ATV Adventures: Making Christmas special for your OHV friends
Lynn Blamires, Special to the Standard-Examiner
Unless you are one of those people who have all their Christmas shopping done before Halloween, Thanksgiving is over and it is time to make your Christmas shopping list. If you have friends who enjoy riding OHVs in the backcountry, here are some tips and ideas to brighten their Christmas morning.
Shopping will be easier if you are familiar with what they already have. It is a good idea to shop for things they want or need. You will find a wide range of prices in the OHV gift category. With observation and these ideas, you will be successful.
Here are some ideas that might be helpful:
Kinetic recovery ropes
I have carried a tow strap in my emergency kit. It wasn’t until I wrote an article about Casey’s Off-Road Recovery in Hurricane, that I learned the value of kinetic recovery ropes.
Photo supplied
My tow strap has been for towing, but a kinetic recovery rope is needed when a machine is stuck. A kinetic rope can stretch approximately 35%. During a kinetic energy recovery pull, the resistance of the vehicle to be recovered is overcome by the rope’s elastic energy. This energy transforms into kinetic energy, resulting in an effective, efficient and relatively smooth extraction. You literally yank people out of trouble.
These ropes come in various sizes and are made with nylon or a combination of vinyl, nylon and polyurethane. The size recommended for ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles is ¾” x 20 feet.
Headlamps
The reason for a headlamp is to have your hands free to work in low or no light. A headlamp is more versatile than machine headlights or a flashlight. I have one that makes loading a machine after dark easier.
Riding jerseys
Most men’s regular apparel is anything but flashy. Even most grubby clothing lacks luster. Clothing on the trail is of a different genre. You will often find trail riders displaying colorful jerseys. I have some riding jerseys that are anything but conservative. They are designed to keep the rider cooler than regular T-shirts with their mesh material. Riding with bright colors will get you noticed on the trail and keep you safe. Local OHV dealers carry an attractive stock of riding jerseys.
Rock lights
Your OHV friends might have light bars and pod lights as a safety feature for when they get caught on the trail after dark, but rock lights are added for pure bling. They are installed under the vehicle pointing down and are universally designed to fit any UTV.
LED rock lights for UTVs feature vibrant colors that add stunning visual effects to your ride. With the ability to display a wide range of colors, you can easily customize the lighting to match your style and create an eye-catching look. If you like tunes on the trail, some light systems will match the rhythm of your music.
Rock light kits with four, six, eight, 10, 12, and 14 light pod configurations are available. They are sure to add a touch of excitement to any night ride.
40 oz insulated tumblers
Staying hydrated on the trail is important. When I head out on a ride in my RZR, I have a 40 oz “My Local Utah” tumbler full and iced. This premium tumbler is crafted with high-quality stainless steel and boasts superior durability and temperature retention. The sleek design is complemented by a secure, spill-resistant lid with a durable straw for easy hydrating on the trail. They are on sale at https://www.mylocalutah.com/product/40oz-tumblers on a BOGO. Buy one for $25 and get the second one free.
Stocking stuffers
I use this category loosely because some things won’t fit in a standard Christmas stocking. Some presents, like a personalized OHV Christmas ornament, look better hung on the tree. Ignition keys for OHVs don’t come with the best-looking key chains, but some great personalized chains are on the market.
Your friend might like a mug with a custom OHV message. A T-shirt or hoodie with a four-wheeling message is a gift sure to please. Some fun customized OHV metal art is available. Some are backlit with changing colors.
Custom OHV vinyl decals caught my eye. I have one on my Kawasaki Teryx4. It is of a T. rex and it does get noticed.
These are the kind of gifts that are fun to give and they create bonds between the giver and receiver. When you go out on the trail, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down and have fun shopping for your OHV friends this Christmas.
Contact Lynn R. Blamires at quadmanone@gmail.com.