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| - I discovered Las Vegas ATV Tours via Groupon and read some of the mixed (but mostly good) review via Trip Advisor and Yelp. Overall, it seemed like everyone was super happy with their tour.
Communication is a little spotty at times, but mainly because it's a mom and pop kind of business and everyone works in that joint. After a tour is when these guys respond to your emails and phone calls.
We signed up for the One Hour Tour. John picked us up from The Four Seasons Hotel along with other folks from different hotels on the strip and we headed towards the Motor Speedway where they dropped us off next to the Airforce base. It's about a 30 mins drive. To begin with, I have never driven an ATV before, but I owned a scooter for seven years and have driven a motorcycle, so I am well aware of how to dress on a moving vehicle. However, a few of the gals did not.
Girls - be smart, not stupid. Wear pants and choose the morning session in the summer. It's simply too hot to do this tour in the middle of the afternoon. You'll die. Second, wear moisture wicking clothes as you will sweat and pour water all over your body. Bring a light long sleeved shirt. The sun is strong and no matter how much sunscreen you apply, you'll be thankful for the coverage when the wind picks up and sand is blowing onto your bare arms. Second, wear old tennis shoes. Not TOMS, not Keds, not sandals. Again, don't be an idiot, you are in the desert on a 4-wheeler. The pedals have metal prongs and you need protection from the heat of the engine.
Last, bring a small backpack filled with water, extra sunscreen, ibuprofen, kleenex (i.e. toilet paper), chapstick and a bandana. While the group gives you a water during the half time break, they only bring enough water for one bottle per person. It's hot outside and the heat definitely got to me. I wish I would have brought extra water and a bandana to cover my mouth from all the dirt.
Now, onto the tour. I thought it was amazing. The guys are tatted up, smoke and good ole' boys - they know what they are doing. They did a great job describing what we would be doing and the hand signals to follow. They also had extra riders to round up the caboose and let the girls ride tandem in the event they were too scared to drive an ATV. They warm you up with an easy start filled with small bumps and hills. As you become more comfortable with the ATV, you have the option to be more aggressive as you trust the machine over time. They definitely make it clear to do whatever you feel most comfortable with and they never make you feel stupid for taking it slow and careful. They know the area like the back of their dry, tan hands and do their job well.
Honestly, a one hour would have sufficed for me, as it's hot and physically exhausting, but we winded up riding two hours. I'm not complaining, it was great fun, but for a retreat recreation I am planning in September, I would recommend to my older clients to perhaps consider just an hour as it is very physically demanding. Also, your gas is in what looks like a gear shift on your right handle bar, it's a lot of strain to your right hand - it doesn't work like a motorcycle. So be prepared for some terrible texting, post tour.
I winded up flying over a "Witch's Eye" and into a dune, causing me to almost flip over the handlebars. I didn't, but winded up jamming my right thigh into the throttle and right handlebar. It left a nasty bruise, cut and whiplash, but it was all worth it. The staff was great - they made sure I was OK, gave me water and asked several times if I wanted to stop and go back. I assured them I was OK, and while I definitely felt it the next day...and today...I am still so happy I did the tour. It was great to get out into the desert, out of the strip, see the jets fly above you and meet some new people. I definitely would recommend this group and Casey as your guide. To make this trip more enjoyable - be prepared, not a dumb-ass.
Lunch is provided afterwards and the team is eager to take group photos. If you are ever in Vegas and looking for something different to do, give them a a call and go in the morning!
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