many back
drops to your adventure.
 Maybe
traveling at 13,000 feet above sea level isn’t how
you want to start. Maybe you want a little lower
elevation because of the changing season. How about
the when the fall colors are changing as red and
gold leaves are in full contrast to the blue skies?
The sunset at 10,000 feet or lower is just as nice
but where can you go when the cold weather is a
factor at that time of year and its only 28 degrees
at home. You want to escape on your ATV to a place
where you can see the sun for the first time in
months or at least feel the heat from it. You can
and still see the same similarities. You’ll still
see waterfalls, old mines, living ghost towns, wildlife
and post card landscape, but you will also see petroglyths,
saguaros, Indian ruins and a thousand miles of trails
that take you to the wild and remote land of the
southwest. Perhaps you want to head to more areas
of this land of the free.
Maybe you’re a beginner or looking for easy going
and family orientated trails as you discover the
thrill of traveling were Native Americans or hopeful
prospectors once roamed. Maybe the navigation of
a more challenging route is the only way you can
get your buddy or brother in-law to realize who
is really the better rider or has the better ATV.
Either way you’re bound to have the time of your
life.
Planning your next off-road trip or vacation
is a lot harder than purchasing a couple maps and
making reservations. There are plenty of factors
to your adventure planning equation. How about the
skill level of everyone in your group or what are
the trails really like? Is your ATV up for the challenge?
Did you purchase all the corresponding maps and
where are those points of interest along the way?
Will the place you’re staying at be able to accommodate
your rig? Will you have to park far away? Do you
know the state and local laws for the area you’re
going to? Do you need registration and/or special
use permits? How about a place to get repairs? You
don’t want your fun ruined on the first or second
day. How about a place to get some grub? I’m not
talking Mickey D’s, I’m talking great local grub
that the owners welcome you with open arms and will
not badger you with their tree hugging antics. These
are the questions that you must ask yourself to
ensure the best experience possible.
Who says that ATV’s or off-road vehicles need
to be limited to back yard or empty lot recreation?
I say when you limit yourself, that’s when you become
dull and boring. Riding ATV’s or off-road vehicles
in our great outdoors has its rewards and responsibilities;
I hope you gain both on your next adventure. I’ll
see you on the trail!
Ranger Dave's
Where to Ride Guide
Dave Ferris
Producer / Director
Phone: (253) 875-6887
Email:
rgrdave@wheretorideguide.com
Web Site:
www.wheretorideguide.com
WE BRING THE TRAIL TO YOU
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