FIND OUT A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ATVS

Among the adventures that Brasil Raft Park offers is quad biking. The vehicle with a motorcycle “body” and four wheels, known here in Brazil as a quadricycle and in English is known as an ATV (“All-Terrain Vehicle”). The driver operates these vehicles like a motorcycle, but the extra wheels give him more stability at low speeds.  In recent years, quadricycles have become more sought after by Brazilians. Considered a “toy” by many adults, the quadricycle has gained new spaces in Brazilian garages. This type of motorcycle on four wheels began to be used not only for sport, but also as a leisure option in mountainous and sandy areas. Learn a little about the history of the quadricycle.

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In 1896, the first gasoline-powered quadricycle appeared, from Ford. At the same time, a new motor sport, Motorsport, was taking its first steps in the United States of America.

ATVs were already manufactured in the United States a decade before 3- and 4-wheel vehicles were introduced by Honda and other Japanese companies. During the 1960s, numerous manufacturers offered similar small off-road vehicles, designed to float and capable of crossing swamps, ponds and waterways, as well as dry land. Typically built like a “bathtub” of resistant plastic or fiberglass, they generally had six wheels – all maneuverable – with low-pressurized balloon tires, no suspension (other than that provided by the tires) and sliding steering bars. These ambitious first amphibious models were the original all-terrain vehicles – or ATVs. Contrary to the modern ANSI (American National Standards Institute) definition of ATVs, they were designed for multiple occupants to sit inside and were controlled by steering wheels or sticks, rather than by motorcycle handlebars, as in the definition in force today.
Off Road
Off Road or Off-road is a term in the English vocabulary that literally means “off-road” and designates various activities carried out in places without paved roads, sidewalks or easy access and transit. Generally, the preferred places to practice offroading are those furthest from cities and devoid of urban infrastructure. Contact with nature is something desired and appreciated and the objective of this activity is to overcome the difficulties of access and transposition imposed by nature, for example in the form of mud, rocks, erosion, steep ascents and descents, snow, flooding, etc.
Currently, off road is associated with adrenaline and speed as the most common activities use motorized vehicles such as motorcycles, quad bikes, Jeeps and pickup trucks, but there are also off road activities practiced with horses, bicycles and also on foot.

Motorized Off-Road, which today is used as a sport and therapy by its practitioners, was born out of a need for war. The first vehicles were created during the 2nd World War with the aim of penetrating and moving troops and soldiers in difficult to access places.
Off road activities can be practiced for leisure and also as organized competitions. In terms of competitions we have Enduros, Rallys, Raids. In Brazil, the Rally dos Sertões is held annually, passing through several states in the center-west and northeast of the country; the Dakar rally (known until 2008 as Paris-Dakar) has been taking place here in our neighbors Argentina,  Chile and Peru since 2009.  In global terms, the Paris-Dakar Rally is considered the biggest and most dangerous rally in the world and is also the off road activity with the greatest prestige in the media.
Due to its “challenging” nature, off roading is considered a risky activity and requires the use of protective equipment, basically helmets, gloves and protective glasses; however, the range of equipment can vary greatly depending on the type of off road activity practiced.
A very important part for your Off Road vehicle is maintenance. You should be aware of whether your mechanic and workshop offer support and safety for your vehicle.

For those who want much more than a simple adventure, come and feel the adrenaline and fun of driving a 4×4 along off-road trails in the middle of the forest, inside the Brasil Raft Park, accompanied by specialized monitors.