Hi fellow ATV'rs. I am a Wisconsin guy from birth. Have always lived in the Southern part of the State and would not think of leaving. I am 42 years old, married to my lovely wife for 19 years and have three boys (15,13,11). That should tell you that we are a busy family and we are. My first ATV was a 1984 Honda 200X so I have been riding for some time.

I started off my kids like I was started and that was as soon as they could ride a bicycle on their own, I had them riding mini bikes. My wife thought I was crazy as did did family and friends however now they see the talent in the kids riding abilities and understand why I did it so young.  

Anyone with young kids looking to get them into riding should know that the best thing to do is to get them started off on a mini bike. Bikes teach them many skills that a 4-wheeler does not. Will the kids crash...sure, mine did and I got them right back up and kept them interested. As they graduated from the mini bike, I got them into a manual clutch bike 80cc and that taught them how to ride a clutch machine. Next I got them into MX bikes 85cc which taught them about suspension, acceleration and agressive handling. Once they were comfortable with the MX bikes, they were about 12 years old so I could now concentrate them on 4-wheelers. Sure they were riding the 4-wheeler before that whenever they could but still rode the bikes. Two of my Sons attended the ATV safety course and are now riding 400EX machines as good as their Dad (something I am very proud of). Along with teaching them the riding skills, I taught them about safety. They ride with full gear (full face helmet, MX boots, chest protector, riding pants,jersey and gloves. Nothing is more important then a helmet no matter how you ride. If you start the kids young, you will have a family sport that will continue on for many generations.  

I have always been a motorized vehicle type of guy. I grew up with plenty of 'toys' and continue on as an adult. Had plenty of three wheelers, then 4-wheelers. Once the wheeler craze was here, the snowmobiles were gone as we could use these machines year round. We are the sport type riders and I ride with about 25 other guys on at least two or three rides per year. Most of these guys I ride with are friends that I have know for many years. Most of them heard about my brothers and I riding ATV's and joined in the fun by purchasing their own machine. When I am not riding with that group, I am out riding with my family. My wife is an avid rider and rides a sport quad as well. We usually can be found riding in Black River Falls/Clark County or up in Hurley WI. We tend to ride the trails more often in Clark county. Iron County has alot of beauty but the drive up there is pretty long with kids in the truck.  

Check back often. I will find a few pictures from previous rides.

Think Fast