Get Ready for Summer 2017

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GET READ

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FOR

SUMMER 2017

A special supplement to The News Sun, The Herald Republican and The Star.

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Get Ready For Summer

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April 29, 2017

Welcome

It’s time to look forward to the coming of summer and all that northeast Indiana has to offer with its many lakes, streams and festivals.

Northeast Indiana is a good place to be if you want to be outdoors, with hundreds of lakes, many pristine streams and rivers, beautiful parks with rolling hills and wooded areas, numerous golf courses, plus exciting events.

Whether your summer fun is based

102 N. Main Street, Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-0400

at the lake, in a city or state park, or in your own backyard, we hope you find this section helpful as you try to make the best of the coming warm weather with family and friends.

We welcome your feedback and ideas for future articles on the topic of summer fun in beautiful northeast Indiana.

This section is also available at kpcnews.com.

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Michele Trowbridge Walter Fisher Machele Waid Get Ready for Summer is a special supplement to the The Herald Republican, The News Sun and The Star which are a publication of KPC Media Group Inc. ©2017 All rights reserved

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April 29, 2017

BY ASHLEE HOOS ahoos@kpcmedia.com

Get Ready For Summer

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Learn to swim this summer

Growing up in northeast Indiana lakes country and beyond, swimming is a huge part of summer.

It’s not an inborn skill, however, and learning to swim should be at the top of the priority list for any lake-lover.

The question becomes where can someone go to learn to swim in the area.

In Steuben County, the YMCA of Steuben County is offering a few different summer swimming and water programs.

Begin to Swim is the week of June 19-23, and registration is open for that session. Children need to be registered by a parent at the YMCA to participate.

The YMCA of Steuben County is also offering a summer swim lesson session for all levels of swimmers that will be from June 27 to Aug. 19. Registration for that is open as well, and children must be registered to participate in the program.

Cole Family YMCA in Kendallville is offering Safety Around Water June 12-16 and is to help children learn fundamental water safety skills.

This class is a week long and is for swimmers age six on up. Registration

is available online beginning May 1 at coleymca.net. This week of lessons is the only one at Cole Family YMCA that offers buses from the Noble County schools and Prairie Heights schools.

Auburn Parks Department will offer swim lessons at the community pool beginning the week of June 6. The session will be two weeks long and run Monday through Friday. These lessons are available for children ages 5 and older.

If you’re a parent and want to work with your tot on swimming, the community pool in Auburn will be offering parent-tot lessons for children younger than 5. For information on parent-tot swim, contact the pool or parks office at 925-2997 or parks@ ci.auburn.in.us.

DeKalb County will also be offering summer swim lessons at the YMCA of DeKalb County. The new session begins May 3 and runs through June 24.

Members are given first opportunity to sign their children up for this session. It will be $25 for members,$45 for non-members.

Members and non-members alike are invited to call the YMCA at 925-9622 for more information. If you’re unsure what

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

There are many places you can take your child to learn to swim and learn water safety.

level your child will be in, they have a form you can fill out and discuss to ensure they are in the right class for their skill level.

There are a number of ways to get

children involved in swimming lessons and water safety this summer. Give someone a call and turn your child into a water-lover and make their lake time safe this summer.

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April 29, 2017

Eight spring boat spring launching goof-ups many have made KPC NEWS SERVICE

We’ve all heard about the guy who forgot to put a plug in a boat, promptly filling it water as soon as the craft was launched. Or, there wasn’t gas in the tank, and so on.

The crewmembers of the nation’s largest boater advocacy, safety and services group, BoatUS, offered up some of the classic mistakes they have made over the years.

Like most boaters, they aren’t perfect.

They make mistakes and learn from them, too. With boat yards, back yards, marinas and clubs now coming to life, spring commissioning time has arrived.

Here are eight spring commissioning mistakes that the employees of BoatUS have made over the years that could save you a lot of aggravation, or your life.

