Non-construction question for the Dad’s out there. I’ve got two kids. A girl who’s 7 in second grade and a boy in Kindergarden who will be 6 in February. We live a pretty normal life. Good kids that are fairly active, fairly intelligent (sure, I’m biased), pretty healthy, etc. Wife stays home w/the kids and Dad works hard outside the house. In general my wife doesn’t buy into the philosophy that we need to have our kids involved in “something” every single day/night of the week. So, unlike some of our suburban neighbors, our kids usually come home from school, play a bit, do some chores, we all have dinner together, then we read, play some games, do some homework or whatever and then around 8 p.m. it’s time for bed. Sounds pretty routine but we all seem the better for it. This winter our son will be in basketball one night per week and every Saturday morning and our daughter will be in a dance class one night/week. It’s amazing how quickly that starts to tie up our time (especially if I coach his team).
All that feeds into this question…should we buy an ATV? Don’t ask me why I have a hankering for one of these things. But I do. I probably shouldn’t. When I was 16 (and didn’t have a clue how to ride one) I drove a three-wheeler into a barbed-wire fence and wound up with 20 stitches right above my a**. Since then I’ve had a couple motorcycles and have ridden a friend’s ATV a few times. Nothing hard-core, that’s not my style. I’m more of a pleasure rider. But since I gave up hunting about 10 years ago I feel like my kids won’t have much of an appreciation for the outdoors besides staring at it outside our windows or watching it go by when we take a ride somewhere. We do go for walks a few times/week and shoot hoops outside and stuff like that. But I’m wondering if, for the next ~5 years, it would be fun for them to go off for a day on a long trail ride (can you fit two little kids on these things w/an adult – probably not; maybe we’d have to take turns).
For those of you that have, or had, an ATV and used it with your kids, what do you think? Part of me thinks we shouldn’t overcomplicate our lives. The other part thinks that in 20 years our kids would look back and say “that was cool when we went on those ATV rides with Dad”.
Thanks, Rob
Replies
I don't know what the answer is because my wife and I don't have children yet. But I agree with your wife's philosophy that kids don't need to be involved in an organized activity every waking moment. Some of my best memories as a kid are of fishing the local ponds by myself in the summer or riding bikes in the neighborhood with friends. There is research which indicates that all these organized activities tend to cramp free individual thinking and inhibit the development of leaders in the upcoming generation.
Aside from all that gobbley-gook, and the reason why I responded to your post....
I do think that you're a pretty darn cool Dad for even considering buying an ATV for the kids! Or is it really for the kids? ;)
Brian
Just read your paragraph about the kids having something to do every waking minute.
I was watching some program where they were saying that some of these kids are so stressed out because of all that extra curricular stuff. Some are taking prescribed drugs to either get to sleep/calm themselves down from all the rushing around crap.
Parents want their kids involved in so much stuff for their own satisfaction that I don't know that they are even considering the kids!
This has nothing to do with the original poster and the 4-wheeler. But if you do get one, be careful, lot of deaths each year do to them.
Doug
Just my thoughts here, it sounds like an ATV like a Gator, Ranger, Mule or similar might suit you better. They drive more like a jeep than a motorcycle for the less experienced rider. Bench seat with seat belts, 4 wheel drive, ROPS, and a track width similar to a 4 wheeler make it a good choice for the sedate drive and still capable of trail rides on rough ground.
A 4 wheeler is either an exciting toy or a farm workhorse depending on its application. It also kills many people each year, so be careful.
Depending on your location and access to trails, it can be a great family getaway and nature hike. Remember, you can always get off and walk to see the sights while your deep in the wild. Hope you find what you like. Others smarter than me will be along to give you better advice.
Rob:
It is good you are looking at doing things with your kids that is great. I have a daughter that is 4 1/2 try to do the same. We ride snowmobiles in the winter ( of course) started just before she was born. We have taken her since she was about 7 months old she loves riding but mostly likes the camper and playing with the other kids. Snowmobiling really isn't a cheap sport we looked at getting her a mini sled but since our friends have one for their girl we figure they can share.
Anyway what I was thinking of was it's not the snowmobile or the ATV or whatever. Kids just want our time, quality time spent doing even the simple things like a nature walk out in the forest or behind your neighborhood in a greenbelt. Sure an ATV or motorcycle or snowmobile can bring the whole family together into an activity that is fun but can get expensive. I'm not trying to talk you out of anything just saying even the simple free things where you can spend time with the kids can be great.
