Zigzagging is often the best, if not only, way to ascend a steep hill on an ATV. Elevated trails typically bend at sharp angles to climb as far as possible over limited space. When you’re operating an all-terrain vehicle, that means a lot of stopping and turning, which will thwart your momentum. So, how do you ride switchbacks on an ATV without barreling down the way you came? Use these ATV safety tips to master every zig and zag that comes your way.
- Master the Basics
Switchback riding is only for experienced riders who know how to handle changes in elevation. The pull of gravity will reduce or rapidly accelerate your speed, making it harder to control your ride. You should have the basics down pat. Review these essential ATV safety tips before attempting more challenging terrain.
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- Inspect Your Ride
ATVs lose their ability to brake, accelerate and turn without regular maintenance, making climbing hazardous. Every component should be in tip-top shape before you head out.
Check the brake lines for damage and replace the pads at the ¼” mark. Refill oil, coolant and fuel levels to reduce delays when throttling. Inspect the undercarriage for punctures that can leak fluids. Adjust tire pressure based on the firmness of the terrain and test the range of motion on steering components to see if anything is blocking the wheels. Lubricate moving parts and replace rusted components to keep the engine humming.
- Wear Safety Gear
Wearing a full-face or half-face helmet will protect your head in case the hill bucks your vehicle. Cover your elbows, knees and shoulders with pads and wear long pants and sleeves to brace for a hard landing. Use goggles or a visor to block the glare of the sun.
- Reduce Speed Going into the Turn
Slow and steady is the name of the game when you’re zigging left and zagging right. Brake gradually or cut the throttle as soon as the next turn appears and limit your speed based on sharpness. Braking mid-turn can cause your wheels to slide. Pressing too hard will deplete the energy you need to forge uphill.
- Throttle Out Smoothly
Once you’ve edged around the turn, slowly accelerate to build momentum to continue climbing. Before you set out, use the map to estimate the distance between each zag to see how much time you have before the next turn so you don’t have to brake on a dime.
- Lean in the Direction You Want to Go
Always shift your weight to the inside of the turn to help the vehicle change direction. Lean forward when climbing and balance yourself toward the incline when driving across the mountain to avoid tipping downward.
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- Ride One at a Time and Buddy Up
Riding with a passenger is one of the leading causes of ATV accidents, especially among minors. These vehicles are only designed to hold one person. Going uphill can cause passengers to slide back. The extra weight will also drag you down, increasing the risk of a flip.
Get a group of riders together to watch each other’s backs in real time. Ride single-file to stay within the confines of the trail. Keep at least four to five vehicle lengths in between you and the next closest person. Encourage everyone to follow the same braking/accelerating best practices to maintain the ideal following distance.
Use ATV headsets to communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth instead of using hand signals or shouting to the person in front. The person out front can use the device to warn the rest of the group of upcoming turns and obstacles. It creates a direct link between each rider and reconnects automatically once you’re in range. Monitor your distance from each other and keep your hands on the handlebars, head up and eyes on the path to chart the safest course.
- Ensure It’s Safe to Ride
Not all mountains are meant to be climbed. Off-road vehicles are graded to climb slopes up to 15 percent or 8.5 degrees. Even marked ATV switchback trails may be rendered inaccessible due to poor weather, debris and poor trail maintenance. Check with the trail authorities to see if the path is open. Avoid riding switchbacks after heavy rain or in sub-freezing temperatures. Proceed only if the trail markers are clearly visible and the ground is clear.
- Stay on the Trail
Riding switchbacks may not be the most direct route to the summit, but it is the safest. Forgoing the trail and driving straight up or downhill can be a recipe for disaster. Not only will you have to contend with more obstacles, but the extreme incline makes it more difficult to build enough speed to climb to the top. When going downhill, the vehicle will accelerate faster than you can brake, turning your vehicle into a runaway train barreling down the side of the mountain.
Switchback Safety 101
Riding switchbacks on an ATV will put your skills to the test. It demands constant attention as you plan your next move. Eliminate potential surprises by researching the route, maintaining your ride and coordinating with your companions hands-free to give yourself as much time as possible to prepare for every zig and zag.
