Built to be driven year round, side-by-side all-terrain vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in Maine, where the four seasons bloom in full glory. Mud or snow, rain or shine, these ATVs help people explore the great outdoors in comfort.
“My husband and I go out every weekend on a trail somewhere,” said Geraldine Jackson, 64, of Bradley. “We see all the animals, the views. We can ride hundreds of miles at a time.”
Originally from The County, Jackson has driven four-wheelers and snowmobiles all her life. But as she and her husband, Lawrence Jackson, got older, these open vehicles became less comfortable, and they began looking for alternatives. Two years ago, they purchased a Yamaha Rhino side-by-side, and since then, they’ve put more than 5,000 miles on the vehicle.
Side-by-sides — named thus for their side-by-side seating — are essentially souped up golf carts with the ability to navigate rough terrain. They also have been described as a mix between a pickup truck and a four-wheeler.
“With a side-by-side, you sit there and talk and visit with each other the whole time you’re riding,” Geraldine Jackson said. “It’s just awesome.”
Jackson works as receptionist at Friend & Friend dealership in Old Town, a Maine business immersed in the ATV world. When people walk in the door, it’s her job to point them in the right direction.
“Side-by-sides have really kind of grown in the last four or five years,” said Travis Snell, Friend & Friend parts manager. “Polaris has some, Yamaha, Can-Am, Arctic Cat — a lot of companies have them now.”
While the Jacksons’ Yamaha Rhino has two seats, some side-by-side models — such as Yamaha’s Viking 6 — can carry up to six people.
“It’s great for families,” Snell said of the model.
In general, side-by-sides are powerful and versatile enough to handle the same terrain that four-wheelers and snowmobiles can, however, they’re limited somewhat because of their width. Some trails may simply be too narrow, Snell said.
Some side-by-side models are designed chiefly for recreation, while others are built for work, with high load capacities and buckets with hydraulic lifts. That’s why side-by-sides are often referred to as UTVs, “utility terrain vehicles.” Accessories such as snow plow systems and winches add to the vehicle’s capabilities.
“We sell quite a few to people that hunt,” Snell said. “The manufacturers do make them in camo, which is pretty popular. It’s nice because if you get a deer or another animal, you can haul it out.”
While Jackson lets her husband use their Rhino side-by-side for yardwork on occasion, the vehicle is mainly for play, she said. On the first of December, they replaced the Rhino’s four tires with a track system that would enable them to take on the snowy terrain.
“We have a lot of fun in the winter with it, ice fishing and just playing in the yard with it, riding around with the kids,” said Jackson, who enjoys taking her eight grandchildren for rides — one at a time, of course. “There’s no snow it won’t go through.”
In addition to having comfortable seats with full back support, the Jackson’s Rhino has a windshield and roof to block the elements. And if they really wanted to stay warm and comfortable through the winter months, there are other accessories they can look into, such as a full-enclosure cab, heaters and windshield wipers.
Driving a side-by-side is just like driving a road vehicle, with foot pedals for the gas and brake, as well as a power steering wheel and a stick shift. In general, it requires much less physical effort to drive than a four-wheeler or snowmobile, making it easier to drive all day long.
When Jackson retires this spring, she plans to spend even more time driving her side-by-side.
“It’s something that my husband and I enjoy,” she said. “It’s something that we do together. It’s time we spend together, and that’s quality time.”
To ensure they always have plenty of trails to ride on, the couple joined the Rocky Mountain Trail Riders, one of the many ATV groups in Maine that has special permission to ride on certain swathes of privately-owned land. Based in Greenbush, the club was founded in 2005 by James Reinzo, and since then, the club has established more than 55 miles of marked trails.
Another place the Jacksons like to ride is the Down East Sunrise Trail, an 85-mile multi-use trail that spans from Ellsworth to Ayers Junction following old railroad beds. The wide, public trail is open to ATVs, walkers, bicyclists, horseback riders, snowmobilers and skiers.
“The views of the mountains and the lakes going down through there is just absolutely gorgeous,” Jackson said. “The deer, the geese, the ducks — you just see all kinds of wildlife.”
The Jacksons typically drive their Rhino on the Sunrise Trail from Ellsworth to Machias, stopping for a picnic lunch by the water before heading back home.
To receive a state ATV trail map, call 287-2751 and leave a message with your name, postal address and phone number. For more information, visit www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/trail_activities/atv/.