Even something as simple as getting stuck in the mud or sand can turn into a life threatening ordeal when you're by yourself. If you don't have the strength to get unstuck yourself. Remember; even light-weight sport ATV's with a full tank of fuel and oil will be around 400-450 lbs.
If you're stuck that usually means that the terrain is offering additional resistance in the form of mud or soft sand. Congratulations; you've just elected to do a lot of walking in what may be a very harsh and unforgiving landscape. As we are living in the modern age many readers may be saying to themselves at this point "I would just use my cell phone to call for help" and they might be right.
I say "might be right" because that makes the assumption that A) the phone was not damaged or lost in the event that got you stuck or lost to begin with (potentially a wreck), B) has adequate battery life and C) has service/coverage in a vast empty space far from most modern comforts, with very few people.
When it comes to your life and your safety are you content to go with "might?"
Having a friend there to lend a hand could make the difference. If it's simply a case of being stuck you'd be amazed how much an extra pair of hands can help when you're trying to wrestle around a heavy and cumbersome stuck ATV. And even if they can't help get the ATV unstuck, the big advantage with an extra buddy is that he or she also comes with an extra set of wheels.
If you get hurt or stuck, or get lost and are running out of gas you'll have a buddy there with the ability to transport you to safety at higher speed without risking dehydration or exposure. They might have a fresh set of ideas, a fresher set of eyes…or in the very worst of emergency situations; you'll have someone to commiserate with and keep you from going crazy.
It's also always a good idea to bring a rope, a tie down, a bungee… something, ANYTHING that you can connect one bike to the other with. In the event that through rider error or mechanical malfunction your ATV has become a 500 pound rolling paper weight you'll be supremely relieved that the solution is no more difficult than tying your front bumper to your buddy's rear bumper and letting him or her tow you home.
Ensure that your rope of choice is long enough to keep a safe separation between tow-er and tow-ee and make sure that you tie off to the chassis itself. Never tie off to plastic or anything cosmetic as the force generated when your friend's ATV begins to tow can astound you.
Anything not solidly connected to the actual FRAME of the bike will quickly warp, break, or even cause the rope to come loose under load. Nothing like a rope (or metal laden tie-down) in the teeth to make an already difficult day worse.
The important point to take away here is that riding with others greatly reduces your risk when you ride, and not only that, it's fun!
One of the greatest things this sport offers participants is the opportunity to explore and conquer a rural landscape with those you love and enjoy. It's a great time and great safety practice as well. So remember, if you're looking to go ride, bring a friend, use the buddy system, just be sure not to ride too close to them...
