I always want to do what scares me. The feeling of accomplishing something I fear is far greater than any drug and the adrenaline lasts for days. Lake Arrowhead Resort works closely with Enjoy the Mountain to offer ATV, quad, side by side, mountain bike, and jeep experiences around Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, California. Going out on a tour while at the resort was a no-brainer. I have minimal experience driving much else other than a car, making the thought of it thrilling. Driving a quad and a side by side were both part of the plan. I worried that I’d chicken out at the last minute and go the more comfortable route of having someone drive for me, but I pushed the worry out of my mind and went for it. Why not, right?
Jorge Herranz, the owner of Enjoy the Mountain, picked me up at the resort. He was going to be my guide and it was just the two of us, which put my wandering mind at ease. If I felt like we were going too fast or in too difficult terrain, I would just ask him to slow down. It’s more intimidating with larger groups. I never want to be the person ruining the fun for everyone. With just Jorge, there was no pressure.
We arrived at the starting point and he unloaded the two ATV vehicles: a quad and a side by side. I had a choice which one I wanted to use first and I chose the quad since I’d driven a few before. After a few minutes instruction, we were off.
I was timid at first taking turns slowly and letting off of the gas completely while going down hill. Surprisingly, it didn’t take long to feel comfortable. I left space between us so I could go quickly when I felt adventurous or slow down when I was nervous.
I was focus on the trial for about 20 minutes before I realized I should be looking around more. We were in the mountains with fabulous vistas all around. Sometimes I focused on driving, turning quickly, and getting the feel for the vehicle while other times I took it slow and enjoyed the view.
An hour had passed, although it felt like 10 minutes, and we arrived at a river. Stopping to chat and walk around, I thought about the ground we’d just covered and I realized that it wasn’t as difficult as I’d envisioned. And, besides that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. My confidence was building and it gave me the courage to try the side by side.
I listened to the instructions intently; it seemed basic… like driving a car.
I loved it!
Jorge was leading and I was on him closely but giving myself distance in the big turns so I could go faster. It handled insanely well. If anything, it gave me a false sense of security. I felt like I could drive 100 m/h over rocks and around turns. I was a professional, after all, with my 15 minutes experience.
I got a hold of my ego shortly after when we reached a difficult part of the trail. Nothing like sharp turns and huge rocks to put me in line. I still savored every second.
I’m addicted! Or maybe I’m just addicted to the thrill, the adventure, the adrenaline. Regardless, on the way home, Jorge asked if I’d like to do the jeep tour as well. Before the words even left his mouth, I was nodding in agreement. I want to try it all. There aren’t enough hours in the day.
Bucket List Publications 
Sounds like a nice experience 😉
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It was a rush! I’m already thinking about going back again soon. 🙂
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I can follow your dream 😀
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Wow that must have been amazing! I think I will give it a try one day, after I get my driving license…
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Wow! What a rush!
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You are merely addicted to physical substance. Endogenous opioid inhibitory neuropeptides.
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Awesome! It is always an experience stepping out of our comfort zones. Great pictures as well!
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WoW!! an excellent series of photos and read.. it brought back memories for me 🙂
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Have you been ATVing before? Or to Lake Arrowhead?
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ATVing is called “Quad biking” in the UK Lesley. I used to go when it was in its infancy back in the 1980s and loved the thrill of it, Then I had a serious industrial accident in 89 so could never go again. I’ve never been to the US but we used to go on dunes in Norfolk UK .and Scotland 🙂 Its your text and detail along with the photos you took that reminded me of the thrill so you took me back many years 🙂
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Wonderful; I’m glad that you have found memories of Quad biking 🙂
It’s unfortunate that you can’t do it anymore, but I can see you’re grateful for the time you had 🙂
What’s your favorite adventure now?
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my favourite adventure now Lesley is gardening with my grandkids I have them planting sweet corn tomorrow 😉
.. but my passion is walking around alone with my camera and finding places others don’t know too much about. We have lots of important history in our local area but because were not near the richer southern cities much of it has been forgot or neglected. I love sharing things too… your take care in your adventures too 🙂
Glynn
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I love quads! They’re such fun to run around on, and so easy to handle! The hardest thing for me was getting over my fear of tipping one, but they really have a lot better balance than it feels like they do. Haven’t tried a side-by-side before, but now I’m putting it on my list! 😀
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Love it–“a professional, after all, with my 15 minutes experience.” Hilarious! You paint such a vivid picture. Sounds like so much fun!
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Off-roading is so much fun when you do it for the first time. Very cool adventure. The first time I rode a quad and a side-by-side I was in Baja California. It was an all-day adventure of crossing crazy terrain, riding on a rocky cliff was crazy scary, but definitely fun. And at the end I was like I did it! Ha! Your pics brought back memories. Good post 🙂
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You’re a fire cracker, Leslie. Sound like a riot but I’d rather watch from here. ~(*_*)~~
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Wow it looks beautiful.
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That sounds really thrilling to do.
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So fun! I grew up riding ATVs on that mountain :)!
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This looks awesome! I am heading to Arrowhead next weekend, ill ponder!
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