Sept. 6, 2010 – ATV Digest

swadminSeptember 6, 2010

Study looks at the health benefits of off-road riding

Evidently, ATV and off-road riding is much more than just fun, it’s also good for your body and soul.

That’s the preliminary findings from a York University report.

The purpose of the research was to characterize the physiological demands of recreational off-road vehicle (ORV) riding under typical ORV riding conditions using recreation riders.

“This ground-breaking, first-ever comprehensive scientific probe of the fitness and health benefits of ATV and ORM recreational riding proves that riding creates sufficient opportunity to stimulate changes in aerobic fitness and falls within the physical activity guidelines of both Health Canada and the American College of Sports Medicine,” said Bob Ramsay, president of Canada’s Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council.

Study analysis of exercise intensity during riding revealed “approximately 14 percent of an ATV ride and 38 percent of an off-road motorcycle ride are within the intensity range required to achieve changes in aerobic fitness. Riding on a representative course also led to muscular fatigue, particularly in the upper body.”

Jamie Burr of York University’s Faculty of Health, which is conducting the study, said, “On the basis of the measured metabolic demands, evidence of muscular strength requirements, and the associated caloric expenditures with off-road vehicle riding, this alternative form of activity conforms to the recommended physical activity guidelines and can be effective for achieving beneficial changes in health and fitness.”

Arctic Cat adds to its 2011 lineup with new offerings

After earlier releases this summer, Arctic Cat has shown more of its 2011 four-wheel offering that will including six new ATVs and two new Prowlers.

Among the new offerings include:

Cruiser packages for the TRV 1000 and TRV 550. These packages will add electronic power steering, fairing, rear trunk, aluminum wheels, painted bodies, heated front and rear hand grips and a 3,000-pound winch.

The TRV, two-up line-up has been bolstered with the addition of the 450 EFI engine. This model will feature a new, softer seat, digital gauge, ride-in suspension and electronic 2WD/4WD/Differential Lock.

The 450 and 1000 Ltd. These models feature the addition of painted body panels, aluminum wheels, front and rear bumpers and a 3,000-pound winch. The Arctic Cat 1000 Ltd has the addition of electronic power steering.

The re-introduction of the TBX 700 LTD with electronic power steering, aluminum wheels, front bumper, 3,000-pound winch and Green Metallic painted body panels.

Yamaha GRANTs $50,000 in Q2 for OHV riding

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. awarded more than $50,000 in GRANTs (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails) to ATV riding clubs and public land management agencies across the country in the OHV Access Initiative’s mid-year funding cycle for 2010.

To date, the company has GRANTed nearly $1.5 million to promote safe, responsible OHV riding and sustainable, open access for motorized recreation.

“Two years into the program, we continue to see the OHV community respond and apply for resources with well-designed projects that support the safety and sustainability of motorized recreation nationwide,” Mike Martinez, general manager of Yamaha’s ATV and side-by-side operations, stated in the company press release.

Yamaha GRANTs were awarded to five qualified recipients from applications received during the program’s second-quarter funding cycle.

Awardees include:

Arkansas Trail Blazers ATV Club;

U.S. Bureau of Land Management – Pocatello, Idaho;

Mountain Trail Riders Association – Jonesborough, Tenn.;

Red Rock Rider’s ATV Club – Pengilly, Minn.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources. PSB

swadminSeptember 6, 2010