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2010 Yamaha Grizzly 700 - my 4th Yamaha (Big Bear, Kodiak, FZ1 motorcycle, and this one), and all have been great machines!

I got pretty big into riding ATV's when the army brought me to Alaska. If any of you watch Fisher's ATV World, the Knik River Public Use area was listed by Fisher as being one of the top five places to ride ATV's in the world. In approximately 50 miles round trip (give or take, depending on how many side trails you take) you can go all the way out to the Knik and George glaciers. (looks like one glacier - it's where the two meet.) I've been out there more times than I can count. I always see wildlife, usually bald eagles, moose, sheep on the cliffs and occasionally a wolf or two. I feel blessed to have such a beautiful riding area so close.

I've ridden that area many times myself but I wouldn't call it one of the top 5 places to ride an atv. I can think of at least 3 other trails in Alaska that are better. I quit riding Jim Creek because of the idiots that ride out there and my wife won't have anything to do with that place. I've done the spring cleanup out there and the kind of garbage and amount they leave out there is flat out embarrassing. You would think that after a year or 2 of cleanups that it would remain clean but unfortunately that's not the case.

If you want a ride that goes through some beautiful country, try riding Belanger Pass and the trail that goes around the small lake on the other side of the pass. Beautiful country out that way.

Belanger is easy to find. Drive towards Eureka, once you get past Gunsight mtn you'll see a pulloff on the left or you can take the dirt road that goes back to a bunch of houses/cabins on the left. Follow the sign that will eventually take you to the right.

The Trail goes over a big hill, when you get over it and to the other side you'll see a lake dead ahead at the bottom, take the trail just to the right and it will take you around the lake on the left at the base of the mtn. Just follow that trail for about 3-5 miles and you'll come to a creek, it can be a pia to cross sometimes but it depends on water levels. Once you get around that creek the trail goes to the right and you just follow it. You'll see an old mine and a little further back you'll see a cabin. Watch for caribou and grizz too, we always see them when we ride out that way.

Or if you find the time, you could always follow us out there. We like to go up and stay in our enclosed trailer for the weekend and hang out at the big gravel pit near Gunsight.

I ride a mountain sled and am chomping at the bit to get out for a ride but it's suppose to be fuggin cold this weekend. I'll hit Eureka, probably Boulder Creek and Caribou Creek before spring gets here.

For guad sake man, get some mud on that thing!

Our oldtimers and outlaw group kinda got scattered...

Our oldtimers and outlaw group kinda got scattered...

94 Kawasaki Bayou 300. Try to pay as little as I can for toys like this. Picked it up for $900 and included winch and snow blade. Doesn't even have 2000 miles on it yet. Doesn't have some of the trick stuff the new ones do, but make it work.

Hey - nothing wrong with that! Actually, I have a question for you. My son has out-grown his Grizzly 80 and I'd like to get him a 4X4 so it's easier for him to stay with me on the hunting trails. I want it to be fairly light-weight though, since he's small for his age. (12) What are your thoughts on the Bayou? Too heavy? He is a very skilled rider - I just want to make sure when he gets in those situations where a little rocking/body english is needed to maintain movement he'll be able to handle it.