What about…
… If you’re visiting a different town and want to spend some time off-road.
… If you’re simply new to the area, and haven’t joined, don’t want to join, or there isn’t a local club in the area.
… If you’ve heard about a particular trail in your area, but you’re not sure where exactly it is and what the terrain is like.
… If you’d just like to study a number of trails from the comfort of your home before actually choosing those you will explore next.
Furthermore, just think about all the trails you’ve seen covered in detailed trip reports and trail reviews found on the Web, in books, and on video. The wealth of information that can be gleaned from watching others who’ve undertaken a particular trail is invaluable. The more we show off-roaders in action out on the trails, the more we’re setting a good example for four-wheelers of all experience levels to follow.
Clubs, Unite! Our Work Has Just Begun
In sum, maybe its time to collectively kick butt and take names later. We should all join forces in acquiring land through purchase or lease. Maybe its time that we expand our corporate support by lobbying not only the Camp Jeeps and promoters of weekend events, but the many companies that provide parts and accessories for the rides we constantly make purchase for. After all, their well-being is at stake also. By providing more promotion, awareness and education maybe even the “casual users” can have a role in the quest to bring a change.There is power in numbers! Our aim should be to strengthen our collective voice and a have a proactive approach. Not only for the purpose of preserving the trails currently available to us but also for adding opportunities for more of us to participate.
For those who are struggling with the fact that promoting our trails will, indeed, make them more popular… There’s an old adage about opinions. It goes something like this: Everyone has one. And they all stink! This is obviously true when the opinion is one that you don’t agree with, but what about the opinion that has some merit? Let’s keep an open mind when it comes to our passion for the sport of four-wheeling. There’s room for everyone as long as everyone makes room and shows a little respect… for each other, AND for the land.
When trails are closed, it’s often the result of idiots not respecting the land, each other, or the sport. Isn’t it up to all of us, individually and collectively, to provide a voice for the sport and try to convert each “idiot” into a law-abiding respectable off-road driver? I say, bring ‘em on.
That’s my opinion. I welcome yours.
