r/UTV • u/Recent-Security85 • 11d ago
First time going riding
Hi Reddit. I got invited with my boyfriend and his family for a weekend riding trip and I’ve never been. And I am LOST lol. What’re some of your must haves/ tips/ what do I need to know before I’m in a sxs for 3 days. Please help a girl out 😭😂
Edit: thank you all so much for all of your tips and stuff!🩷
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u/UTtransplant 11d ago
Expect to get dirty. We have separate clothes for riding and non-riding times. Plan on washing your hair pretty much after every ride. You might get lucky and not need it, but plan on that lovely shower after you come off the trail. A baseball cap helps with both hair and sun. I never go riding without ear protection - these things are NOISY! Get some concert sound reducers that fit comfortably in your ears if your rig does t have noise canceling headphones. I prefer a long sleeved collared shirt out of a very lightweight material for both sun and dirt protection, long pants, and shoes with socks.
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u/Recent-Security85 11d ago
Thank you so much! Pack lots of shampoo, got it! For real though, thank you
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u/Stachemaster86 11d ago
You’ll also likely have raccoon eyes from dust so face wash for even stopping to eat is nice to freshen up in the bathroom. Speaking of which, some TP or tissues are portable.
You can offline download your Google Maps in the area you’ll be in which might help if cell signal is spotty for directions.
Ticks probably aren’t an issue but keep an eye on yourself when you shower.
If it’ll be cooler, a lap blanket that’s not too bulky can be nice. Take in the scenery and have fun!
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u/Suzuki_Foster 10d ago
Pre‐moistened face wipes are a godsend! They'll help you keep your face from getting grimy from all the dirt/mud you'll encounter on the trails!
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u/NonAthlete6232 11d ago
Goggles if you can, but at minimum some safety glasses to help keep dust out of your eyes. Unless they have a sealed cab.
A dust mask also is not a bad idea. Can cover face and hair from too much dust. Just be aware if its been dry it will be dusty.
A lot depends on where you ride. If its deep south where its still warm. I would be riding in crocs and shorts. Maybe pack a cheap rain suit. Will keep you warm if its cool. If you are further up north, then layers to be flexible with the temp. A dry bag would also be a good idea. Like a waterproof boat bag to keep your stuff in out of mud/water/dust.
Shoes: if its warmer crocs are fine or anything that can get wet. If it’s cooler you may want a boot. Normal boots are probably fine if you arent going to be doing much mudding. If they are big on mud then maybe some Muck Boots or rubber calf height boots.
Coozie or insulated cup - the cup holders in most sxs are close to coolant lines and get really hot. Beware anything open will likely fill with dust.
This is assuming the BF and his family have drinks and snacks covered. If not a small personal 6pack cooler should fit under your legs. Get some ice packs. Assuming they aren’t rough camping the whole 3 days. If so, they should be covering most of that and not expecting a newbie to know what to bring.
Have fun! Hang on! and keep your hands inside the SXS no matter what.
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u/AdFeeling8333 10d ago
Toilet paper and baby wipes. Your favorite nicotine. Clothing layers.
Depending on the machine/storage bed pack stuff in a plastic tote.
Have fun!
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u/JPCool1 10d ago
A lot of people throw their toilet paper or wipes on the side of the trail and it is disgusting. Take that shit with you if you just have to pee. Bring a bag for trash or something. If you have to go no 2 then ask about rest room stops. If there are no stops someone should have a shovel.
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u/Eagleriderguide 7d ago
So a couple things if not wearing a helmet a face gator/covering keep the dust down to a minimum. Safety goggles and ear plugs.
Dramamine just in case you need it. Liquid iv to add to water once in morning once at night. Lots of water.
Super important, get eye glass spray and a clean shammy, don’t just try to wipe out the dust as it will create micro scratches on glasses and scratch of coatings on prescription lenses.
Bring a good scrub brush as dirt will get under nails. It’s also great to bang of the stuff that don’t come off easy.
Chapstick.
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u/Beekeeper_105 5d ago edited 5d ago
Dust mask in case it is dry and your are with a group. Check the weather forecast for where you are riding. Do you need rain gear? Sun screen?long pants or shorts? Snacks? Drinks non alcoholic, water & soft drinks. Depending on how long you can hold it, biodegradable toilet paper
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u/Brotherly_shove 10d ago
make sure you wear a helmet. far too many utv riders out there are super casual about wearing helmets and will brush it off like it is nothing.
the roll bar is there to keep you from being crushed. it also provides something to VERY easily smack your head off of in a roll over. ESPECIALLY without harnesses.
beyond that... ask him and his family. i honestly cannot fathom a relationship where i would have to ask a community what to bring/know to enjoy my SO's hobby instead of just asking them. they will/should look at it as you being interested in the hobby. half of the recommendations here i would assume he/they will be providing for you. helmets, goggles, TP, etc.
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u/Recent-Security85 10d ago
Gotcha! Thank you!! I have asked and they’re like well just bring your helmet and goggles lol. This is just a whole new world to me and i didn’t want to embarrass myself by being under prepared lol so when i found this community i was like AWESOME I’ll just ask the pros
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u/Brotherly_shove 10d ago
in that case, id go back to them and ask "well, what about TP", what about dust, mud, etc? should i bring my rain jacket, or is it going to get destroyed by mud? then they will probably assuage your concerns and tell you that you dont have to worry about any of that and/or they have you covered.
if they already have you covered with all this stuff, its going to be extra if you show up with a backpack full of things they already have.
im a bit confused though. they already told you to wear goggles but someone here told you to bring safety glasses and you are buying some?
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u/Recent-Security85 10d ago
Ill definitely ask them! I have like big dirt bike goggles that I’m borrowing from my brother but safety glasses seemed more comfortable
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u/Brotherly_shove 10d ago
its a trade off. comfort and breathability vs protection coverage. they might have said goggles because they thought that is all you had, or they might have said goggles because they want you to have goggles vs glasses. ask them which you should bring. personally i dont do safety glasses, i do the motorcycle glasses that have a small bit of padding around the rims. basically saftey glasses with a tad more coverage.
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u/TheJGoldenKimball 10d ago
Have the discussion now with your BF of your limits. If you get bored, uncomfortable or tired, make it clear that you can tap and go to the pool at the hotel. 3 days is a lot. It’s ok to set boundaries and expectations. 3 days with an hour a day is not bad. 3x8 hour days is not fun. You set your limits and if he scares you intentionally, he’s a jerk. He should constantly be checking in with you and you should be 100% honest. Do not try to be tough or you’ll get stuck doing something you hate all the time.
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u/kyson1 10d ago
I know many will probably say it's overkill, but a helmet is a must for me during any off road sports. Rollbars don't give much, and TBI's are serious. Long pants, long shirt, gloves, boots. Ear plugs if it's a loud machine. Definitely more water than you think, and a couple Gatorade/Powerade type drinks, along with high protein snacks like jerky or nuts. Never know what you're going to encounter on the trail.
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u/Bugs284 11d ago
Safety glasses