Photos

First Time in a Side-by-Side Gallery

There’s nothing quite like introducing someone to a new hobby.

October 11, 2021

My wife, Anna, has spent years riding dirt bikes and mountain bikes, but had never been off road on four wheels. We headed to Rocky Run ATV Trail outside Harrisonburg, Virginia this week to change that.

Behind the wheel of our 2021 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 LE, she was quickly driving like someone who’s been at it for years, not hours.

Until a few days ago, my wife, Anna, had spent all her time off-road on motorcycles. Now she’s been bitten by the side-by-side bug.Aaron Richardson

The puddles don’t look that deep ...Aaron Richardson

… But it quickly becomes apparent ...Aaron Richardson

… that there’s more water than meets the eye.Aaron Richardson

Like, way more.Aaron Richardson

Even more than that.Aaron Richardson

Eventually, you forget what it’s like to have dry pants ...Aaron Richardson

… and hope the trunk box in the RMAX is water tight.Aaron Richardson

We should mention here that Yamaha sells an accessory windshield for the RMAX. Our LE, however, does without.Aaron Richardson

Rocky Run ATV Trail is littered with huge mud puddles, which means you, your gear, and your passenger will get soaked if you so much as look at the throttle.Aaron Richardson

Situated on a ridge outside Harrisonburg, Virginia, Rocky Run is a short, beginner-friendly trail with enough obstacles to keep things entertaining.Aaron Richardson

The approach to this ledge is at such an angle that you cannot tell if it’s a one-foot drop, or a four-foot cliff. Doesn’t look like much from this angle, but it’s plenty daunting for a new driver.Aaron Richardson

The approach actually gets scarier as you get closer, and the edge of the ledge disappears under the front of the rig.Aaron Richardson

If you can look past the powerlines, there is no shortage of spectacular views from Rocky Run.Aaron Richardson

The biggest obstacle on the trail is a huge, serpentine rut. Anna got thrown into the deep end with a massive wheel lift, but kept the throttle steady and pushed through with no drama.Aaron Richardson

The 2021 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 LE achieved the best RTI score we’ve ever tested, and it’s easy to see why.Aaron Richardson

Small rock steps litter Rocky Run’s 10-mile course.Aaron Richardson

After even a moderately rainy evening, Rocky Run’s myriad puddles fill up with cold, clay-saturated water.Aaron Richardson

The 2021 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 LE is a beautiful machine, but it just looks right when soaked in mud.Aaron Richardson