An Outdoorsman’s Journal:

Hello friends, Though I own a 500 Polaris Sportsman and a 570 two-up Polaris Sportsman ATV, I seldom use them for anything other than hunting, ice fishing, and farm work. This week, I did some prior homework and headed up to Lincoln County, where I camped and learned/experienced what it is that has created such an immense and popular pastime for thousands of people every weekend.Saturday, July 19 — High 77, low 55 My first very cool find of this adventure would be Otter Lake Campground, which is a beautiful, 30-site, county-owned campground with no electric hookups (that really helps keep the big units out). Folks, I seldom push a spot, but you could hunt here on this very large tract of public land; fish Otter Lake, which does not allow motors; or simply enjoy yourself with a simple picnic or camping getaway.

So I have to be really clear that I am very green to trail riding and the most important part of this experience next to my 570 Polaris was the map I would carry and really have to pay attention to reading.

Today I arrived, built camp, and, like I mentioned, was really impressed with Otter Lake Campground and also felt comfortable with my very down-to-earth neighbors.

The first mistake I made was 100% my fault and something I realized after about 10 miles. I am embarrassed to say this, but until late in the day, I had read my Harrison Hills ATV Club Routes and Trails map wrong and I did not hit the trails I hoped to ride until the last 15 miles of a 32-mile tour. I was looking for nature, as in a view, wildlife, interesting landscapes, and a challenge with my driving. That was all there, but I was alsoonblacktopuntilIfiguredoutmymistake. Though I had my early failure in reading the map, I came out of it and was very psyched for the next day’s ride. Sunday, July 20 — High, 81, low 57 Last night, my machine took me to Winding Trail Grill and Bar, and that was where I had dinner and also witnessed a lot of riders having a very good time. Today, I had the map all figured out and was determined to explore as much as I could — and see if I could keep from getting lost. In reality, where I was driving was almost 100% public land, as in forest or marsh, with lots of up-and-down slopes with what seemed like a curve every couple hundred yards.

What this redneck on a machine learned the most is you can never stop being observant, always stay on your side of the trail, and always expect the person that you cannot see, that is coming your way, is going to be in your path. I had probably five close calls today, and generally it was drivers that were younger and just having a blast. There are going to be times that you do not see each other until you are 50 feet or less away.

I put exactly 50 miles on the 570 today. I probably stopped every 3 miles just to take in the view and the moment,andhavecomeupwithanewideaformynext ATV adventure: that is to travel with a small tent and a sleeping bag and go on a trail trip where I do not come back to a camp.

I have looked with interest

and envy at the UTVs and ATVs on trailers heading for fun weekends and can now fully understand why people spend the money and time doing this very cool pastime.

Sunset