The ATV Safety Institute (ASI) will begin delivering a new version of its internationally-recognized ATV RiderCourse in select states this year.

Leveraging ASI’s ATV e-Course online education program, organizers hope the new ATV RiderCourse will reach more riders because students will have the flexibility of taking half the course in their homes and at their own pace. A new riding skills development component complements the knowledge and judgment obtained online.

The first part is the ATV e-Course, which requires about two hours to complete and focuses on general ATV knowledge and riding fundamentals as well as the ASI’s Golden Rules, which you can see below the jump.

Students choose one of three age-appropriate modules, which include riding-experience videos from a first-person point of view, animation, and interactive learning exercises and quizzes to self-test knowledge gained. Users can bookmark the course, take a break at any time and resume later from where they left off.

Playing Coal Mine ATV won’t cost you anything but your time. That cost is far too high.

We’re always on the lookout for ATV-related video games and have played many free ones. Most of these offer fairly similar game play. Some focus on big tricks and crazy stunts, while others focus on getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. The goal with Coal Mine ATV seems to be just getting to the finish line. Just ride over obstacles and try not to tip over.

It appears that this is a 10-level game, but we didn’t play long enough to find out for sure. We got through the first three levels in a couple of minutes and couldn’t be bothered to go any further. It’s just too boring. The only interesting aspect of the game is that it takes place in a coal mine, but that’s hardly enough to justify an entire game.

If this glowing review has you clamoring to play, click here and have at it.

Racer TV is expanding in 2011, creating a year-long program block combining coverage of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC), the ATVMX National Championship Presented by DWT, the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship Presented by Amsoil from Loretta Lynn Ranch, and the ISOC Amsoil Championship Snocross Series. Racer TV will now feature 52 straight weeks of powersports programming, beginning on Sun., April 17, 2011 on VERSUS.

“Combining properties from four different racing series helps leverage us to an even bigger audience,” says Carrie Coombs, manager of Racer TV. “We’ve increased the episodes and exposure for GNCC, ATV motocross and Loretta’s, as well as the ISOC Snocross series. And the 52-week format means fans can tune in every Sunday and catch great racing.”

If you are snowed in and pining for a chance to get out and ride your ATV – quit being such a wimp and go play outside!

For those of you who don’t think it’s enjoyable (or even possible) to ride when there’s a couple of feet of fresh powder outside, we found a video that will show you the way. An enterprising business that sells ATV and UTV track systems out of Spokane, Wash. regularly puts together videos showing these track systems in action.

Check out the latest three-minute movie and see for yourself what your ATV is capable of.

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Finally we have proof positive that Bigfoot does exist!

Let’s paint a little picture for you. A young man decides to take his ATV for a ride up a river while a friend records the experience for posterity. Of course this is no ordinary man. Like Superman himself, this rider is indestructible. No need for a helmet and proper riding gear. Shorts, T-shirt, sneakers and a backwards baseball cap is all the protection he needs. We should all be so lucky.

Meanwhile, as the river ride is taking place the normally aloof Bigfoot decides to take a leisurely stroll across the water, seemingly unaware and unthreatened by the oncoming ATV. It all makes perfect sense.

As luck would have it, Bigfoot is so far in the distance that he’s a little tough to make him out in the video. Still, we’re pretty sure this is the proof we’ve all been waiting for. After all, the ATV rider does point at him and seems genuinely surprised.

All those people who have been mocking me for my undying belief in Bigfoot are surely eating their words now. My next high school reunion is going to be so awesome!

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