One problem with "things" is finding the time to load up everything gas it up get the gear and go. When you could just pack a lunch and take the kids for a walk somewhere and tell them about the things you see.
Anyway stay active with them they grow up so fast.
Jeff
Nice post.
You have places to ride?
Landowners around here, like me, generally hate them, don't allow them on the property. Took me several yrs to convince everybody around here that this wasn't a public park to abuse as they wished. Had to ask one persistant guy if he'd mind my riding my ATV around his house. The look on his face when I pointed to my farm tractor was priceless. "But it'd tear up the ground!" Exactly.
My suggestion would be to take the kids for a hike. Much healthier and you can see more. That's something you'd be welcome to do here and on a lot of other private property. Need speed? Go back to motorcycles.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
I vote for getting an ATV. I grew up riding a dirtbike, and many of my favorite childhood memories involve being in the woods on a motorcycle. Unfortunately these machines get a bad reputation because many inferior people put their kids on one without any instruction and/or without a helmet. Then little Johnny is found in the woods with a broken neck and its the ATVs fault.
In the end, they are just like many other things: a lot of fun when used properly. And look at it this way, they are a lot better for your kids than mind-numbing video games. IMHO of course.
in vino veritas
This really should have been in the tavern. I suspect it will get moved there anyway.
We had a thread here on ATVs a couple of years ago, and it got pretty heated. Someone said a line I haven't forgotten: "99% of ATVs give the rest a bad name".
I absolutely despise the things, and the idiots who drive them. Once kids get turned loose with them, they seem to think they're allowed to go anywhere they want. And there's almost nothing you can do about it.
The idiots on them have chased our livestock around, shot out lights stolen things, and run through standing crops. Just for fun.
So I definitely have a bad taste in my mouth for them.
.
If you do decide to get one, I'd STRONGLY recommend a safety course for your kids. Telling 'em to be careful isn't enough. Heck, even a safety course probably isn't enough. They're gonna goof around anyway.
There are all too many people around here getting killed or mamied on the things. And kids that think they're "bulletproof" are often the ones it happens to.
.
Honestly - IMHO your kids will remember almost ANYTHING you do with them. You don't need an ATV to create memories.
Just curious, how does a thread get moved? Should I be doing it?
- Rob
Skip the motorized hardware and just spend time with the kids. Its the talking, the interaction that's important, the one-on-one time. Try fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping, bicycle riding.
The moderators move non-construction related stuff to the tavern at their discretion. (And when they notice it) You can't move it yourself - They have to.That's what the tavern was created for - To keep off-topic stuff off the main board.No milkbones for you for 2 weeks. (-:
Let us endeavor to live that when we die, even the undertaker will be sorry. [Mark Twain]
So I definitely have a bad taste in my mouth for them.
Wow, sounds like me and PWC (Personal Water Craft--atvs for the water, and occasionally equally poorly operated).
Same rant, different millieu <g>.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
I vote against getting an ATV if it's just for the "benefit" of the kids. I don't know where you live or in what kind of area, but generally, it's not acceptable for kids under 16 to be riding one by themselves, and also not a good idea for passengers of any age to be riding. Yeah, you can get some "2-up" models and some aftermarket seats, but ATV's are not all too safe.
Think about this: you're going up a steep hill and you flip it backwards. What hits the ground first?
Just so you know where I'm coming from, I have four kids, aged 14, 11, 9 and 1. We are building a house out in the woods, and have access to thirty acres of woods and miles of other trails. I am contemplating getting a Gator because they are useful beyond your typical ATV,and much safer. But for getting them outdoors and exposed to nature, etc. we go for trail walks, do bird and tree identification, do a bit of shooting (target - I'm not a hunter), get the oldest two working safely around my sawmill or hauling/splitting firewood, etc. Burning up gas just to "ride around" would actually bore my kids to tears. My older two, both boys, have built treehouses and forts, they like geology as a result of helping me and their grandfather build stone walls, and they did their own vegetable garden this year.
I've spent plenty of time in ATV's in the past, but I woudn't get one unless I had a clear use for it. If you were planning on taking up hunting again - good reason. Otherwise, fit it up with a snowplow or trailer, or something like that if you just gotta have it.
