What is required to go on a tour?

• Insurance waivers signed 

• Legal registration & necessary trail permits 

• Operating Safety Equipment

  • Safety Operator Training for drivers born on or after 1/1/1988 (WI law, available online)

  • Head lights

  • Taillights

  • Rider Seat Restraints

  • Helmets for 17 & under in WI, required for all riders in MI

• Trail Side Fix It Tools for your machine

  • Spare Belt

  • Tire Plug Kit

  • Wrenches & tools to do basic trailside repair
     

    • Don’t know what to bring?  Ask!  We love talking ride prep!
       

Rider & Machine Trail Preparation

There are very few things that can ruin a ride.  Let’s face it being with your friends, family, and loved ones in the gorgeous Northwoods breathing the freshest air around is hard to beat.  But if you get COLD and can’t warm up, you get WET and can’t dry off, or are unable to tame a hunger or thirst, we’ve seen folks lose enjoyment.  We will reach out at least a week before the ride to confirm trail conditions (Overly dusty, overly wet, etc) with condition-based advice on what to bring and wear, please note we ride regardless of weather.  However, we do change up routes and trails based on your continual feedback to ensure we take you on the trails that provide the best experience.  

​

The following are the basics for a great experience during most conditions:  

 

A set of clothing appropriate for the temperatures that keeps wind and water off the layer beneath WHILE RIDING.  A size or two larger than normal allows adequate rider mobility while seated in a SXS.  Trust us on that one.  This wind/water barrier is perfect for the beginning and end of rides when temperatures can swing in the North.

​

Proper eyewear.  Dusty conditions require goggles/sealing eyewear, regular sunglasses do not generally suffice

 

A facial dust barrier.  Prior to COVID this was an odd item, now most have a neck gaiter that is perfect for this.

    

Bug Head Net.  For late spring riding once bugs hatch such as no-see-ums, mosquitos and black flies having one of these can be the difference between stopping for a break or not.  

​

Beyond rider focused elements of what to bring, equipment failures can quickly ruin a ride just the same.  The conditions we encounter on our different rides are never more extreme than what the equipment was developed to recreate on or through.  However, simple issues can lead to a lesser experience or mishap, something we work hard to prevent.  We are resourceful and experienced when it comes to trail side gremlins and have numerous tools and fixes with us.  We plan for forgotten items, but doing your part to insure you get to enjoy our professional services to the fullest is absolutely key.

​

Here’s the quick list of mechanicals we see:

​

DIRTY WINDSHIELD.  We are strongly in support of RAIN-X treating windshields without wipers.  Glass or plastic.  Do it several times.  Do you have a squeegee for cleaning your windshield?  A rag to wipe it down?  Water to spray on it or cleaner?  We carry extra, but it’s nice to have your own.

FUEL.  Top off whenever the opportunity presents itself.

​

DRIVE BELT FAILURE.  How many miles are on your current belt?  Are you running bigger tires?  Have you looked at your clutches recently?  Having a belt code or blowing a belt is a common trailside failure that often occurs at the worst time, on the way back or in a muddy spot.

​

OVER HEATING.  Some of us really enjoy mud!  If you are one of those riders, you need to inspect/clean your radiators prior to a ride with us, no exceptions.  While we do carry a mobile pressure washer (300psi) we would rather not lose time looking for a water source.  It works VERY well, but this can eliminate a 45-minute time sucker, while the entire group may have to wait.  

​

TIRE FAILURE.  Usually due to worn out or over pressure.  We recommend tires be run at 6-12psi for off-road rocky conditions (varies by tire).  Softer pressure allows tires to mold over rocky features keeping that impact’s feedback from reaching the suspension…and ultimately you.  This causes different handling characteristics, please talk with us if you need to lower pressure.  

​

WIRING/ELECTRICAL ISSUES.  Many rigs have tremendous lighting and other appliances wired into the system.  Do you have fuses?  Do you know the wiring system at all to help troubleshoot?  Where fuses or relays may be located?

​

BEARING FAILURE.  Wheel bearing or drive shaft bearings.  Have you inspected your drive train bearings recently?  Do you grease them regularly?  Verify the equipment is ready for a long day of riding!

​

PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED by bringing your own snacks and refreshment.  While we plan to stop at area establishments to enjoy local culture and fare, sometimes things happen causing delays between planned stops.  While we work to avoid them at all costs, sometimes we can’t.  Having a good snack selection and enough refreshments can keep you tied over until we can catch back up with the ride plan.  

​

COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH GUIDES VIA 2-WAY RADIO.  Our guides operate 2-way GMRS radios.  Finding a set of $75 dollar GMRS handheld radios can often result in you hearing the guides, even if out of range to communicate back..  Either way, a great tool to keep tabs on what’s going on!