• The battery goof-up No. 1: “When reconnecting my batteries I missed one of the ground wires that had slipped down behind the battery box. I noticed something was wrong when the trim/ tilt worked fine but the motor would not start. With so many cables going to multiple batteries, I’m taking a photo this year of how things are properly attached so next spring things go as planned.” – Mike in BoatUS Marine Insurance • The safety gear goof-up: “We remove a lot of gear to store inside

each winter, but realized after leaving the dock not all had made it back aboard. Now I download a checklist of required safety equipment and inventory everything to ensure it gets put back on the boat before launch day. I also check the dates on my flares and ensure my extinguisher is in the green zone.” – Margaret in BoatUS Executive Office • The boat trailer goof-up: “Winter plays havoc on boat trailers and I once departed the parking lot without checking my trailer lights. Thankfully, just a short distance away another motorist advised me of the issue. Now I make sure all is well before departing and also check tires and inspect the bearings and brakes.” – Ted in BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water • The call for help goof-up: “On sailboats with mast-top VHF radio antennas, a common problem on older boats is a rotted antenna coax cable near the mast base. I found this out when I went to use my VHF radio and no one could hear me. Replace the cable now, and if your VHF has DSC or Digital Selective Calling with a one-button mayday feature, be sure the radio is connected to the GPS or chartplotter.” – Scott in BoatUS Public Affairs • The dinghy goof-up: “Sailors need to remember to check their dinghy –

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it’s often overlooked and winter might have been hard on it with missing pieces, critters inside, etc. Don’t forget to service the dinghy’s motor too. If you don’t, you’re going to be sorry just like I was when it sputtered just as I left the boat.” – Charles in BoatUS Consumer Affairs and Seaworthy Magazine • The transom drain plug goof-up: “If you have a trailerable boat with a transom drain plug, take the plug now and attach it to the boat’s throttle control or steering wheel so it will be impossible for you not to notice to install it before launching. Yes, this does happen. I know. Nothing gets your attention more than a little water around your ankles.” – Chris in BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water • The bottom paint goof-up: “When putting on my bottom paint I used a cheap paint roller and soon found out why it was so cheap — it was shedding a fuzz in every pass I made. I also made the mistake of not saving a little extra paint to finish under the jackstands or trailer rollers just before launching.“ – Ted in BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water • The rushing to get it done goof-up: “Every spring, boat sinking claims start to come in. Nearly always you can chalk

it up to rushing to get it done. I take my time inspecting engine hoses and hoses clamps, the bilge pump, stern-drive boot, clean out scuppers and double check the through-hulls and sea strainer.

I once found a plastic through-hull for a sink drain at the waterline that initially looked fine, but it was only until I took the time for a closer inspection that I found it was cracked nearly in half on the inside.” – Scott in BoatUS Public Affairs And here’s two “bonus” goof-ups: • The battery goof-up No. 2: “While this did not happen to me personally, it’s something we see in the claims department every spring: hooking up the battery backwards, causing reverse polarity and a massive electrical short or fire.” – Kerry in BoatUS Marine Insurance BoatUS has a no cost Spring Fitting Out Safety Checklist ready to print at BoatUS.com/springchecklist and comes with the BoatUS towing app that includes tips for a range of boat types.

• The be prepared goof-up: “My neighbor went out for the first trip of the season and his engine died and needed help to get back in. He suspected fuel issues. Having spare filters aboard or keeping an eye on the fuel-water separator helps.” – Dennis in the BoatUS Membership Department.

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Here’s where you can catch dinner KPC NEWS SERVICE

If you’ve been looking for a place to catch some dinner, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ fisheries biologists have compiled a list of the best panfishing lakes throughout Indiana. Here are their picks for northeast Indiana, which were part of a top-15 lakes list for all of Indiana:

Sylvan Lake Sylvan Lake is a 669-acre man-made reservoir near Rome City. It is best known for its bluegill fishing with some reaching 9 inches. About one-third of the adult

bluegill population are 7 inches or larger.

The best places to catch bluegill are the Cain Basin at the east end of the lake and along the 8- to 10-foot dropoffs in the western basin. Redworms, flies and crickets are the most effective baits.

you can expect to catch plenty that are keeper-size. The best crappie fishing is in May over developing lily pads in the four corners of the lake. Live minnows and small white jigs are the most effective baits.

Skinner Lake

Clear Lake

Skinner Lake is a 125-acre natural lake near Albion. The lake is known for crappie fishing for both black and white crappies.

Most crappies are in the 8- to 9-inch range, with some reaching 16 inches long. Don’t expect to catch lots of big crappies, but

Clear Lake is an 800-acre, natural lake in Steuben County. This is a quality bluegill fishery, not quantity. Bluegill harvested average 8.5 inches with fish up to 10.5 inches observed.

