Are ATVs salvation for senior citizens?
BY Ralph Maughan
The dirt bike, snowmobile and ATV industry has long used the argument that their vehicles are democratic, making the backcountry accessible to the masses, especially weak people like children, seniors and women (they are now smart enough not to mention women).
I was first accused of being abnormally fit, and therefore "elitist," when I was 30 years old. My accuser was 29. He claimed to be of such an advanced age that he needed his ATV. "When you're old like me, you'll want an ATV." I have heard that many times, usually from men in their 40s and 50s.
I approach the age of sixty, I do find it more difficult to hike. I have the aches and pains that accompany the aging process. However, walking, especially hiking, makes me feel much better. Sitting becomes painful, especially sitting for a jarring ride in a vehicle.
Ironically, hiking today often means walking cross country, through the sagebrush, tall grass, and brush. The reason is that so many trails that used to be motor vehicle free, are now ATV and dirt bike raceways.
I have gotten very good at bushwhacking. I does take me away from all the young and middle aged men on their ATVs. Since most people don't like bushwhacking, I guess that makes me elitist too. Is it a dangerous method of travel . . . to some degree, although the only broken bone I ever got was in 1984 when I was foolish enough to go dirt bike riding with a lobbyist for the off road vehicles.