Scram500man,

I'm also a MATVA/Blue Ribbon member and will say from my experience that there are RELATIVELY few that will put their money where their mouth is or don't actually think that their state trail permit/taxes should pay for as much work that needs to be done(and forget about volunteering or even setting a date to get together to discuss these matters). Very cynical,yes, but these idiots make me appreciate even more the people who give of themselves.

I agree, we need to know who these people are in our 'community' and ask them why they don't belong to a club or if they can't 'afford it' volunteer? THAT'S when this forum gets REALLY quiet.

Example: We had a guy here in MI. that started up a web page/forum that turned out to be the most popular in the state. He put out a feeler about having a Quad Day and wanted some response. Everybody and his brother posted about how this was the greatest idea, so I started posting regularly that we needed some firm numbers and maybe a couple volunteers so that our state riding club could get involved. You guessed it, almost total silence.....these people wanted,again, something for nothing and no real commitment.

The only solution I've come up with is to put these issues right in their face(publically and politely)to make these people at least ponder their responsibility to help us ALL out. Again, you gotta thank the many others who give their time and/or money for what they believe in.

John

 

I've just gotta reply here. I consider myself an environmentalist. I have always tried to live fairly lightly off the land. I recycle, compost, and try not to use a lot nasty chemicals. On the other hand, I think it is important to put things in perspective and "see the forest from the trees" as they say. This is a very big country. Natural spaces are constantly being developed by man, and changed by nature. In any given day we probably "destroy" more square miles of natural space in the construction of roads, buildings, parking lots, etc. than recreational users "damage" in years. Any major forest fire certainly causes more destruction, and any major flood causes more erosion. Any of my most ardent environmental friends probably burn more gas fly to an environmental conference than I will run through my snowmobile or ATV in a year. We all need to do what we can to be good to the land, but that doesn't mean we should stay out of it entirely. My snowmobile club probably does more for conservation than any conservation organization in the area. They have created and maintained miles of trails. I have encountered hikers, dog walkers, turkeys, deer and other wildlife all using theses trails for their purposes. If I'm driving around in the woods, I'm not out driving around conjesting the roads and polluting the air with my car. Its all a matter of perspective.

 

I am a member of the Blue Ribbon Coalition. I would join a local club if I knew of one. I don't think there are any in Northwest Ohio. If I knew of one in Southern michigan I might consider joining.

 

I live in Southeastern Ohio, and there are no clubs to my knowledge around here, otherwise I would be in one. About the only thing close would be a couple Sportsmans clubs. I have to speak my mind on this local sportsman's club because it just doesn't seem right to me: A few years ago, there was all this public land, that everyone could ride on whenever they wanted. Then this sportsman's club came in and bought all the land and said you can't ride unless you're a member, ok, no big deal, I'll go join. Nope, they're full, not accepting new members, have to get on a waiting list to get in, a list that's a mile long. So now the only time I can ride this great area is when they have atv rally's a few times a year, I don't know about you all but I like to ride more than a few times a year! Anyways, sorry to leave the subject, just wanted to maybe get some opinions on that. But back to the topic, I wish there were some clubs in this area, I think they would do well, as there are a lot of poeple who ride, everytime I'm out, I see someone new.

 

I am a member of the AMA, USRA and USA-ALL. I am also a member of two clubs. The Sage Riders motorcycle club and Pathfinderzz ATV Club.
I am always trying to help keep our riding area open and clean.

 

I belong to the local ATV club and USA-ALL.

The Paiute ATV Jamboree goes a long way to show the knuckle-heads at the federal leval that we do use our public land.

But make no mistake about it, I will ride where I like regardless of what land the blm or forest service closes or opens.

Remember, only you can prevent environmentalism.

ER
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Michimaniac::
Just how many times have you offered or for that matter even shown for a trail cleanup/grooming on any trail in Michigan other than just to use it!!

Baddad920**[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]

 

Okay try this again.
Yes and no. one of the other clubs up in a northern couty has joined with a timber company to allow them to ride on their land in exchange for patroling for tresspassers and vandals. No involvment just take down descriptions, and take photos with acompany provided camera. the company does the rest. Thy get use of the roads and a growing miantained trail system.
We want to do the same thing with Warehouser, but haven't had any luck yet. They will however, sell you a use pass that allows weekend use of their service roads only, no trails. Biggest road block is the lawyers. You know, "we could be sued if somebody gets hurt on our land."

I guess I should add, the WATVA is one of the biggest contributers in keeping the trails were I ride the most open. In the early spring we are out there for twoo full weeks working on the trail system getting it ready for the april fools poker run. after two days of 300 plus riders, (thats 2 and 4 wheelers) its back to work repairing the damage. then the trail are left for the state to maintain for the most part, with help from volenteers. I forget what they said we spent on gravel, blocks, and othe things to get the trails in shape this year but I know after paying the insurance and all the other stuff the WATVA did not put a whole lot of money in the bank.
All for a very good cause. Just rememeber when you pay for entry fees for a poker run that the money doesn't just make somebody rich, it keeps your riding areas open.
Blaa blaa Blaa. I'll step off my soap box now.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I'd like to belong to a club......but THERE ARE NONE NEAR ME!!!!!!

IS there anyone from southern Ontario Canada and has an ATV club??, I"D JOIN IN A SECOND!!!. I know there are clubs up north near barrie, but thats too far.

 

I am involved with and am joining the Western PA Trail Riders Inc. They have leased areas to ride and preserve our right to ride.

They are located in Rimersburg, PA and their web address is http://www.geocities.com/patrailride...smainpage.html

They are a very new club (less than a year old), and have a very large and powerful member base already.