Good comments guys. Opened my eyes to some things I hadn't considered. I wouldn't let the kids ride it themselves, at least until the recommended age. Our riding would be pretty tame. To use a nautical comparison I'm more of a pontoon boat kind of guy than a speedboat or jet ski kind of guy. The Gator thing is a good idea. I do worry a bit about suddenly complicating our lives (insurance, gas, registration, maintenance, storage, etc.). Maybe we'll just rent them a few times a year? :-)
- Rob
Try hiking instead. Maybe even get them some backpacks and show them how to cook/survive in the backwoods. Its a slower pace yes, but, in my opinion these days we need more of that.
Hiking out for the day really takes the edge off and puts you back in touch with the simple things in life. If you incorporate a bit of survival skills and some interesting stuff like that, it should hold the kids attention. You can even camp if you are set up for it.
Just my opinion.
Maybe we'll just rent them a few times a year? :-)
Noticed you're already talking in the plural. Big bucks.
Buy four mountain bikes and talk with the kids while you peddle. You'll see more, hear more, get healthier, all that good stuff. Your kids will love you for whatever you do for and with them.
A bit sketchy[no scanner] but the moral is
"trees don't move".If it were easy....a caveman could do it.
I considered an ATV (4wheeler) before deciding on a gator 6x4. It was a very good choice, for many reasons. First, the ATV is way too much for a kid to handle, no matter how much room you have or how good a kid he/she is. I let both my kids drive the gator, with me sitting next to them, and it gave my daughter a lot of confidence and maturity when it was time for her to learn to drive a car. It also taught them a little fear, which they need, without really putting them at any risk. At the same time, the gator is very useful around the property, with a dump and plow, and actually serves a purpose besides a toy for the kids (and me). Plus, I can put a group of kids in the dump and drive them around, making my son very popular with his friends, and showing everyone a good time.
I bought my gator off ebay, still under warranty with only about 75 hours on it and in perfect condition. Got about a third off the price of a new one, and have absolutely no regrets.
I will add that I also bought my son, 10, an electric scooter to tool around the property on his own. Goes about 20 mph, which is still pretty fast, and he feels the freedom he would feel with an atv without as much chance of killing himself. Of coursce, he did take a good spill the other day on gravel, but that's part of growing up and he got a decent cut instead of being killed.
SHGFor every complex problem, there is a solution that is clear, simple, and wrong.
-H.L. Mencken
Re: "I will add that I also bought my son, 10, an electric scooter to tool around the property on his own. Goes about 20 mph, which is still pretty fast, and he feels the freedom he would feel with an atv without as much chance of killing himself."What ever happened to getting them a bicycle and letting them go. Everything has some risk but assuming they wear a helmet ands stay out of traffic, both a very good idea, the odds are they won't kill themselves. Even without much supervision. That they also work up a sweat and, perhaps, develop a habit of exercising would be all to the good. That the cart is many times as expensive at a bicycle, both to buy and maintain, those golf cart batteries don't last forever and they aren't anything like cheap, is also to the good. Recharging isn't free either. A bike requires a bit of grease, oil, a little air and a few hand tools. Teaching the kids to maintain the bike, given the price the kids can even afford to buy their own parts, and that is also good.
I'm pleased with the direction this thread is taking.
I've ridden ATVs a lot in my youth (teenager), and I had a couple of injuries. I think just about everyone who has ridden one has been hurt. It's only a question of how serious the injury will be, not whether a rider will get injured. They are fun, but I wouldn't let my kids ride one. Plus, most landowners hate them. You won't be making many friends.
I like the idea of going for hikes or mountain biking. Cheaper, healthier, quieter, more neighborly.
Mostly agreed. Lord knows I qualify as someone that got injured. Although I chalk that up to being young, dumb, inexperienced and not having any adult supervision around at the time. I guess my goal in seeking something like the ATV was to add a little "zip" to our lives. I too agree the good times can consist of a nice walk, fishing, etc. And I do treasure those times w/our kids. But every now and then it's fun to hop on a roller coaster and have the heart race a bit...so to speak.
