New rider, used Grizz, Alaskan adventures....

[Chasing]

Just wanted to say thanks to AKMUDDY for helping me find a used Grizz. I picked up a green 2007 Grizz 700 with EPS and am looking forward to getting out here in Alaska.

This is my 1st ATV so I picked a beast of a machine to learn on. Any good tips on ways to increase my riding skills? Been debating the ATV safety classes and looking for decent videos or something online.

[herrinc]

welcome to GC and congrats on the grizz. my advice is always ( think before you do!)

[UpstateNYGrizz]

Originally Posted by Chasing

Any good tips on ways to increase my riding skills?

Yea, stay away from Muddy !!


But really, congrats on getting the Grizzly. Get some pics posted of it when you can. To improve your riding, follow these rules.

- Start easy.
- Wear proper safety gear.
- Always use your head. No "Hold my beer, watch this"

Ability comes with and improves with experience. The key factor is to stay around and get the experience.

[desertdweller]

Originally Posted by herrinc

welcome to GC and congrats on the grizz. my advice is always ( think before you do!)

GOOD ADVICE!!!

Get a comfortable snug fitting Helmet. Take a free Yami class if they offer them up there.

What ever you do if AKMuddy ask's you to hold his beer!
Don't watch because it probably won't be good!!.......

Welcome to the GC, glad to have you join us.

[JHFWIC]

Welcome to GC congrats on the Grizz.

[CLHC]

Welcome to GC!!! Lots of seat time, take it easy....

[Chasing]

Originally Posted by desertdweller

Take a free Yami class if they offer them up there.

Would I be eligble to take a free Yami class buying a used machine?

[ColoGrizguy]

Originally Posted by Chasing

Would I be eligble to take a free Yami class buying a used machine?

Possibly. When I bought mine, Yamaha offered me $75 to take the class. I'm an experienced rider, however, I'm going to take this just for the heck of it and the $75 bucks. They also offered me $100 towards a helmet, and I hit them up on that too.

I have a local contact to call in Denver, if you want, I can ask about a used machine in AK and see if he knows anything about it...let me know.

[AKMuddy]

Originally Posted by Chasing

Would I be eligible to take a free Yami class buying a used machine?

First off, thanks for all the love guys.

Secondly, Chasing got a great bike. The guy he bought it from never rode it and just wanted to give it a good home. I forgot how quiet the stock bikes are...his bike purrs....mine, not so much!.

Chasing, as far as the Yamaha Safety Class goes, no you would not be eligible. I think the cost is around $50. There is a class given out here in the valley almost every weekend that I see folks taking all the time. I can give you the same instructions and it will only cost you a 12-pack of Alaska White.

If you want to go out with me we can go over basic safety things and maintenance on your new Grizzly.

Here are few things I tell folks no matter who I go riding with...

1. Helmets are not an option...wear one. If nothing else, we are an example to younger riders we see on the trail. The number one cause of death for kids between the age of 6 and 16 in Alaska is ATV related injuries. Helmets go a long way to stop that.
2. Don't ride beyond your limits...there is a difference between "pushing the envelope" or "testing your ability" and dangerous riding. If you are not comfortable doing something on your bike just say so. We all started where your are at now. It takes time...don't be in a hurry.
3. Walk all water crossings if you can't see the bottom. Invest in some good hip waders. My rule of thumb is that if I can cross a creek, water hole, pond, or river in hip waders, I can cross it on my Grizzly.
4. Watch out for other users on the trail. Keep your head on a swivel. Around here, riders, moose, sheep, and bears come out of no-where. Be alert.
5. Ride with your low beam lights on. It is much easier for other riders to locate you if you have your lights on.
6. While on the trails...when you come to a turn, ensure the rider behind you knows which way you are going. In turn, that rider will ensure the rider behind him makes the same turn as well.
7. If you ever do get split up on the trail...turn your bike off and listen. You should be able to hear the other riders. You can then decide which way to go. That is about our only option since 99% of all our trails are without cell phone coverage.

We can go over some other stuff when we go for a ride. I would also suggest riding goggles with a nose shield. We can still get frost bite this time of year. Water proof boots are a must on every ride. I use hip waders in the summer and neoprene muck boots during the rest of the year. Sportsman's Warehouse has the muck boots for a good price.

Hit me up when you are ready to ride...as you know, we are headed out to Jim Creek on Sunday. I will be with the ATV club. You are more than welcome to come along.



Enjoy that new Grizzly and welcome to the team!!!!

[Chasing]

Originally Posted by ColoGrizguy

Possibly. When I bought mine, Yamaha offered me $75 to take the class. I'm an experienced rider, however, I'm going to take this just for the heck of it and the $75 bucks. They also offered me $100 towards a helmet, and I hit them up on that too.

I have a local contact to call in Denver, if you want, I can ask about a used machine in AK and see if he knows anything about it...let me know.

Let me know, that would be great. Thanks!