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Shipshewana Lake Shipshewana Lake is a 200-acre lake in LaGrange County. Bluegill fishing is very good. This shallow lake is very productive and produces good bluegill year after year.

It also has a quality crappie and largemouth bass fishing.

Big Long Lake Big Long Lake is a 365-acre lake in LaGrange County. It has some of the best bluegill fishing in northeastern Indiana.

Bluegill average 8 inches in length with some bluegill over 10 inches.

STORMWATER POLLUTANTS FIND THEIR WAY INTO WHERE WE FISH, WHAT WE DRINK AND WHERE WE SWIM. Everything that goes into our storm drains – grass clippings, soap, pesticides, pet waste, whatever – makes its way straight to our streams. Stormwater pollution is our biggest source of water pollution. It all adds up. It all comes back. And you’re the solution, now that you know where it goes.

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April 29, 2017

Here are nine tips to improve your golf game METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Warmer weather sends scores of golfers to their favorite courses each and every day. Golf is a challenging pastime, but a few pointers can help golfers hone their short games, long games and everything in between.

• Choose the right clubs. There is more to selecting clubs than pulling any old iron out of your golf bag and whacking away.

Wind, hazards and obstructions in landing areas should influence your decision of which club to use. Novice golfers may want to rely on their caddies to make club recommendations, and as they become more confident in their abilities they can start to make their own choices.

• Anchor your feet. Anchor your foot behind the ball to drive the ball further.

Right-handed players will keep the right foot anchored, and lefties will do the opposite. Do not lift your foot prematurely; otherwise, you can lose power and distance.

• Identify your weaknesses. As with any hobby, identifying those areas that need the most work can help you become a better golfer. Keep track of each shot you take, and then look at the results to see which

areas of your game need the most work.

• Fix your alignment. Align your shots by assessing the target from behind the ball. Then set the clubface behind the golf ball and align it with the target before you enter your stance.

• Use your torso for power. The torso is essential to a solid swing. Practice rotating from your core to control your backswing and then maintain the same spine angle and posture on the downswing.

• Use the wind. Not every golf game will be played in perfect weather. A good player knows how to make adjustments for the wind depending on the shot. Use the wind to your advantage when you can, and adjust your swing when hitting into the wind.

• Become a better chipper. Many players put so much emphasis on their backswings and putt shots that they fail to devote any practice to chips. All shots are important for golfers trying to shed strokes off of their scores.

• Keep fit. Maintaining or improving your physical strength and overall health can help your golf game. Exercise and eat right, and you will have more endurance on the links.

Where to golf in the four-county area DeKalb County • Bridgewater Golf Club, 1818 Morningstar Road, Auburn • Garrett Country Club, 401 Walsh St., Garrett LaGrange County • Cedar Lake Golf Course, 3355 E. C.R. 700N, Howe • Heron Creek Golf Club, 615 W. C.R. 50N, LaGrange Noble County • Augusta Hills, 2080 W. C.R. 300N, Albion • Cobblestone Golf Course, 2702 Cobblestone Lane, Kendallville • Kendallville Golf Club, 120 S. Weston Ave., Kendallville

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• Limberlost Golf Course, 3204 E. C.R. 900N, Rome City • Noble Hawk Golf Links, 3005 Noble Hawk Drive, Kendallville Steuben County • Bledsoe’s Lakeview Golf Course, 60 Lane 470 Lake James, Angola • Cold Springs Resort, 260 Lane 120 Hamilton Lake, Hamilton • Country Meadows Golf Course, 102 W. S.R. 120, Fremont • Glendarin Hills Golf Club, 3333 Glendarin Way, Angola • Hidden Valley Golf Course, 5370 E. Metz Road, Angola • Lake James Golf Club, 1445 W. C.R. 275N, Angola • Zollner Golf Course, 1 University Ave., Angola

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April 29, 2017

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Zollner open during MTI Center construction

ANGOLA — Zollner Golf Course is open for the 2017 season, with golf cart rental available.

The golf course pro shop and clubhouse are located in temporary facilities near Hershey Hall during the construction of Trine University’s new MTI Center. They eventually will become part of the MTI Center, which is scheduled to open in January 2018.

As part of the MTI Center construction process, the driving range will be elevated, with enhanced and elevated tee boxes, and a new putting green, banquet facilities, bar and patio will be built.

