Basically, geocaching is a high-tech version of treasure hunting. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. Using a Garmin® GPS unit, they then trek out into the backwoods or urban jungles to find the hiding spot of the cache. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. If the visitor takes something out of the cache, they are asked to leave something in return. For some, the biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place that they have never been.

The Rules:

This growing outdoor sport has a simple set of rules, making it easy for anyone to play. The challenging part is finding the cache. Some caches have even been planted on mountainsides and underwater!

Once geocachers find a cache, they follow these basic rules:

1. Fill out the logbook
2. Take something out of the cache
3. Put some in the cache
4. Return the cache to the exact location and condition in which it was found

Caches typically consist of a waterproof container discreetly placed within the local terrain. The container will include a logbook and any number of more or less valuable items such as toys, books, money, jewelry, trinkets, etc. You never know what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left for you to enjoy. Be sure to fill out the logbook with the date and time you visit the cache and leave something in return.

Choosing a GPS Unit:

You will need a Garmin GPS unit to help you find or mark cache locations and Internet access for finding or sharing the coordinates. Garmin offers an impressive array of products for geocachers. GARMIN 12-channel units have an accuracy of less than 15 meters (49ft), and less than 3 meters (10 ft.) on WAAS-capable models. Check out our geocaching product guide to find out which product is best for you.

In general, features to look for when purchasing a GPS unit to geocache include:

• Lightweight and compact — makes it easier to carry (look for a wrist strap too!)
• Waterproof — caches can be hidden under or near water
• Long battery life — a must for those hard-to-find, remote caches
• Waypoint storage — will hold more cache locations
• Screen readability — should be easy to read in daylight and at night

Advanced features which make it even easier for you to find that big cache include:

• WAAS-enabled — means your GPS unit will give you better position accuracy - within 3 meters (10 feet) 95% of the time
• Built-in Compass — convenient and comes in handy when you get within 100 feet of your cache
• Altimeter — shows how high up you are for those vertically hidden caches
• Mapping Capabilities — makes it easier to navigate when you can download maps to your unit and see the terrain
• External antenna — for use under heavy tree cover or difficult terrains

Finding a Cache:

Once you have a GPS unit, you will need to go online to start finding cache locations or report a cache that you have created.

You can start here at a site Garmin has created that allows you to search thousands of geocaches and load them directly to your Garmin device. You must create a myGarmin account to use this feature.

Also, several other geocaching web sites and clubs have sprouted on the Internet. To find a hidden cache near you or to plant a cache, you can go to www.geocaching.com — the first to bring geocaching to the masses and the most comprehensive site for this adventure-game. After you get the coordinates online and enter them into your GPS, you're ready to get started on your adventure!

Geocaching Responsibility:

Garmin is committed to protecting the environment. We strive to make the safest, most planet-friendly products and encourage others to use our products responsibly. Please seek permission before geocaching on private or public lands. Geocaching can have an unintended impact on the earth's natural resources and result in trampled vegetation, damaged habitats and destruction of parks' historical and cultural resources.

Placing a cache on lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS) is illegal without first obtaining permission. Please contact your local park to obtain a special use permit or inquire about sites designated for geocaching on park property. Help make geocaching an educational and entertaining experience while preserving our environment for future generations of geocachers to come!

Courtesy of Garmin

For those of you in Arizona, or even those from out of Arizona who are planning on riding on Arizona State Trust Land, you will be required to have in your possession a valid Arizona State Trust Land Permit.

Click HERE to download the permit.

Also, you can take a moment to read the Guide To Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Laws, Rules, and Regulations.

Polaris Industries. For more than 50 years, Polaris has been making machines that not only take you out there, they offer you a way out. A break from the routine. An escape from the ordinary. A moment of freedom.

Polaris granted us substantial material and financial support

The trust they put in us is greatly appreciated.



Cascades Inc. Cascades is a leader in the production, conversion and the marketing of packaging products, speciality papers and tissue papers. Granted us important financial support.



RM Motosport, Victoriaville, Qc. Polaris, Suzuki dealer. Gave us an important discount on the price of quads and accessories.



Kimpex. The Canadian leader in the distribution of parts and accessories for the powersports industry. Gave us an important discount on accessories and clothing items.



BarreOblique Ltée Graphic studio, web, multimedia and printed. Associating technology, art and content to create unique and efficient multi-media tools. Creation and technical support of our web site.



Prolab technolub. Supplies us with high quality lubricants for our quads and related products such as waterproofing agents and gas treatment.



Durocher transit. With more than 100 trucks, Durocher Transit inc. offers it's many customers complete and personnalized service! Granted us financial support to build our trailer.



Collett Electronics Ltd.

The Collett Communicator: The No 1 selling helmet communicator! Supplied us with a pair of communicators for our adventure.



Elkel Electronics. The largest retailer of GPS and VHF products in the heart of Québec. Outfitted us with a latest generation GPS navigator for the duration of our trip.



Sirius Technologie. Design and fabrication of electronic equipment adapted to your specific needs. sirius.tech@sympatico.ca Supplied us with a specially designed, custom built "Off Road" GPS data recorder.



FQCQ is a non-profit organisation aimed at developing the ATV sport in Québec. Offered us a site at the "2006 Salon National du Quad". Thanks!



Autohome Canada.Exclusive Canadian importer of high quality Autohome roof top tents. Granted us financial support.



Creation Magic. Warwick, Qc. Printed media conception.



Top Design Stripes and Lettering. Complete and professionnal service in lettering and striping. Gave us an important rebate on letterings on our equipment.





Garage M.Beauchesne Enr. Top notch quality and service collision center. Sandblasting and painting of our trailer.



Informatique Hamel.com Upgraded our computer operating skills.



J.N.Auto Road Side. Since 1982, the used car specialist in Québec. Over 100 cars in stock. Offered a virtual banner from their web site to ours.



Centre Optique. Victoriaville, Québec.

Granted us a rebate on flexible glasses that can easily be worn with a helmet.

The new ATV Wallpaper Database has been configured and is live. You can find the link in the upper right labled 'Downloads'

All members are welcomed to download wallpaper(s) for their personal use as well as upload wallpaper(s) they have found or created.

With that said, we ask that members follow these simple rules if they wish to upload wallpapers.

1. All wallpapers should be no smaller than 1024 x 768.
2. Thumbnails should be created and be no larger than 100px wide.
3. All wallpapers should be of very high quality (image speaking)
4. Please indicate the image dimensions in the description box (take a look at an existing file for an example)
5. All wallpapers should be either created by you or freely available for use.
6. Please do no upload wallpapers which you have purchased unless you have written permission from the creator.
7. Keep in mind that uploads will need to be approved prior to being available to others.

By following these simple quidelines, we can ensure a successful future for this site feature.

Enjoy your day everyone!

..::ATVwire Staff::..

The Quadtrek 10 month Adventure is in countdown mode.

We are hitting the final straight stretch before the actual take off, next July.

If you would like to witness the preparing stages of such an Adventure, or if you want to follow along as the journey unfolds, please log on to our web site at www.quadtrek.net .

Updates will be made periodically on the site before and while we ride THE BIG RIDE.

This is the place to post your comments, questions, support (Yeah, financial $upport i$ accepted too...), or insults (just keep it clean!!)

We'll do our very best to answer any questions you might have.

So, welcome aboard!