Wild Rides from the RAVEK UTV Team
Real-life stories from the SxS trail, courtesy of our in-house riders.
How do we know our UTV accessories will pass any test? Because we’ve been through the muck ourselves — and we know it takes badass gear to survive. When the weather takes a turn, or your *short* ride suddenly becomes an hour (or a day) longer, you need side-by-side accessories you can count on, full stop.
Our team of experienced riders have experienced their fair share of crazy, unpredictable, and even dangerous rides — so we pulled together a few here. Plus, we’ll highlight a couple of killer new RAVEK UTV accessories that would make any crazy ride a little bit easier.
Tornado in Blue Hills
“Completely soaked, we managed to return to our vehicles, but we had no idea how bad the storm really was"
In September of 2022, eight of us — Kurt, Steve, Travis, Brandon, and our girlfriends — were riding SxSin the Blue Hills of Russ County, Wisconsin. We left our phones behind since there was no service out there and set off for a fun day in the wilderness. As we were heading back, the weather started to change super quickly, and our goggles fogged up. Suddenly, we were caught in a torrential downpour with heavy winds. Completely soaked, we managed to return to our UTVs, we had no idea how bad the storm really was.
Once we got back into cell service range, our phones blew up with worried messages. That's when we found out a tornado had hit nearby Ladysmith, injuring 27 people and causing extensive damage over a 16-mile path. We had unknowingly ridden through the storm that spawned the tornado. Our relief of returning safely was mixed with the sobering reality of what had happened in our towns. Despite the chaos, our bond grew stronger, making it a SxS ride we’ll always remember.
Braving rough mountain terrain? Never compromise on which UTV accessories to bring along.
The RAVEK MOLLE Bags are 100% waterproof & dustproof, and come in 3 sizes and two colors to fit your SxS. They’re designed to weather harsh & hazardous conditions — so you know your electronics, tools, and even your food will stay dry, dust-free, and secured. Pre-order HERE.
Next time you’re caught in a storm, you’ll need bright lights to cut through the weather and low-visibility conditions.
RAVEK Apex Lights are IP-67 rated and overqualified to cut through rain, dust, and darkness — and are 3-5x brighter than stock UTV lights. Shop these world class UTV accessories HERE for Polaris, Can-Am, Kawasaki, CF Moto & more.
Brandon’s Elk Hunt
“I WAS STRANDED WITHOUT ANY WAY TO COMMUNICATE.”
In September 2012, six of us went elk hunting in Eagle County, Colorado. My friend managed to shoot an elk, and I set off on a 10-mile side-by-side ride over rough terrain to help. Unfortunately, my tie rod came off, meaning I was stranded without any way to communicate. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, I had to think on my feet. Using electrical tape and strands from a nearby fence, I managed to repair the tie rod. It was a makeshift fix, but it had to work.
Carefully maneuvering my SxS, I hoped the temporary fix would hold. The journey was slow and nerve-wracking, but I finally reached the other side of the mountain. My friends were relieved to see me, and we managed to transport the elk back to our camp. This experience taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and thinking creatively to overcome obstacles. It was a challenging but memorable hunt, and it deepened our bond as a hunting team.
Braving rough mountain terrain? Never compromise on which UTV accessories to bring along.
The RAVEK MOLLE Bags are 100% waterproof & dustproof, and come in 3 sizes and two colors to fit your SxS. They’re designed to weather harsh & hazardous conditions — so you know your electronics, tools, and even your food will stay dry, dust-free, and secured. Pre-order HERE.
The RAVEK Team’s Winter Ride
“THE CHALLENGES REMINDED US WHY WE LOVED RIDING IN THE FIRST PLACE.”
On March 4, after a pretty fierce windstorm, 4 of us at RAVEK set out for a photoshoot in Birchwood, Wisconsin. We woke up early to catch the morning blue light, bringing a Milwaukee chainsaw for clearing woods trails. The windstorm had knocked down tons of trees, and our chainsaw wasn’t powerful enough for the job. We had to reroute our UTVs multiple times, even clearing paths for other riders.
Despite the obstacles, the fresh snow made for a beautiful winter ride, and we successfully completed the 9-mile loop north of Birchwood. As we navigated the trails, we shared snacks and laughs. Each time we had to find a new route or clear a fallen tree, we worked together seamlessly. The crisp winter air and the beauty of the snow-covered landscape made the challenging SxS ride worthwhile. By the end of the day, we were tired but satisfied. The challenges reminded us why we loved riding in the first place. It wasn't just about the destination; the journey to get there ended up being the real highlight.
Taking a RZR through the brush? You’ll need a tough bumper.
The most durable UTV rear bumper on the market, including flush-mounted automatic reverse lights with an IP69 rating. It’s a one-two punch — a killer side-by-side accessory and a UTV bumper with integrated lighting like you’ve never seen before. Shop HERE.
