Connections: Integrated Meanings of ATV Riding among Club Members in Maine

Abstract

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding is one of the fastest growing recreation activities in the United States. Little research has examined the nature of recreational activity from the perspective of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders. Understanding leisure and recreation activity involves exploring how people interpret experiences and how experiences are viewed as meaningful. Nineteen semi-structured interviews with members of ATV clubs in the state of Maine provided data for analysis. The three themes that emerged are connecting with nature, others, and self. This study demonstrates that ATV riders share meanings with other types of outdoor recreationists. Future research should expand into the social aspects of ATV riding and address meanings in the context of related constructs.

Keywords:

• ATV (all-terrain vehicles)
• leisure meanings
• outdoor recreation management