What happens before you ride
- Waiver review — sign liability waiver acknowledging risks
- Vehicle inspection — guide checks each ATV
- Helmet and goggle fitting — proper fit checked
- Controls briefing — throttle, brakes, kill switch, hand signals
- Practice loop — 10-15 minutes in a flat practice area
What the guide does during the ride
- Leads the convoy at appropriate pace
- Uses hand signals to communicate turns, hazards, stops
- Watches the group and stops if anyone falls behind
- Calls for stops at scenic viewpoints
- Handles any mechanical issues
Real risks to know about
- Rollovers — biggest risk on technical terrain. Guides choose routes to minimize this.
- Loose grip on bumps — you can be thrown if you don't hold on
- Dust visibility — convoys keep spacing
- Sun exposure and dehydration — high altitude, dry air
Helmet rule
Always on, always buckled, from the moment you mount the ATV until you dismount. Not negotiable.