- Rob
" ...I feel like my kids won't have much of an appreciation for the outdoors besides staring at it outside our windows or watching it go by when we take a ride somewhere. We do go for walks a few times/week... But I'm wondering if, for the next ~5 years, it would be fun for them to go off for a day on a long trail ride (can you fit two little kids on these things w/an adult - probably not; maybe we'd have to take turns). ...
Part of me thinks we shouldn't overcomplicate our lives. The other part thinks that in 20 years our kids would look back and say "that was cool when we went on those ATV rides with Dad".
Walks a few times per week as you do is a great idea.
If it's the outdoors you want the kids to appreciate, why not take them on simple overnight hiking or canoeing trips. When they're young, you could car-camp in a State or Federal park, then day-hike from there, returning to the warmth and comfort of an established campground. When they gain strength and experience, try overnight hikes.
IMHO, motorized travel through the 'outdoors' takes away the appreciation that comes from gaining a spectacular view/lake/clifftop from one's own physical efforts.
Young kids have short attention spans....wouldn't they get bored real quick hanging on to the back of a quad? Driving these things gets boring, unless you find new trails. But soon, you'll know all the trails in your area - so have to drive even further out to find non-boring ones.
Hiking on foot, it will take a lot longer to 'do' all the trails in your immediate area. Hikers and backpackers 'consume' the wilderness at a much slower pace. They tend to have a lower impact. They also take the time to stop, look, listen and breathe.
What the kids will remember is that you took the time - quiet time without mechanical distractions, and shouts to 'hang on' and 'slow down' - to be with them, walking at their pace, holding their hand. With an ATV, it is hard to talk over the engine noise while staring at dad's back.
costofwar.com/
Edited 10/25/2005 6:04 pm ET by Pierre1
Hey, I have been considering the same. I have a 7 year old son (JD), and 100 acres.
I have concluded that a golf cart might be safer for the time being. Some can be or are already modified with a lift kit and knobby tires. They are slower and more stable, but lots of fun. My son, could drive the thing, and good used ones can they be bought for $2,500.00, seating for four or a pickup bed and seating for two.
Some can be or are already modified with a lift kit and knobby tires. They are slower and more stable, but lots of fun
Yep, there's a full line of off-road kits to rig them out, or to upgrade existing carts. (I drive by our local guy's shop every day.)
The other thing is that they go on a charger, so there's less fuss with POL. Which skips a whole "worry" about young'uns & volatile petrochemicals. Some parental control, too, as, if you take the charger, there's no siphoning the truck for gas, either.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
This thread kills me. A bunch of guys that stand on platforms high in the air, shooing 3" nails into 50lb sheets of ply worried about the relative safety of a responsible father looking for another source of entertainment for his children.
I like the "go for a walk" attitude, and at an adult age we can appreciate that walk. I know my 8 year old boy won't. If you have the land, or are friendly with people that do buy an ATV. You and your children will love it. Bombadier has some nice 2 rider machines. Do it, be responsible and you won't ever regret it.
A bunch of guys that stand on platforms high in the air, shooing 3" nails into 50lb sheets of ply worried about the relative safety
Hey, you want safety laughs, just Search the archives <g>.
There's been plenty of flame here over differing opinions on walking joists, how much scaffolding is enough, safety rigging for roofs, etc. Besides, the scary part is when the "they" are shooting 1 1/4" staples into 95# ply sheets on insufficiently braced roof trusses three stories in the sky only standing on one tine of the skytrak . . .
I happen to like electric for going about on the rural land, it has many benefits. Does not stop me from walking or riding instead, but quiet is a nice thing to have in the country.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
I have a hard time believing that anyone can get closer to, or learn to appreciate nature by riding/driving a motorized vehicle. Now, I'm all for using one as a tool to get to a hunting spot, or using a boat to fish, but when you get to your destination, you turn it off and do the activity. Cast, and touch the fish as you remove it from the hook, or walk to your tree stand then spend the next few hours just being quiet. Horseback riding, bicycling, hiking, are all better for enjoying the outdoors. Now if you just like the excitement of riding something motorized, that's another issure. As is spending quality time with your kids. If you like to ride an ATV, and you want to bring them along for the ride, then you are spending time with them and they, and you, will enjoy it and remember it.
