We watched in horror as the old guy was leaned as far forward as possible on the Yamaha Tri-moto 175, trying desperately to keep the machine from flipping over backward while attempting to make it up the last few feet of a hill the little ATV was never going to crest. The 50-something-year-old happened to be my grandfather on his first-ever ATV ride, and when he stopped moving forward, we all knew he was in trouble. He rolled backward a few feet before mashing on the rear brake and ending up flat on his back. My grandfather was always a very serious person who wondered why my father insisted on spending so many weekends out playing with off-road toys, and he had finally decided to come see what this was all about. The funny thing is, even after he flipped over backward on that hill, I don't think I ever saw my grandfather happier than during that weekend he spent camping with us. That is one of the coolest things about ATVs: They can bring multiple generations together for some really enjoyable experiences.
Most of my best family memories have involved ATVs and dirt bikes. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that traveled to various parts of the California desert and Mexico on a regular basis. In fact, we never took any "regular" vacations. Any free time we had was spent camping with family and friends. These weekend trips were important enough to my father that I think he subconsciously discouraged my brother and me from participating in soccer, baseball, football or any other activity that would interrupt our weekend camping expeditions. This is a tradition my wife and I have continued, as we still camp with our two daughters, extended family and friends regularly. Like me, my kids were only a few months old when they first visited the desert, and they learned to ride ATVs as soon as they could safely do so. My parents continue to go on these trips, and they are the best family time you could ever ask for.
After that first trip with us, my grandfather was hooked, and he and my grandmother joined us for a few more camping adventures before he passed away. I am really thankful for the fact that we did get to spend those weekends together, hanging out around the camp and riding ATVs. We got to know each other more during those few weekends than we did during the previous 15 years. If you don't do so already, I encourage you to try introducing some of your friends and family to the fun ATVs can bring. Some will never get it, but you may be surprised by those who do.-Sean Finley