The Complete Guide to ATV Riding

I bought this after my husband started talking about getting quads for our kids. The chapter on costs was exactly what I needed - it broke down what a used starter machine actually goes for and what you'll spend on maintenance. I didn't feel like I was being sold to, which shocked me for a hobby book. The chapter about whether it's right for you made me realize I should wait a couple years until the kids are older. Solid read.

This is the first book on the hobby that didn't make me feel stupid for not knowing anything. The chapter on what ATV riding actually is - not just the brochure version - helped me understand what I was getting into. I especially appreciated the honest talk about mud being everywhere and your arms getting tired. I've already used the checklist in chapter 2 and I'm planning my first rental ride next weekend. Worth every penny.

The book is fine, but it's much more basic than I expected for the price. I already knew I needed a helmet and gloves, so chapter 3 was redundant for me. The cost breakdown is helpful if you're starting from absolute zero, and I did like chapter 6 describing a typical session. I just felt like it could have been a long blog post rather than a whole book. Decent for true beginners, but not much new information if you've already done any research.

I was on the fence about whether I could handle an ATV at 58 years old. This guide gave me a real sense of the physical demands and how to start small. The author's voice is like having a patient friend explain it all - no shaming, no hype. I loved the typical session chapter because it showed me I could handle it, just maybe with more rest breaks. I'm going to rent one for an hour before committing. Highly recommend for anyone wondering if they're too old or out of shape to start.

Helpful and grounded, though a bit too cautious in spots. I appreciated the honest costs - honestly, I was surprised that a decent used quad isn't that expensive if you're patient. The chapter on learning paths was useful; I went with a local club instead of a formal class and saved some money. Only knocked off a star because I wanted more detail on specific model recommendations, but I get that things change year to year. Overall, a good starting point.

As a single woman with zero mechanical skills, I was terrified of looking like an idiot. This book made me feel like I could do it. The gear chapter is godsent - it told me exactly what to buy and what to skip, so I didn't overpay at the shop. I used the checklist in chapter 5 and got everything done in a weekend. I had my first ride last Saturday and I get it now - the feeling is unlike anything. I've already re-read the getting better chapter and I'm booking a class.

I got this for my grandson and me. We're both starting from scratch, and I wanted something that wasn't going to encourage him to do anything reckless. The book is very safety-conscious without being boring. The session narrative was spot on for what we experienced - the frustration of stalling, the joy of finally moving. The costs are realistic; we already had most of the gear because I ride motorcycles. Good book for the money.

Decent foundation book. I appreciated the blunt preface about whether this hobby is for you - I have limited free time and I liked that the book acknowledged that. The chapter about first weeks is practical and I followed it closely. I wish there was more on trail etiquette and where to find public riding areas, but I found some of that through the online communities they mentioned in chapter 4. Overall, a useful guide that filled in the gaps I couldn't get from YouTube.