If you don't hunt anymore, take 'em fishing. It's as cheap as you want it to be, and everyone likes to fish.
if you want your children dead, go ahead and buy the atv. That one reason they stop making three wheeler. The local sheriff around here is trying to make atv illegal in the county, he tired of picking up bodies. illegal for someone under the age of 16 to drive a car but nobody thinks about a 10 year old going down a county road at 50.
"...nobody thinks about a 10 year old going down a county road at 50."
In Illinois, it's illegal to drive them on paved roads. But they do it anyway because they know they can get away with it - The cops can't catch them.
All the money, background, prestige... none of it compares with hard work and clean living. [Ari Rapkin]
its illegal here too, till the hood of the oncoming car meets the atv. We loose a child to death on an ATV at least one a week during the summer months. last summer, three girls was riding on a single atv, pulled out in front of a car on a major highway, never had a chance.
You can drown while fishing, you can also get seriously injured riding a mountain bike, and hikers get hurt all the time. The same can happen on an ATV. You will be hard pressed to find something fun that doesn't come with some risk.
I ditto someone elses suggestion of thinking about a Jeep or other off road vehicle. It can be fun for the whole family.
I think it is important for children to learn respect for all things as early as possible. As for me, I grew up around guns, atvs, heavy farm equipment, power tools, trail-riding, and fishing on a boat. As a matter of fact Dad and I still use the same bushhog that killed his father in the late 70's. You better believe that we have respect for machinery. The worst injury I have ever suffered was a broken arm, and that was on a bicycle.
ATVs can be a good thing, as can hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. But they all require good judgement.
in vino veritas
ATVs can be a good thing, as can hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. But they all require good judgement.
Good post and well said .
I dont run saws every day anymore . I was running my table saw today and kinda forgot to watch it . Caught my self not paying attention. As old as I am you would think. I got to thinking back to mistakes after this thread and realized thats how most are made. {I wasnt thinkin accident} Look off for a second and ram the back of a car . Ever happen to you ? Did me .
Tim
Sure did happen to me. I creamed the back end of a Volvo with my very first 4x4. Neither party was injured, but I think I shed a tear on the inside as I watched 'em put my old darlin' up on the rollback.... <g>
I just took my eyes off the road for a second. But that's all it takes to get hurt doing a lot of stuff.
Was trout fishing with my dad in Tellico, we were in the water well before daybreak, probably 20' from each other when he slipped on a rock and went down. I heard him fall and could sort of see him but it was dark. Of course I thought he would get right back up but he didn't, needless to say its like the world is in slow motion when you're trying to run through 2 ft of water to get to someone you think is drowning. He got up before I got to him, but he had taken a serious lick to the head from a rock and all I could think is crap, he could've died right there.
Before that, I had never thought of wading in a creek fishing for rainbow trout was dangerous at all, but now I know better. in vino veritas
One night I was leading a party of four besides me on a championship cast in a coon hunt. I was the non hunting judge and guide which means I wasnt hunting a dog in order to call the finalist cast. All decisions were mine alone which I learned some about responsebility that night.
The dogs all were struck in and raced down a large creek some would call a river. They seemed as if they were chasing a freight train . They were really hauling butt and covering a lot of ground. Somewhere about 1/4 mile down the creek they sounded like they made a loose which I didnt buy for a moment for I knew the ground. They crossed the creek at a riffle which was the only place a coon could have crossed that creek in flooding waters that night. We had four days of rains that so far had not dawned on me . The race picked up blazing again on the other side of the creek and they were back to smokin it. Second mistake I made was to keep walking on the "easy" side . Another 1/2 mile down they had reared up and were pawing the bark off an Oak tree telling the world they had treed Mr Ringtail. We approached the creek to find the dogs treeing on the other side every breath. I looked at the water and saw swift rapids. I gave the order for handlers to handle their dogs . Three plunged in right there to reach their respective hound and two of them were swept down the creek. I had led the charge and made it to the other side only to turn to screams and yells of hunters floating down the creek for they had lost their footing. One remained on the other side in fear. We both raced down the creek following the men and I pulled one out . The other went about 300 yards further in pitch dark before he hit rocks . He was ingured and freezing but managed to pull him self out of harms way till we reached him.. It took the rest of the night to get him out taking turns carrying him. His leg had got caught in the rocks trying to stand up and the water snapped it. Very poor decisions on my part and I was responsible. All it takes is one poor decsion .
