25
Equipment and Adjustments
PROPER CLOTHING AND PROTECTIVE GEAR
e rst step to sage riding is proper protection of the ride, your child should
always wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves, long pants, a long sleeved shirt
or jacket and boots. Make sure that your child is not wearing any loose t-
ting clothes .ioose belts, scarves, etc. Can get caught in moving parts and
cause personal iniuiy. Even in hot weather, make sure the child
wears long pants and a long sleeved shirt. ese not only protect against
abrasive injuries, but also help to reduce fatigue which comes from loss of
body heat due to the wind.
Failure to wear proper clothing and protective gear , as described above ,
may result in severe personal injury .
FAMILIARIZATION WITH THE VEHICLE
Your child should become completely familiar with the names and functions
of all controls. Let the young rider sit on the ATV with the engine o, and
ask him /her to operate specific controls. Demonstrate operation of the con-
trols if necessary, Ask the child to do such things as ‘ apply the brakes, turn
o the engine, lock the parking brake ‘, etc. Practice this exercise until the
child can operate all of the controls without hesitation and without looking
at the controls.
Go over the INSPECTION BEFORE RIDING with your child until he /
she knows all of the items that should be checked and how they should be
checked . Give specific examples of things to look Ior.
STARTING OFF AND STOPPING
For practice, choose a large, level area away from other riders and tree of
obstructions. Inspect the area before riders and remove any rocks, sticks or
other potential hazards. Stay away from ditches and bumps.