Established in 1971, Zollner Golf Course hosts about 13,000 rounds of golf for the public each year, and about 20,000 total. Zollner is the home course for the Angola High School girls team, Hamilton High School boys team and Hamilton Middle School co-ed team as well as Trine’s men’s and women’s teams. It also partners with the Steuben

County YMCA for a junior golf program.

The course has about 100 members, most of whom live in the Steuben County area.

Zollner Golf Course hosted the NCAA Division III Women’s Golf National Championship in 2012, and has been the site of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics golf championships, the Indiana PGA Assistant Championships, Indiana PGA Junior Championships, PGA Player Ability Test Tournaments and Indiana Open qualifiers.

Announced in April 2016, the MTI Center will feature three basketball courts, a six-lane bowling alley and esports facilities as well as the new golf clubhouse and pro shop. The site work for the new center will add more than 100 parking spaces to the existing parking on the west side of Hershey Hall.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A foursome lines up a put during an outing last year at Zollner Golf Course on the campus of Trine University. Even with construction underway on the new MTI Center, which took out Witmer Clubhouse on the golf course, Zollner is open for this year’s golf season.

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April 29, 2017

Summer grilling safety

BY EMELINE RODENAS erodenas@kpcmedia.com

AUBURN — The U.S. Fire Administration estimates approximately 5,700 grill fires take place on residential property every year causing millions in damage, injuries and even deaths. Roughly half of the injuries involving grills are thermal burns, according to Auburn Fire Department Chief Michael VanZile.

By following these simple tips, prepping the grill for the summer can be a breeze and keep everyone safe.

Know your grill Understand the difference between a gas or charcoal grill. People should never assume a new grill works exactly like their last one. For those who no longer have the original manual, most grill manuals can be found online at the manufacturer’s website.

It may seem simple but taking the time to read the owner’s manual can save lives.

Charcoal grills can be started with newspaper, lighter fluid, or even electric charcoal starters. Propane grills are turned on using a switch. If the flame goes out while the grill is in use, turn off both the gas tank and the grill and wait five minutes before relighting it.

Msst important of all, never leave your grill unattended.

Cleaning is caring When cleaning the grill, remove any grease that collects over time. It adds up after a few cookouts and poses a large fire threat as grease is very flammable. Dispose of it properly per the local Solid Waste Management District.

Consider purchasing a grill cleaning set , which includes a wire cleaner and brush. Make sure to sanitize everything, including shelves and utensils. Bacteria

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

This summer is it important to be safe when grilling.

can develop at any temperature above freezing. Remember, a clean grill is a safe grill. A dirty grill can resuilt in dirty food, and possible food poisoning.

Remember to check hoses for cracks, hoses and brittleness. Clear any blockages with a wire cleaner. Hoses are especially important for propane grills.

People can check a gas tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. If there is a propane leak or a soapy smell, bubbles will

be released.

Location is key Always keep in mind the minimum distance required between the grill and the surrounding area. Place the grill on a level surface away from a home, garage and landscaping and never move a grill once it’s been lit.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies and store the propane tank away from the house. Always check the valve to make sure it’s off and remember that children and pets get curious so store it well out of reach.

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Ever come home from a barbecue and smell like smoke? Smoke has a tendency of getting into everything: hair, eyes, clothes, etc. It contains carbon monoxide and other dangerous substances that have been known to cause cancer. Enjoy the smell from a distance if possible or put the lid of your grill down.

Be aware: gas inhalation can also kill. If people smell gas while cooking, immedi-

ately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

Wear protective gear People can protect themselves from burns by using heavy aprons and oven mitts that reach further up the forearm.

Keeping that beer bottle away from the grill is another helpful tip. Save it for dinner when food is ready.

“It happens every year. The weather gets warmer, more people use outdoor grills – and incidents of grill-caused fires go up. Each year, outdoor grilling causes an average of 8,900 home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Just because the cooking has moved outdoors doesn’t mean that homeowners can ignore their fire safety tips. Fire is everyone’s fight,” Fire Chief VanZile adds.

Other good resources for grill safety tips are your local fire department or the U.S Fire Department website usfa.fema. gov/.

Overall, people should be able to safetly enjoy grilling season if they keep these tips in mind.

