courtesy of MDNR Some of the best fall color is viewed from right in the forest on an ATV, UTV or SXS. This includes state forest roads such as this one.

Right now is a great time t0 buy an ATV or side-by-side! There are many reasons why!

Our local off-road vehicle dealers have an excellent inventory of models from the top ORV manufacturers in the business, from single rider to factory-authorized two passenger ATV’s. The dealers offer two-, three-, four- and six-passenger SXSs.

You’ll find sport ATVs for the experienced rider that is looking for performance. You’ll find two-wheel-drive trail ATVs. For those that don’t need a trail, but a utility four-wheel-drive ATV, our local dealers have plenty of them in stock.

Those looking for a side-by-side, you really will find one that fits what you are looking for. The SXS market continues to grow in popularity. They range from the trail riders, to those that want to ride the trail AND help around the house. These are commonly called “crossovers.” For those looking to put attachments on, such as a snow plow, look at the utility line of SXSs.

It’s the utility line that actually started the SXS craze. From the Kawasaki Mule to the Polaris Ranger, they were designed from the get-go for those that wanted a true utility terrain vehicle. They came with a dump box, four-wheel drive and an easy way to attach a plow. Our local dealers from Hancock to Greenland to Bergland have an excellent UTV inventory right now.

By the way, these UTVs are great to ride on the trails! Plus the UTV attachment after-market has really exploded. They now have a 250-pound lift for hauling firewood or the Turdy Point Buck you’ve been bragging about.

Now for those that want an exhilarating experience in high performance sport SXSs, they range from the Yamaha YXZ to the new Polaris RZR to the new Arctic Cat Wildcat. Can-AM also continues to be a leader in high performance sport SXSs. Some of these high horsepower sport SXSs have turbo and more horsepower than some cars.

Years ago, when I was honored to have the chance to start this Let’s Ride feature, I wrote about how the SXS market will continue to expand and how we will see new manufacturers get into the business. I even predicted how the chain stores would get into the SXS market. All this has transpired.

What I didn’t see coming was a fully enclosed SXS, built as an off-road SUV! I never saw the SXS market get so big that they would have a SXS that is equipped better than the truck you may drive. Not only one with heat, air, radio, but GPS, windshield wipers and more!

What also makes this such an excellent time to find the ATV, SXS or UTV you want is that manufacturers are offering some of the best financing and prices of the year. We have some local dealers that will help you get financing.

There is still another reason why this is the time to buy an ORV. You really will not find a better place than right here in the Copper Country to get right in the heart of the best fall color anywhere. Sure, you can find great roads and highways that will offer fantastic color, but to see the color from one of our many great trails through the forest is spectacular.

We have two organized rides coming up that you can take the family or a friend on to see the color. One is an event my wife, Sandy, and I started years ago. That is the Mi-TRALE Senior Ride on Thursday, Sept. 28. Mi-TRALE is looking for people with SXSs to take a senior citizen for a ride on the BN Trail. Visit www.mi-trale.org for more information.

The Keweenaw ATV Club will once again have their popular fall ride in early October. Let’s Ride will have more on that scenic ride.

Let’s not forget that hunting season is in full swing. You won’t find a better way to get to and from your favorite hunting spot than with an ATV or SXS.

I could go on for an entire page to give you more reasons as to why this really is the best time to buy an ATV, UTV, SXS, but head to one of our local dealers to find out for yourselves.

We really do have excellent ORV dealers in our area. The area includes Greenland and Bergland, and of course Houghton, Hancock and Laurium.