Rockhound Atv

Rockhound ATV was some-​what disapointing. Leading up the trip, communication with them was bit difficult as they were not reliable/​quick in replying to emails or answering phone calls, but everything did eventually work out with the reservation. Additonally, when I did speak with them on the phone, they were very aggressive/​mean about my questions, they implied that I was rediculous to be asking about riding longer than 4hrs and i quote: «now you listen to me, I’ll ride your assess off, dont worry about that». I didn’t really know how to respond to their gruff/​aggresive tone over the phone, but I was still willing to go with the reservation.
Then came the day of the rides. Overall, we had a great time, but this was almost «in-​spite» of Rockhound. The best parts of the day riding were the views and terrian, riding in Pike’s Nat’l forest is breath-​taking! With regards to our guide, he was VERY VERY slow and when we asked about riding faster on the straight/​flat sections, he yelled at us «no going over 20mph!». We didnt ask about riding more aggressively after that, but it was almost painful to be stuck riding behind our guide. All of us knew what we were doing, and within 1hr he should have been able to sense our comfort-​levels and ability, and allowed us to ride faster. I felt like we were on a calm sight-​seeing trip, not a fun/​thrilling ATV ride.
Now, I understand that Rockhound could have incentive to make us go slow the entire time, as the machines could be broken or we could get hurt. But here is why that its a not a good arguement, upon arrival, we had to sign waiver forms stating any injuries we sustained would not be Rockhound’s fault. Additonally, we had to give them a $ 650 (!!!) deposit for any possible damage to the ATVs. This is what really upsets me, i signed a form saying I would have to pay for parts and labor to any damage i created, and i would have to take responsibility for any injuries i sustained… so…I SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RIDE HOWEVER I WANT!
The most upsetting part of the whole thing was how mis-​leading it was. Leading up the trip, the owner, ATV Dave was telling me over the phone «dont worry about it, we will ride your assess off», when i called with the original plan to rent the ATVs for 8hrs, with no guide and ride on our own… so i listened to him, and changed our plans to the 4hr guided-​tour, and then when we go there, they made us ride slow, they scolded us for «sling-​shotting» to try and make it fun and just overall didnt live up the promise of a fun/​thrilling ride.
I wish I hadn’t listend to them and just stuck with my instinct on renting the ATVs to ride on our own. Even if you arent familiar with the area, if you got a map and went to Pike’s Natl forest on your own, you’d have a lot lot more fun.