Words to live by:
- We do not recommend anyone to ride alone in the desert or mountain areas.
You can ride farther in one hour than you can walk in a day!
- But if you do ride alone, be prepared.
Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
- The desert is vast with a varied terrain with limited cell and satellite coverage.
Let someone know where you are going and your expected return time.
1. Pre-Ride Check List
Check your OHV (should be preformed prior to departure)
General service (all needed repairs are complete)
Fuel level (main tank & spare gas can if needed)
Tire pressure (check that your tires are at the pressure you like)
Emergency supplies (first-aid, tools, spare-tire/repair-kit, jack, etc)
Radio/check (ride leader will provide frequency & do radio check)
Prepare Yourself
Buckle your seat belt (roll bars can protect you if your body stays in the rig)
Spray Bottle with water (can be used to cool off and also clean windshield or wounds)
Wear a helmet (required for anyone under 18)
Wear a mask (dust is common, so protect your lungs)
Sunscreen (light-weight hats, gloves, long sleeves, long pants)
Clothing (layer clothing for temperatures changes)
Hydration (drink plenty of water frequently)
Medications (bring medications you may need)
Health issues (any special health issues, advise the leaders)
Wet-wipes (tissues, rags, etc)
During the ride
Follow the leaders instructions (with regard to turns)
Ride with your lights on (helps to identify members of the group)
Follow the rig in front (at a safe distance)
Keep an eye on the SxS behind you (if you don’t see their lights slow/stop until you do)
Stay with the group (the desert is a big place to search)
If you don’t see any vehicles stop and wait (we will come back for you)
Stay on designated trails (this will protect the environment)
Stay to the right on hills/curves (slow down if limited visibility)
Uphill traffic has the right of way (remember slow down and back up)
Don’t pass other riders (it can throw rocks & dirt on them)
Slow down for hiker/campers/bicycles (keep the dust down)
Watch for critters (snakes, scorpions, etc)
Stop for horse riders to pass (& turn off SxS to not spook the horse)
Use hand signals to oncoming vehicles indicating the number of riders behind you.
2. Things to consider carrying
- Properly mounted spare gas container (if needed).
- Tire repair kit, tire pump, jack, lug wrench & tire gauge
- First Aid Kit
- Prescription Medications
- Water, lunch, snacks, energy/food bars & extra water
- Fire Extinguisher
- Flashlight/Lantern for night rides.
- Personal protective gear: helmet, goggles, sun glasses, leather gloves, dust mask
- Sunscreen, coat/jacket, hat, socks, rain gear.
- Cell phone, GPS, compass, map of the area, two-way-radio
- Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, rags, wet-wipes, goggle lens cleaner
- Tool kit (wrenches, screw drivers, sockets/ratchet, pliers, etc)
- Spare belt, spark-plugs, fuses, & any parts known to fail
- Tow strap, rope (heavy & light), tie-downs, bungee straps
- Shovel, knife, axe, hand saw
- Tape (electrical/duct), tie-wraps, zip ties, steel wire
- Jumper cables or spare battery pack
- Cooler (preferably hard sided) to keep food & water cool
- Cleanup/lubricate: WD-40, brake cleaner, cleaning brush, nitrile gloves
- Come-along, snatch blocks, winch (vehicle mounted or portable)
- Engine fluids: engine oil, transmission-oil, differential-oil, antifreeze
- Survival items: lighter/matches/fire-starter, signal-device/whistle/mirror, emergency blanket
- Silicon/glue/epoxy, hose/tubing clamps, shrink-wrap
- Electrical wire, wire connectors, extra bolts/snaps
- Orange or yellow tape/tarp/rain-suit so you are seen from a distance
- …….other items that you deem necessary and pack everything before your first ride.
3. Traveling in the Desert
You don’t need to know everything and pack everything before your first ride. Join us on a ride, or find someone to ride with, especially if you just started riding off-road.
… thoughts to keep safe …
Traveling in the desert on a warm day is enjoyable, and even more enjoyable when traveling with friends. If you don’t know where to go, ask any of our friendly residents in the Mesquite area, which includes Bunkerville NV, Littlefield AZ, Scenic AZ, Desert Springs AZ, Beaver Dam AZ, Logandale NV, Overton NV, or Moapa NV. We always suggest riding with others, as there is safety and more fun with others on the ride. To find riding partners, contact Kokopelli ATV Club members. We have maps, scheduled rides, and many people probably already riding on the day you want to go. And you don’t have to be a Kokopelli ATV Club member to ride with us.
Like most other states, blazing new trails and possibly damaging habitat for desert creatures is prohibited. A GPS or physical maps will show a lot of trails within 50 miles of Mesquite. Or you can trailer your UTV/ATV to other locations or states for even more variety of terrain. Be aware that Utah and Arizona require you to purchase an off-road sticker, regardless of licensing or off-road sticker is attached on your OHV. No matter which state you are riding in, remember that you may be crossing private land, public land, and public land that is leased for grazing rights. Be sure to close gates, even on public lands that may appear to not need gates.
The Pre-Ride Safety Briefing is reviewed before sanctioned Kokopelli rides begin, but what to carry in your OHV is your choice. Like automobiles, off-road vehicles and off-road adventures can fail. We just want to see everyone return home safe. Some of us believe in Murphy’s Law, where anything can and will go wrong at the worst possible time. As part of that, when you are prepared for the worst, it almost never happens. It’s always better to ride with others and be safe.
Even if we mentioned carrying water, carry extra water. It may seem like little things but staying hydrated, having energy/snack food, clothing to protect you from the sun and sand, space blanket for sun & cold protection, knife, matches or cigarette lighter, first-aid kit, tool kit, spare tire / repair kit, extra CVT belt, a cell phone, medications & over-the-counter drugs, paper & pencil to leave notes for searchers, a flashlight, maps and a compass (just in case the electrical devices go bonkers) are all very important.
All of us here in the Mesquite area want to see you on your next ride or at our club meetings.
Happy Trails