So, in my ongoing mission to find trails anywhere in mass for our atv's I decided to approach the U.S government army corp of engineers to discuss some land they have in Oxford Mass.
The land has some great trails already on it. It is in the Buffiumville / Hodges Village Dam area.

This land has been debated for more than 30 years due to the fact that they allow only dirtbikes on their trails. When I said to the ranger I met with that I may start a protest and fight to get these trails opened up for atvs as well as dirtbikes, he said "that could ruin it for everyone and get the trails closed to everyone".

I have ridden these trails for 30 years and made some of them with my riding friends over the years. If we never rode our atv's in there those trails would not exist. As much as you don't want to reck things for other people you also have to stand up for what's right. If they close the trails they will **** off the people who are allowed to ride them now. Then we would have far more people fighting to open them up to everyone. It's a sensitive issue, I own a dirtbike too and can still get in there legally but these trails should be open to everyone.

I don't know what to do next. Do you start a protest or not. What do we have to lose?

 

Time and effort.

Unless you like wasting your time and effort, then go ahead. Otherwise, join the rest of us riding under the radar or in locations that allow us and want our business.

I don't mean to sound smug, its just that you cannot change the way things are in MA. Everyone that reads this post has felt the same way. I'm sure most have tried to make some sort of change. The best advice is to forget about it and keep riding where you ride, but do not get caught or cause problems. For organized rides, meet us in NH!

 

I pretty much agree with wilson-

but- if you feel that strong about it, and have the time- I say go for it. There will be lots of people to back you up.
I don't see how that would end with bikes being baned also- sounds like the typical bs "don't stir the pot" line.

I will say this (from experience)- if you plan on stiring the pot- you better go into it with data, facts, examples and propositions... for example, erosion studies comparing atv vs. dirt bikes, enviromental impact, safety issues when sharing single track & double track trails, noise & pollution issues, parking & staging areas and trails maintenance proposals.
No official will take you serious unles you have a well thought out and documented plan. Anyone can stage a protest- but without data to support your message- you're just another "occupy boston" noise maker.

You could start by calling any local sportsmans / atv clubs and asking about holding an atv "awareness / fairness" rally on private property- you could charge $10 head for a bbq and start gathering signatures. Call some selectman and ask about their support- dealers have only to gain also. Webster fish & game was one of the only local clubs willing to help me out with my atv charity- Once you have a signature base and general awareness, then holding a protest or public rally would mean a lot more- and you'd have a lot more support. It's all about "organizing"

 

Thanks for the input guys. I once started this process about 10 or so years ago and just gave up because it was taking up 2 much of my time that I could have been riding. I pretty much know that hell will freeze over before the feds let us ride. But on a state level and with the new laws that require registration of any atv on any property, It just pissed me off when I thought about what are they doing with the $$ we have to pay. The answer is obvious not a F***** thing to give us riding areas. They even stopped giving us aluminum plates to give us worthless stickers that you can't read from more than 5 feet away. (not that I am against doing away with those easy to read bright yellow plates

 

buy used- reg in other states.
or- if you buy from a dealer, buy from a nh- no sales tax if you don't reg in mass.

MOMS will actually ship any of their atv's being sold in mass to their nh dealer for free.

 

Use a stock pipe, haul a$$ and stop for no one who looks out of place. Or waste your time and money again. The politicans are backed by the sierra club and others with deep pockets, even on a local level and a general negative perception of us. If you have the ability to rally the atv community and make a change it would make you a god among men in this state. Many have tried working hand in hand with the state only to get the run around like the pope at a abortion clinic. If you feel this strong about it, try to make a change. I wish you the best of luck!

 

I went through this type of situation years ago when i belonged ot a jeep club. we would do trail maintenence, donate time and money and what ever else they asked. In the end they closed one of trails in Savoy because Jeep came in and stacked rocks, the state claimed we altered the trail. Funny thing was the state knew it was jeep, but they allowed their jamoboree and of course the big money donation. Next month the trail got closed and then shortly after so wasnt the entire forest.
Good luck with your fight, its like pi$$!ng into the wind thats why i am now moving all my riding money to NH or Maine.

 

I do applaude your efforts, but 2 words: f***** mass. 3 more words, f***** RI too. If you need signatures I will gladly sign and support your efforts, but I have a feeling that it will go no where unfortunately. We live in states that allow illegal immigrants to go to college for free but charge us to register atv's we can't even ride legally.

 

bravo!

 

Thanks BG!!