Tim
Well, we love ours. My son is 15 now. I bought a new Honda 350 when he was 12, and . . . pay attention . . . the machine now has about 3,600 miles on it ! ! ! No kidding, he's gotten a great deal of use out of it.
2 points . . .
1. We've got our own land. The guys are right about property owners. They see the 4 wheelers as a nuisance.
2. With kids as young as yours, I'd pony up for a golf cart instead. Much, much safer, and slower. And more accomodating for two or three kids to ride together. You can always trade up to a Gator, Mule, or 4 wheeler in a few years.
I found the machine to be a good investment. My boy rides very responsibly, and now that he has his learners permit, I think the experience taught him well about control of a motorized vehicle.
Greg
It is illegal here to to ride them on any county or state road.
Story;
I inherited my brothers atv so to speak with out a story there. Anyway its not registrared with the state as it was bought for the farm. So I check into it and had to have a state trooper come to my house to verify the indenification numbers. They didnt match up for some reason and I needed a "lost title search" . He said , : I dont know why you are worrying about it anyway. We dont bother them or check them ever. We let them ride the roads everywhere in the state.
All I could figgure was that they have more important things to do.
On a side bar note ; They couldnt catch them if they wanted to. Theres no way a police car or even a pick up can stay with them on rough terrain. The game wardens testify to that and dont even try anymore unless they are seated on one. Mine will do about 50 MPH over what ever terrain you ask of it . They turn on a dime , even switch directions in an instant. They jump pretty well too. 50 mph may not seem like its very fast but it is in rough terrain. The big ones run in swamps efficiently. if they dont get over their exhaust which is about 3 ft.
Tim
I'll give a semi-biased "unbiased" four wheeler opinion.
To me ... they're way to powerful while "feeling" too stable for small kids.
at those ages ... 6 and 7 ... I'd think twice ... that said ... I don't know what models are out there now ... haven't ridden or been around a four wheeler for years.
I grew up riding motorcycles. Had my own dirt bike at age 8.
My little boy with be 4.5 this coming summer ... I am planning on getting him his own bike ... not a minibike ... but a real mini-cycle ... complete with off road training wheels.
Personally .. I think a motorcycle is safer for small kids. U don't just sit and nail the throttle and hope to hold on. You generally fall off before ya get too far over your head ...
same theory my Dad had when all my buddies got BB Guns ... I wasn't allowed to have one ... I begged and begged ... so he broke down. I got a 22 rifle instead!
His theory .. with a BB gun ... I'd have no fear/respect for it .. and get into trouble shooting something/somewhere I shouldn't have been ... with the 22 .. Hell, it was a "real gun" ... and he knew I'd follow all the "real gun rules" ...
Here I am saying I'd not get little kids a 4 wheeler and my 3 year old has already driven Dad's one ton work van into the little apple tree outside!
he lied ... he said he'd turn the wheel?
I also drove my older brothers stick shift Scout off road staring when I was about 12 or so ... have similar plans for my boy and what ever truck I have at the time he's tall enough to reach the pedals ... so don't think I'm just trying to rain on the parade.
Maybe an ATV for U and some big-#### 4x4 wagon to pull around with them in the back ... wonder if someone makes something like that ... hay rides all the time!
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Instead of an ATV how about buying a set of all-terrain bicycles. These have a lot of advantages for recreation.
They are a lot cheaper and easier to maintain. The kids can use theirs without having to be heavily supervised. Being able to reasonably operate it on their own means the kids can enjoy some independence without too much worry. Falling off, and having the bike fall on them, is less likely to cause serious injuries. Safety gear is still a must.
The bikes make a small patch of woods seem a lot larger than an ATV simply because they go slower and depend on human power rather than a gasoline engine. They make the most of small woods which may mean you can recreate closer to home and more often.
Which brings up the health benefits. Seeing dad get out there and have fun sweating and grunting can set norms and expectations for our ever more sedentary kids. The health benefits are also significant for you. Recent studied show people who lose weigh have better sex. A good thing.
ATVs, especially the larger and heavier ones, can be difficult to transport. At the least you need ramps and a PU. Bikes can be, with a simple rack, transported by even a small car and, if you use a PU, just tossed in the bed. Easy.
ATVs can also be fairly loud and intrusive. In some areas ATVs are limited to only certain tracts. Bikes are less likely to irritate fellow travelers or surrounding land owners. They also tend to cause less destruction if used with the same degree of care.
