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The governor hits the trails
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was on the ATV trails of Park-X in Hill City Friday.
Ted Anderson
Herald-Review
Last Updated: Friday, May 06th, 2005 04:42:17 PM


Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty met with members of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) organization and then got on an ATV himself and hit the trails at Park X/Quadna Resort in Hill City Friday.
Pawlenty met with members of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM) at its annual spring convention in Hill City. According to a news release from ATVAM, ATV issues were discussed with the governor at his weekly radio program from Grand Rapids.
Following the meeting, Pawlenty rode the trails around Park X with other ATVers as part of the Governor’s Annual ATV Ride. Before the ride, he talked about some ATV issues. He said part of his trip was to talk to members of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce concerning job growth, health care issues and education reform.
The governor said he has been participating in this annual ride every year since he has been governor. He said although he isn’t an expert on the machines, he has experience riding on trails. He said it is the idea to promote ATV use in the state.
“I think we want to promote ATV riding in Minnesota, but we want to do it in a way that is responsible to the resource,” Pawlenty said. “I like the idea of getting people on trails. But then there is this issue of are we getting trails fast enough in the appropriate place.
“In northern Minnesota, I think we have to be a little more flexible because there are all these land issues with federal land, state land and local ownership. So, I definitely think the state needs to take the lead in providing a good volume and a good variety of trails so ATV riders can stay on the trails and enjoy that riding experience.
“And, it is very popular in Minnesota.”
More than 400 ATV enthusiasts were expected to attend the annual event in Hill City. In addition to ATV trail riding, the spring convention elected ATVAM officers and discussed issues of importance from members at a general session Saturday morning.
ATV certified instructor training also was available for those wishing to become a certified ATV safety instructor.
Pawlenty said he enjoys his regular trips up to northern Minnesota to enjoy the outdoors.
“This is a beautiful part of the state. I have come to Grand Rapids a lot as governor and the hospitality has always been great,” Pawlenty said. “It is one of the prettiest parts of the whole state and I am just grateful for the chance to be here.”

 

thats sweet

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Gotta like that![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

wheelin4life, even though your motto is a little cocky, I agree with you. Experience matters a lot more than the machine, a big powerful machine is no good for someone that can't handle it. When I was riding my old 300, I didn't have any trouble keeping up with the big boys. But I just had to get this Prairie, its amazing.

Have goodun bro[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Hey yamihoo where in minnesota you from? And where are your cabins at? I live By virginia area tons of trails over here if you are ever up here lets ride. Yeah my sig is a little cocky but it is true it is no the most modern but its all about experience and using your head. Later[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I'm from Wrenshall, but I live in Fridley now. My cabin in in the Nemadji State Forest, just 20mi. south of Duluth. I've never made it to the range for ATVing, but I visit the BWCA every year. I wouldn't mind trying riding up there sometime, its just quite a hike.

 

I see in the news today, he also crashed an atv (polaris), by hitting a stump, and smashing into a tree. 2500 bucks of damage.
Lucky thing...he didnt get hurt AND he wont have to pay for repairs..polaris said theyd pick up the tab.

 

Hey thats great, hopefully he didn't get hurt, don't need that! Well I hope Polaris would pick up the tab, great press for them[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Its great press for polaris,but Tim should have been a gentelman and wipped out his checkbook.he crashed it,he can afford it.that is what the rest of us everyday people would have had to do if we wrecked a persons quad.in my opinion that crash publicity only leaves another scar on the off road image. another reason for other groups to claim quads are unsafe.