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April 29, 2017

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Tips for grilling the perfect burger METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Hamburgers are a staple at backyard barbecues. Though burgers are a relatively simple food, mastering the technique to grill burgers is no small feat, as there is more to great grilled burgers than simply firing up the grill and dropping down a patty.

• Choose fresh ground beef that has a decent percentage of fat. The fat-to-lean meat ratio should be around 20 percent fat to 80 percent meat. Spend a little more to get freshly ground meat that has not been previously frozen.

• Don’t overwork the burgers with a lot of handling. This will warm up the fat in the burger, which causes it to emulsify and could make the meat rubbery.

• Reconsider adding a lot of herbs, spices or add-ins to the burgers, as such items can detract from the flavor of the

meat. Extra herbs and spices also may require extra mixing, which can lead overhandling.

• Push a dimple into the top of the burger, which will help prevent the burger from expanding upward and out while cooking and rounding out in the process. The dimple will keep the top of the burger flat, which facilitates easy topping.

• Make sure the grill is hot. Burgers do well with high heat and will cook relatively quickly.

• Resist the urge to push down on the patty with your spatula. This will cause the juices to spill out and may result in a dry, tough burger.

• Let burgers rest before serving. This lets the juices redistribute throughout and makes for a moist and tasty first bite.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Mastering the technique of the perfect burger will make your backyard barbeque’s the talk of the town.

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Begin planning kids’ summer recreation now METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Many families spend winter figuring out how to chase away cabin fever and endure frigid temperatures until spring and summer mercifully return. Parents thinking ahead to swimming pools and days lounging on the beach can put their daydreams to practical use by planning ahead for their youngsters’ summer vacations.

Youth recreational programs and summer camps can bridge the gap in care between the end of school and the day when classes resume. Due in part to high demand, parents who want to place their kids in summer rec programs or summer camps should being vetting such programs and camps well in advance of summer. The following are a handful of tips for moms and dads who want their kids to have fun and fulfilling summers.

• Ask for recommendations. Speak with fellow parents and trusted friends about where they send their children.

Personal recommendations can be very helpful, providing firsthand insight into a particular camp or program. Schedule appointments to visit camps that fall within your budget. Take your son or daughter along so he or she can get a sense of what camp will be like.

• Explore all options. Camps come in more flavors than ever before. Certain camps may be faith-based ministries while others may focus on particular sports. Band camps and art camps may appeal to creative kids. Also, there are plenty of general-interest camps that offer various activities without narrowing in on any particular one.

Parents may need to choose between a sleepaway camp or day camps, depending on which camp experience they want for their children.

• Inquire about camp schedules.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Summer school recess will be here before you know it. Make sure you’re prepared for camp and other recreational programs.

While many camps are flexible, day camps do not have the same level of flexibility as after-school programs.

Arrangements will need to be made if care is required after regular camp hours. Speak with camp staff to see which types of after-hours programs, if any, are available.

• Determine your camp budget. As varied as program offerings may be, camps also can vary greatly with regard to cost. Government-run camps may be less expensive than those offered by

private companies. Day camps typically cost less than those that provide room and board. Find out if a particular organization subsidizes a portion of camp costs. Scouting programs often have a dedicated camp and may offer affordable options for scouts.

Martial arts schools and dance centers frequently offer camp schedules.

If camp seems out of reach, look into local summer recreation programs at parks or schools. Such programs may not be as extensive as those offered by

camps, but they can quell kids’ boredom and keep children occupied during the day.

In addition to camp, remember to plan for some free days so children can just enjoy some downtime. Such days can break up the monotony of a routine and provide kids and families time to relax together.

Summer recreation may be far off, but it is never too early to start making summer plans, including finding camps and other activities for kids.

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Riders must emphasize Prep your ATV for the season safety on the open road METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Motorcycle enthusiasts in locales with cold winters may anticipate the warmer weather of spring and summer more than others, as it means they can pull their bikes out of their garages and get back on the open road. While riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, the U.S. Highway Safety Authority notes that fatal crashes are much more likely to occur to motorcycle riders than automobile drivers. As the number of drivers and riders on the road continues to increase, it has never been more important for riders to practice motorcycle safety.

Be seen and heard Ever wonder why some motorcycles make so much noise? It’s to attract the attention of other motorists. Thanks to their small profiles, motorcycles can easily go unnoticed by motorists.

