From today's YOUNGSTOWN(Ohio)VINDICATOR -

"ATV and motorcycle run stalls out over regulations"

"COCHRANTON, Pa. (AP) - The annual all-terrain vehicle and motorcycle charity run that raises money for various organizations and boosts Crawford County's economy is taking a break next year. But the break could be permanent. "We don't know whether it will be back. That's something that has to be seen." said Fred Neff, a board member of the Allegheny Highlands Pulling Association. Neff said the event, which began in 1989, had grown so large that it was overwhelming organizers and made getting volunteers difficult. The event generated thousands of dollars for the local economy and raised about $80,000 this year for various causes. The event, which had been held the first Saturday in April, had become the largest of its kind in the United States. About 7,000 ATV riders registered this year; in its first year, there were fewer than 100 motorcycle and ATV riders combined. The association had been cited for environmental violations in 1999 and 2000 and state agencies stepped up their permitting process. Neff said the requirements were a hassle for organizers. Neff said the event, if it is brought back, may be scaled down to reduce the workload." - Youngstown Vindicator


- Well I don't know what to say... it was fun while it lasted

 

It`s sad to hear that but is was becoming a hassle for the riders as well with the long registration lines and bottle necks on the trail. A smaller scaled down version would be great.

Maybe 1 for bikes, 1 for 4x4`s and 1 for sport 2 wheel drives.

 

The Erie Pa. Times News reported that alot of the problem was finding enough volunteers. Well I still don't understand why they need volunteers when there is plenty of money that they all could be paid with. The way I see it is whether its a "non profit organization" rule or some other political reason that they can't pay, the ones hurt are the charity's! If they would have taken the 80,000 and used 1/2 of it for wages, the charity's would still get 40,000. Now because they can't or won't pay the help, the charity's get nothing. It is a great loss for all concerned.

 

If they don't re-establish it next year then there's gonna be condos on it before too long. That's how it works. It's a good idea to break it up into different groups. It'll keep the size more managable and you'll have an easier time explaining that quads do the least amount of enviro damage compared to 4X4's and dirtbikes.