Brian Carroll

Review of Nova Guides, Inc.

If you re going to rob us at least use a gun.

If you re going to rob us at least use a gun.

I came here with 3 of my friends to ride some ATVs while we were in Colorado. We showed up and got our gear, learned about the machines and the trails and hit the mountains. We booked an unguided tour for 2 hours, $130 a person. Before we left the only words of warning we were given was to watch for blind corners, other riders, pedestrians, vehicles, not to go too fast on steep climbs, and other common sense. We did NOT watch a safety video or learn in depth about what maneuvers and speeds are dangerous on the vehicle beforehand, which should be mandatory for any vehicle rental! He did not tell us was how EASY it is to wreck these things. Essentially we showed up, were told how the machine turns on, and sent on our way.

I rode in 4 wheel drive for entire trip and was fine. My friends however rode in 2 wheel, and keep in mind 2 wheel is the default setting that I manually switched before we left. This machine slides and drifts like crazy in two wheel drive, I personally feel that 4 wheel should be mandatory for all tours. Taking a wide and simple turn coming up from an incline my friend rolled his machine and was ejected from the vehicle. He sustained minor injuries and the vehicle was a little banged up but still drive-able. My friend and I turned around to help him and HE flipped the machine on it s side as he came to a stop next to him. He wasn t even going fast, just turning into a stop and the thing ejected him. We were able to drive the damaged ATV back to the building, slowly but surely. Once we got back they charged us $3,000 for repairs to the damaged vehicle! $1,200 for parts, $1,000 for the next day out of service fee, and labor. My other friend who rolled his when coming to a stop got changed $300 for his vehicle too. The fact that we have to pay out of pocket for a simple accident that could happen to anyone at any point on the trail is abhorrent! The employees were also quite demeaning to us about the accident; saying how were probably doing donuts on the mountain and how we need to be respectful with the machines and thanks for making things right as if we were at fault for something that could happen anyone.

That being said, the ATVs themselves were tremendously fun to ride, and was probably the most exciting part of our trip. But renter beware if you crash or roll for any reason you are going to get gouged!!! Fun but not $3,500 worth of fun.