Failure of other motorists to see motorcycles on the road is a chief contributor to collisions involving motorcycles.

One of the more comprehensive studies on motorcycle accidents occurred in 1981. Titled “Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures” and published by researcher Harry Hurt with the help of the University of Southern California and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the study analyzed 3,600 motorcycle traffic accidents in a specific region of California. The findings showed most motorcycle accidents involve a short trip associated with shopping, errands, friends, entertainment, or recreation, and the accident is most likely to occur within close proximity to the rider’s home. Accident involvement is significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps, including during daylight hours, and the wearing of highly visible clothing, including yellow, orange or bright red jackets.

Although this research was conducted some time ago, it still underscores the importance of remaining visible on the road. While leather and denim may be the traditional uniform of motorcycle riding, synthetic materials that have reflective fabrics can improve visibility.

Highly visible colors, such as orange and yellow, are good choices when on the road. Riders also can add reflectivity

to existing gear with reflective tape.

Many motorcycle riders, particularly those on Harley Davidsons, swap out stock exhaust pipes for ones that emit a louder decibel range. This helps other motorists notice them.

Use the right gear When a rider is on the open road, he or she doesn’t have the protection of a car frame to offer a buffer between the rider and the pavement should an accident occur. That is why it is crucial to invest in quality gear that can offer a certain measure of protection. A high-quality helmet that fits well is an important piece of safety equipment, as head and neck injuries can result in paralysis or fatalities. Pair the helmet with goggles or glasses with safety lenses. Durable nonslip gloves will help riders maintain a good grip on the handlebars, and boots can cover the ankles. Although it can be tempting to forgo long pants or jackets when the weather warms, doing so can lead to painful abrasions and road burn should a fall occur. Invest in a leather jacket and pants or a high-quality, durable and bright-colored material.

Birds may be chirping and flower buds opening to the sunlight, but for many outdoor enthusiasts, the arrival of warm days and extra hours of sunlight means they can hit the trails once more. Many take to the trails on the back of their favorite “toys” that have been gathering dust in the garage all winter long.

All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, are affectionately known as “quads” and have dominated the off-roading market since three-wheel varieties were deemed safety risks. ATVs come in a variety of types and motor sizes, and can be customized for riders of different ages. Utility terrain vehicles, or UTVs, have the ability to carry things along and can generally accommodate more than one rider. Such vehicles are becoming more coveted among outdoor enthusiasts. UTVs may be a smart choice for hunters or campers who need to carry gear into remote areas.

ATVs and UTVs can be great fun for the entire family. However, they can be hazardous if the vehicles are not functioning and in good repair prior to the first excursion. Whether the vehicle is new or older, owners should take the time to inspect and troubleshoot potential problems.

Tires As with any vehicle, tires should be

properly inflated according to the specifications in the owner’s manual. Ensure there are no slow leaks before taking the ATV out, and replace tires if necessary.

Oils and fluids Take the time to check fluid levels before going out. If it has been quite some time since the most recent oil change, make that part of your seasonal preparation. Be sure to replace the oil filter as well. If this task is too challenging, bring the ATV or UTV to an automotive shop.

Fuel Smell the gas in the tank before taking to the road or trails. Gas can spoil if it is not treated with stabilizer when the vehicle is left to sit. Drain the fuel and start with fresh gas, as bad gas can cause engine trouble.

Battery A dead battery can be a real downer for riders enjoying the great outdoors. Battery tender products are a good idea for those who typically store their ATVs for longer than a week. Be sure a battery is the right size and type for the vehicle, especially when purchasing a used ATV or UTV.

Additional safety precautions According to Allstate(R) Insurance, 46 percent of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. Knowing this information can help riders make more informed choices on the road. Some other important safety precautions include: • Exercise extreme caution at intersections and only go through when safe.

• Test the lights, brakes and turn signals before you make any trip.

• Make sure the fuel and oil levels are at the correct levels.

• Know your bike’s limits.

• Follow the speed limit and the rules of the road, and do not weave in and out of traffic.

• Don’t ride in blind spots, staying in spots where you are most visible to fellow motorists.

• Always use turn signals.

• Do not tailgate, as stopping distances for motorcycles, especially on slippery roads, can make stopping difficult.

• Never drink and ride.

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Get Ready For Summer

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April 29, 2017