Lets go racing! Getting geared up.

The second installment in a series all about what the first time racer needs to know before venturing out to his first race.  If you missed the first installment on how to decide what type of racing is for you, read lets get started.

Basic gear combos can be had pretty inexpensively

In the interest of the beginning racer is a list starting with the common required gear for nearly any race or event.  The list works down from the most important to the less important as well as optional.  These recommendations are in an attempt to show, while there are obvious costs to riding ATVs, its not much more that what it typically costs to get in to ATV riding alone.

What follows is mandatory gear for riding regardless if your racing, although this is the generally accepted bare minimum by national and locally sanctioned bodies.

Helmet: Always required for any event you plan to ride, its also a very good idea to wear it any time your riding your ATV.  I will spare the lengthy discussion and conflict of “To wear or not to wear” arguments”.  Helmets come in a wide range of sizes, features and prices.  Price should be the last thing you consider with a helmet, the most important thing when looking at helmets is fit and SNELL & DOT certification.  As long as these two requirements are met price matter not.

Goggles: Always required for any racing event as well as being a good choice to wear them any time your on your ATV.  Next to your brain and heart, your eyes might be the most important part of your body so you want to protect them.  Similarly with a helmet fit and comfort of the goggles in the helmet is the most important, but generally even the $12 pair will suffice although they may not last as long as a bit more expensive pair.  Also buy from one of the major established brands as then you know replacement lenses or straps will be easily available.

Gloves: Again this is going to be a requirement for any race.  Most event rules are fairly lax on the type of gloves you must have, leather chore gloves will work but I would not recommend them.  Purpose built riding gloves are best.  Riding gloves feature padding, ventilation (prevents blistering), as well as abrasion and knuckle protection from flying rocks.

Motocross style boots add protection as well as durability

Over the ankle boots: Some type of over the ankle boots will also be required.  Sneakers/running shoes will not work.  Work or hiking type boots would be the minimum, but for real protection from sprains, impacts or even broken ankles as well as shin injuries, a motocross style riding boot is best.  Fit is key here, you want them to be snug but not too tight.  Riding boots vary a lot in price.  Usually the more expensive the boot, the better quality and longer lasting the of boot.  Also many of the top manufactures provide replacement parts in efforts to prolong the life of the boot.

Long sleeved shirt: Long sleeved shirts are required to ride.  Any old cotton shirt will work, but choosing a purpose built jersey is slightly better.  Depending on the manufacturer, riding jerseys afford better sweat wicking (cooler), some abrasion protection and not to mention they are cut to be less binding on the wrists and underarm.  Less binding equals less fatigue which means you can ride faster longer.

Long pants (full length): Long pants are another garment that is required (no shorts).  Denim jeans will work, but are incredibly uncomfortable when compared to purpose built riding pants.  Riding pants feature Kevlar reinforcements as well as double stitching and other abrasion protection.

One thing to note on the care of your gear.  Jerseys and pants can be machine washed but should be air dried only mechanical means of drying will and can melt the rubber and polyester fibers ruining the garment, even using the “air fluff” setting on the dryer will wear the threading and seems out quicker.

Optional gear, but strongly recommended per the riders situation.

The Leatt brace, the front runner of neck protection technology

Neck restrain system: Neck retrain systems are relatively new to the scene.  The early products were no more than a foam “donut” that worked to a point, but development into more custom fitting devices are now on the market.  Basically these mitigate neck and spine injuries by limiting the necks movement fore and aft as well as side to side.  These systems are somewhat pricey but the initial cost is cheap compared to long term injuries or being paralyzed.

Roost guard/Chest protection: This is another relatively inexpensive device that can prevent you from being impaled on objects such as tree branches or even parts of your machine if you were to be thrown.  It also protects from flying rocks and dirt from people in front of you.

Shin/Knee guards and or integrated braces: Protection for your knees is critical.  There are many different kinds from the inexpensive “one size fits all” knee/shin guards to custom fitted braces that not only provide protection but support for your joints.  They are almost a must if you have chronic knee pain from previous injuries.  For those that have not injured their knees yet, a custom brace can prevent damage from hyper-extension.

Kidney belt: This inexpensive device helps stabilize your internal organs to prevent bruising.  If you ride sitting down a lot this piece of equipment might be for you.

Elbow guards: Again a fairly inexpensive device, its protection prevention is obvious.

Wrist brace: This is similar to the knee brace.  Wrist braces come in “one size fits most” and custom fitted.  If you have chronic pain or carpel tunnel this item should be considered.

Riding socks: Believe it or not these can make a world of difference in comfort of your feet in your boots.  Most are designed to wick sweat away keeping your feet cool and dry thus preventing blisters.

Well there you have it!  Most of this should bee obvious to nearly everyone, but I felt it was nessary to cover the basics in the begining of this series for those wondering what gear is manadatory and what gear might be considered optional.  Each individual shoule evaluate what risks they are willing to take and buy gear designed to mitigate those risks.  Remeber you can still get hurt or die even with full gear, but the more gear you wear the less likely for serious injuries or death.

Always wear a helmet!

Last 5 posts by Jon Rhodig

• Take control, adjust your controls that is - August 20th, 2010
• Product spotlight, Tie Down Strap Sack - July 20th, 2010
• Ride with the Junkman, Webster Pass - July 10th, 2010
• Ride with TheJunkMan, Slaughter House Gulch - June 22nd, 2010
• Responsibility of the trail leader - June 16th, 2010