I remember when my brother got our first ATV. It was a 3-wheeler. We still have it.
What's All the Fuss?
I was about 8 years old, and for several weeks, I kept hearing my brothers obsess over getting a 3-wheeler. I couldn’t understand what they were talking about.
Helpful Around the Farm
My dad said it could be used to easily ride to different places on the farm and to haul small loads. But I couldn’t figure out why my brothers were so excited about a new piece of farm equipment. Then I realized that ATVs aren't meant for all work and no play!
Finally, I Have Some Fun Around Here
Little did I know, it was different than any other “work vehicle” we had ever had. It was fast and fun! My first ride was with my dad and I couldn’t believe how exciting it was. My brothers had had motorcycles for years, but I hadn’t been old enough to ride one. This was my closest encounter with this kind of adventure. I couldn't get enough!!
Work and Play
Three-wheelers actually were a huge benefit to our farming operation because they allowed workers to zip around the farm and take people and equipment from one end of a field to another. They saved everyone lots of steps.
Earned Freedom
Through the years I progressed in my freedoms with riding 3-wheelers. First, I drove with my dad sitting behind me on the 3-wheeler. Then I stepped up to following him on a separate 3-wheeler. Eventually, if they weren’t being used during working hours, I could ride on my own as long as I stayed within sight of our house.
Sunday Afternoon Rides
Many Sunday afternoons, my dad and I would go for rides together around the farm and on trails through the woods on our neighbor’s hunting land. It was one of my favorite things to do as a kid. The sunshine beaming down and the fresh air blowing my hair felt terrific. I could get lost in my thoughts for hours.
Improved and Still Fun
Today, the farm has 4-wheelers that are more powerful and more stable than 3-wheelers. My kids enjoy them as much as I did (and still do). They love the feeling of independence as they ride on dirt roads far back on the farmland.
Still Lost in Thought
They love “flying” on them down the runway that the ag planes use. They love sharing rides together so they can create stories and dreams about what they would do if….. When we come back to Dallas, they love telling their friends how fast they went and how muddy they got on them. I loved all those things, too.