UTV Riding in the Summer
Summer time is ideal time for riding your UTV. Clear blue skies are free of rain. Warm sunny days make extended hours outside pleasant. It’s the perfect conditions, except for one aspect: the heat. Temperatures in the summer can skyrocket in no time. You want to enjoy your side by side, but you don’t want to be sweating in sweltering heat.
Fortunately, there are a few proactive measures you can take to ensure summer riding stays enjoyable. We created the following guide to UTV riding in the summer. If you are in the market for a side by side, check out our inventory! We proudly serve those near Paragould, Arkansas.
Clothing
A successful summer ride starts with the right clothing. On those hot days, it’s tempting to want to wear short-sleeved shirts and shorts. But that’s the opposite of what you should do! As you ride your UTV, your sensitive skin gets exposed to many hazards. There’s the damaging rays of the sun, passing branches, kicked-up debris, etc. Then there’s the risk of crashing your side by side and the injury that would follow. You need full-length clothing to protect your skin.
Look for clothing that is designed to be lightweight. Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen will help keep you cool. Light colors are also a good bet as dark colors soak up heat more readily.
You’ll want to wear a few crucial accessories as well. A helmet, of course, is the most important item to wear when riding a UTV. Opt for a motocross helmet. It’ll be less hot and heavy than a motorcycle helmet. It’s also designed for extreme outdoor sports and can deliver the protection you need. Wear a pair of goggles to shield your eyes from the sun, dust, and debris. Gloves and boots offer protection and improve your grip, making it easier to ride safely.
Seek the Shade
It’s amazing the temperature difference out in the sun compared to the shade. Try to avoid direct sunlight as much as you can. Try to take your side by side on a shaded forest trail. But always be sure to lather up the sunscreen! You can still get burnt and experience the damaging effects of the sun even though you are in the shade. Be sure to re-apply throughout your UTV ride as well.
Stay Hydrated
Riding your side by side is a physically-demanding sport. Then add in the inevitable sweating from riding in the sun. You end up losing water and electrolytes and quickly become dehydrated. The issue with dehydration is that you lose focus and react slower. This can be the difference between navigating a hazard safely and getting into a collision. Always bring along water, such as a hands-free hydration system.
Take Breaks
Your brain can only focus for so long. Riding a side by side takes energy. You are constantly scanning for hazards, maneuvering the controls, and so on. Your brain, eyes, and muscles need breaks! Pull over in a shaded area and drink some water. It’s better to take breaks before you get tired rather than try to play catch-up. Set intentional breaks throughout your UTV ride to keep you fresh and focused.
We hope you found our guide helpful! If you are looking to buy a UTV, visit Harold Implement Co. We offer a range of new and used side by side models. Our friendly staff can help you find the ideal fit for your budget and riding lifestyle. Don’t forget to apply to our financing program! 70% of new vehicle owners finance their ride so you are in good company. We proudly serve those in Paragould, Jonesboro, and Pocahontas, Arkansas as well as Poplar Bluff, Missouri.