|
By: Tyler Hopper
“Floating an ATV Down the River”
1982 Honda ATC 185s 3-Wheeler |
Imagine, you’re peering across your
handlebars at dirt and rocks as you go barreling
down the trail on your new ATV. In the
distance behind you is myself, on a 1982 Honda
ATC 185s. Although I ride the slowest
machine on the trail, my 3-wheeler is one of the
most fun to ride.
It was a hot summer day in Putneyville,
Pennsylvania. The creek that runs along side of
the trail was high, and my friends and I wanted
to go see if our beloved campsite was flooded.
We headed past the farm and down the dead-end
road, crossing the horse fence and onto the
trail we went, looking for adventure. Up
and down the hilly terrain on my not-so-powerful
three-wheeler I was like “The Little Engine That
Could.” Making it go up the hill and around the
turns was overwhelming. It was that feeling you
get when you’ve been away from home on a long
vacation. You walk into the door and bend down
and kiss the floor. The feeling is peaceful,
serene.
As I was leading the way down the path, our
ATVs became roman chariots, carrying the
warriors to battle the elements of thick brush,
twists, turns, and hills. We were forced to find
an alternate route because crossing the stream
on ATVs was like crossing the Grand Canyon
barefoot. Heading north along the stream towards
the creek we found that the water was very deep.
The alternate route had been flooded as well.
Being the brave one that I am, I started the red
giant and drove full throttle into the water. I
made it fifteen feet and the 3-wheeler just
died. I jumped off and pulled the rope to start
it. My machine truly proved its worth. I then
noticed the 3-wheeler floating in the water, and
I yelled to my friends, “Hey, it floats, cool! I
bet no one would do this on a new four-wheeler.”
I made it to my destination on the bank just out
of the water and headed toward the trail. My
friends, at the same time, found a different
route because they didn’t want to get wet
attempting to cross the same way I did.
Warning: ATV Source.com does not condone
riding without a helmet. Please
wear a helmet and protective riding gear
at all times while onboard any ATV/UTV. |
After a few minutes of riding, we made it to
the campsite. It was indeed flooded, but luckily
with only 2 feet of water. The campsite was
covered with a nice flat area of water the size
of 2 basketball courts put together with long
ends touching. This made an excellent playing
field for my 3-wheeler and me. With my friends
sitting on their ATVs watching me make a fool of
myself, they laughed and dared me to go farther
into deeper water. Not one to take a dare
lightly, I excitedly proceeded into the deeper
water. Going from the shallowest part of the
water there was a gradual change for about 20
feet, then there was a deep spot which was only
3-feet wide followed by a shallow spot 3-feet
wide, leading to the raging current of high
water. My friends dared me to ride through the
deep spot onto the shallow spot. Reluctant at
first, I tried it. Doing so submerged the
headlight completely. The water splashed away
from the front tire like that of the Log Jammer
at Kennywood amusement park. Riding around
in the water for hours I decided to end my fun,
because my friends were growing tired. They
couldn’t have as much fun on their newer ATVs as
I was having.
When riding an ATV it is important to
remember to always wear a safety helmet.
Also, when purchasing an ATV, remember, just
because it’s faded, dirty, and weathered,
doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. New ATVs may be
faster, but I wouldn’t recommend riding through
water on an ATV that costs more than one week’s
paycheck. When you peer across the handlebars of
your newer ATV and the dirt and rocks become a
blur, remember, you can have fun on an ATV no
matter its age.
|