Being quiet also tends to move the focus away from the vehicle, the real focus of most ATV riders, and more onto the kids and surrounding nature. Having the family troop on bikes is more conducive to good times and bonding that you running an ATV while one kid at a time ride along. Overlooking that most ATV manufacturers seem to frown on carrying riders in any but the smoothest riding conditions.
On the down side bikes are not a macho thing and charging through the woods at 45 mph and wrapping yourself around a tree has a certain attraction. In a 'Get me to the ER' kind of way. And a family visit to the hospital is always good for bonding.
I dont think anyone that responded has one . Its kinda like someone telling you how to drive when they dont drive. Anyway, they arent in the dark about it . ... completely. No offense anyone. Im the one that started the ATV thread two years ago and got blasted but no one owned one .
Ive got three of them and a 11 year old kid. Depends on the kid. Mine rides one alone "with" DW or me on an easy ride. Never alone. Normally he rides on the back behind us but then who ever has him has to be careful. He runs really good !!! If Im going over , up , down somthing Im uncomfortable with I put him off . Hes normally waiting on me for he can climb like Dino. {at a run] She does him the same way and it makes a bettrer kid for grownups to be around. I really like to road him off a four wheeler at least 10 miles to start with so he will listen. <G> I would not trust his judgement on one alone at all away from supervision. They arent supposed to ride one until they are 16 but heres the deal; They make those little 50s that come just over my ankle so who rides them? Kids, but not mine.
When ever you double up it adds weight to the top of the bike. They are much better than the three wheeler killers that were outlawed but still are a dangerous machine if you arent really experienced. I went to Colorado one time and rented jet skis in a group. The guide ran his either on one ski or the back of both often airborne. If I had tried to ride my rental like he did I wouldnt be here . I think his would go well over 50 mph. I did not know what it would do or what it wouldnt do but I did own four wheelers at home and knew that guy would probably die if he rode one of mine with me. I went skiing too down steep slopes and was probably lucky I made it back home from that alone. You know if you go fishing or swimming theres a good chance of drowning. If you hunt theres a good chance you will get shot by your self or some one else . If you drive a car you could hit someone head on and kill your self so its probably not a good idea to drive. Dont ever let kids out of your sight or they will be kid napped and be on AMW. Lettng them ride bicycles will allow them to get ran over by cars. We should pretect them like babies until they are 40. Not.
Anyway, back to four wheel drive bikes.
With out adding weight of doubling up they want to fall over sideways on inclines with your weight alone up there . So, you do what ever skier or biker does,.. you lean. Sometimes if it gets harry and it will you swing half off the bike always up hill. So then if it goes South and it will , you simply fall off the bike up hill from it. That way you get to watch the wreck with out you . Very important point right there . If you are riding it off a steep incline you lay down off the back of it and you are guessing right . You roll off the back in a ball . Sort of like tuck and roll. If the bike is heading up the mountain with you on it , you lay over the front rack. You guessed it . Dive and roll to the front and side. There is always a counter action to the action. But you never choose to be underneath a four wheeler . They are hot and nasty and gasoline doesnt smell all that well and my head doesnt mix well with steel. They normally are like riding bulls . They are waiting to kill you if you are stupid for a second. At least a trip to ER. Normally they like to break limbs and backs as cuts arent too bad unless theres a bobwire fence in the way. Im always scared to death DW or the kid are going to be hurt every single time we ride . Weve been riding for 14 years together and add another 5 to that for me. Just four wheelers.
We took her boss with us last fall and he has three of them too! Damn near had to carry him out . He went under a 650cc and it rested on him. Both were in the same position, upsidedown. Broken arm and two busted ribs. He says he thinks hes over it now a year later. I broke my leg water sking. Go figgure.
I watched tv several times and watch kids racing on plain old bikes and it would kill me jumping on one of those 50 feet in the air. What kind of parent lets their kid do that ? And dont forget those damn skate boards! I saw a girl on a tractor pulling a baler this past summer ! DWs cousin was 40 years old when he got baled ! They litterally had to dig him out of a square baler! Another cousin went to the store and came back to find the whole family murdered.
I guess to say live in fear or on the edge.
Tim
i'll throw into this.
