Man, what a summer.
I don’t know about you, but I feel like I blinked, and we went from cracking open trail sodas by the firepit to thinking about flannel and firewood. But that’s how the best seasons go, isn’t it? Fast.
This summer was one for the books. Me, the wife, a couple of buddies, (and the dog) spent just about every free weekend loading up the rigs and chasing the next trail. Mud, riverbeds, rocky ridgelines...we saw it all. There’s something about watching the sun go down from a high point, engine still ticking, my beautiful wife in the passenger seat with a smile. It’s freedom. It’s peace. It’s the kind of therapy you don’t find in a doctor’s office.
Some trails were smooth as butter, others were downright punishing: tight trails, overgrown brush, and the kind of switchbacks that’ll test your steering and your patience. And while my machine handled it like a champ, my old windshield? It didn’t fare quite as well. After a full season of mud slinging and branches slapping, she’s looking more like frosted glass than anything I should be driving behind. I'm eyeballing one of those scratch-resistant windshield upgrades now because as much as I love the ride, I’d also like to see it.
Now with the air starting to shift, I’m swapping gear too. Fall’s coming in quick. Cooler rides, slicker trails, and more reason to throw on a hoodie and stay out longer. But here's the thing: I’m done playing the game of swapping panels and covers every dang season. That’s why I’m checking out the new WeatherFlex Enclosure from 3 Star UTV.
It’s the first true all-season enclosure on the market. Not some “good enough” setup you’ve gotta babysit with zippers and prayers. Nah, you slap this thing on once and it’s good for every forecast Mother Nature throws your way. Rain? Bring it. Cold snap? Let’s ride. Sunshine and Heat? Roll the windows back and let the wind flow through the mesh. No matter the weather - I’m still out there.
And I’ll tell you what, the UTV industry is on a solid upswing. North American market value hit nearly $10 billion in 2025, and is expected to keep growing at rates between 5–8% annually thanks to rising demand for year-round recreational and utility use. That means we aren’t just treating these machines as summer toys and we need gear built to last across seasons.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve got no plans to park my ride just because summer’s over. Fall means colors, cool air, and wide open space without the crowds. It means early morning rides with hot coffee and trails slick with leaves. It means the dog won’t overheat and the cooler can finally hold something other than melted ice and hope.
So here’s to the next chapter. To crisp trail runs, busted knuckles, and memories made with the people (and pup) that matter most. And here’s to riding smarter this season with gear that keeps up.
See ya in the woods.