An Outdoorsman’s Journal

Mark Walters For Agri-View

Hello friends,

Though I own all-terrain vehicles – a 500 Polaris Sportsman and a 570 two-up Polaris Sportsman – I seldom use them for anything other than hunting, ice fishing and farm work. But recently I did some prior homework and then headed to Lincoln County, Wisconsin. There I camped, learned and experienced what it is that has created such a popular pastime for thousands of people every weekend.

Saturday, July 19

High 77, low 55

My first very cool find of the adventure was the Otter Lake campground, which is a beautiful 30-site county-owned campground with no electrical hookups. That really helps to keep the big units out. I seldom push a spot, but one can hunt there on a very large tract of public land or fish Otter Lake – which doesn’t allow motors – or simply enjoy a picnic or camping getaway.

I must be really clear that I’m very green to trail riding. The most important part of the experience next to my 570 Polaris was the map I carried – one I really needed to pay attention to reading.

After I arrived and built camp, I was really impressed with the Otter Lake campground. And I was comfortable with my down-to-earth neighbors.

The first mistake I made was 100 percent my fault; I realized it after about 10 miles. I’m embarrassed to say but until late in the day I misread my Harrison Hills ATV Club Routes and Trails map. I didn’t 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 and interesting landscapes – and a challenge with my driving. That was all there, but I was on blacktop until I figured out my mistake. Even though I had my early failure in reading the map, I came out of it and was psyched for the next day’s ride. Meanwhile my machine took me to Winding Trail Grill and Bar where I had dinner and witnessed a lot of riders having a good time.

Sunday, July 20

High, 81, low 57

I had the map figured out and was determined to explore as much as I could – and to see if I could avoid becoming lost. Where I was driving was almost 100 percent public land – forest or marsh – with lots of up- and down-grade slopes, and what seemed like a curve every couple-hundred yards.

What this redneck on a machine learned is, I could never stop being observant. And I needed to always stay on my side of the trail. I needed to always expect the person that I can’t see – coming my way – is going to be in my path. I had probably five close calls that day. Generally it was younger drivers just having a blast. There are going to be times that riders don’t see each other until 50 feet or less apart.

I put exactly 50 miles on the 570 that day. I probably stopped every 3 miles just to take in the view and the moment.

I have a new idea for my next ATV adventure – to travel with a small tent and a sleeping bag. Then I can go on a trail trip where I don’t come back to a camp.

I look with interest and envy at utility task vehicles – UTVs – and ATVs on trailers heading for fun weekends. I now fully understand why people spend the money and time doing the very cool pastime.

Sunset

This is an original article written for Agri-View, a Lee Enterprises agricultural publication based in Madison, Wisconsin. Visit AgriView.com for more information.