First the mountain bikes are a great idea. Fresh air, exercise, etc.
You do not say where you are, but there are some great MTB trails everywhere, from single-track, to converted rail beds (rails to trails). Google that.
That said, i've been a Jeeper all my life. Offroading is a family sport, contrary to many peoples opinion, and there are plenty of LEGAL places across the country to enjoy the sport. Yes, there are those than give it a bad name. I clean up after them, or patch relations, almost every week.
Advantages: an old trailworthy jeep costs the same or less than many ATV's (my last trail rig was $1200, and I ran it like that for a year before starting the $$ upgrades. You can carry the family. And the dog. And the camping gear if you want. And for the money, you have a road-legal vehicle, that can serve you in ice and snow, when you car is in the shop, etc. Plus the learning experiences for the kids (and you) about maintenance, mechanics, rebuilding, etc.
Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy your kids while you can.
Another thought -- if you get them an ATV at 6/7 years old, what will they want to progress to when they are 9? 12? 15? 18?
It's funny you say that about a Jeep. About a year ago my son (who was almost five at the time) and I stayed up late, and alone, to watch some t.v. I was flipping through channels and on came this special about a "Jeep Jamboree". At first I thought it was pretty corny. But then I can distinctly recall saying to my son, at the end of the special, "we HAVE to get a Jeep!". But I would have no clue where to go to find public access trails for a Jeep. I do agree that it would probably take up as much space as an ATV in a trailer, and I could fit the whole family in it instead of just two of us riding in it. Is there some link where you can go to see what sort of trails there may for such a thing?
- Rob
there are lots of forums where you can learn about Jeeps (or other vehicles, but Jeep is THE classic off-road machine). I like http://www.jeepforum.com Check out the Wheelin Neighborhood to find some places. Where are you located?
If you think you might be interested in off-roading, check out this site.
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/ There is a wealth of information out there.
And FWIW, I personally would look for a late 70's model Toyota FJ-40 over a Jeep. The FJ-40 has a lot fewer weak links than a Jeep CJ of the same era. The Toyota also has a somewhat wider stance than the CJ, so it's more stable in off-camber situations. But thats just one fellers opinion.
But beware, trail-riding and modifying old trucks is just as addictive as buying tools.in vino veritas
My kids are grown but one summer I rented a canoe and we paddled around a pond. It was a blast.Looking back I wish I had bought one. Taking the kids canoeing I think would be a lot more fun than 4 wheeling, motorcyles, go-karts etc.
I love a canoe trip, and now I love fishing. But I can remember when I was younger (and all I had for electronic fun was "Pong" on Atari) I thought that stuff was INCREDIBLY boring. I absolutely hated fishing. Now that I live a somewhat stressful life I love fishing, even if I don't catch anything. But I can see a little of me in my kids. As soon as we throw the line in the water several times, and I don't pull Jaws out of the water, they start getting fidgety. My daughter is really bad at this. She'd rather be home playing w/her dolls (I finally got smart this summer and brought a few along with us). My son, who is starting to talk more than Joan Rivers, can usually keep us all occupied just by rambling about nothing but he too eventually starts asking where the fish are. I suppose I could actually try and get good at this fishing thing and find out how to catch something more than the 2-3" fish that hang out by our hook.
- Rob
Hat off to you for wanting to be an "even better dad".
Raised four kids (boys & girls), now 13 to 26. None are addicted to the internet, none play video games, and none have ever gone to "summer camp". Sounds boring? Here's why not..
All my kids have done the following sports, and still do.
Considering the cost of an ATV, you can buy ALL of the following.
Shopping list for "outdoor fun".
1 canoe or three kayaks and paddles. (don't forget PFD's)
1 tent
3 backpacks
3 fishing poles
Archery equipt (for kids) or paintball gun.
1 good dog (makes the outdoors much more fun)
book on animal tracks (keeps them interested, and might as well learn something while walking around)
firewood & marshmellows (for a backyard campfire)
MRE's (military meals ready to eat) Kids love this stuff, and it is great to take on a day hike or kayak trip since they are water proof, and already contain everything you will need inc matches, and toilet paper.
And the main ingredient......YOU.
Anything you do with your kids is time well spent, and they will cherish it. Remember....they are still young enough to think that the sun rises and sets on your shoulders.
Enjoy it.....