House and Senate Pass Legislation to "Fix" Lead Ban Issue Regarding Youth OHVs

The Recreation HQ wants to congratulate all the groups including the AMA and MIC who worked hard on legislative efforts over the last two years to get the now infamous “lead ban on youth OHV” corrected.


Article about House and Senate Approved Lead Ban Fix (quotes from AMA and MIC)
http://www.examiner.com/motorcycles-in-national/lead-law-repeal-moves-quickly-to-the-president

Even HQ weighed in from time to time with “lead alerts” to help support ongoing grassroots efforts so kids could ride youth-size OHV again.

April 5, 2011 HQ Lead Alert
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/04/hq-action-alert-call-senate-to-stop-ban.html

HQ wants to thank all you riders who took time to fill out petitions and make phone calls. Your efforts did make a difference!

Rockers and Youth to the Rescue

I can’t tell you how many times The General has been at OHV meetings comprised mostly of aging white guys of various body types. What has been lacking is getting younger riders involved in land-use advocacy.

The good news in what has been a virtual avalanche of OHV-related bad news lately is that there are a growing number of young people who are stepping up the plate and answering the call.

Just recently, the Peace Mafia, an alternative rock band based in Reno, Nevada, managed a rock/BRC booth at Mammoth MX. Their goal is to get rockers, young people, racers, and others involved in helping keep trails open. The band has made a long-term commitment to land access.

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BRC News Release on Peace Mafia/Mammoth MX
http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/media/?story=651

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Also, I see other younger riders getting involved and learning the trade. In Northern California, a rep. for a major aftermarket company is representing OHV interests
on a county/stakeholder planning group. He has made a commitment to learn the process so he can be part of the solution. Good for them and even better for us old guys and the sport.

I challenge more celebrities in the art/music/movie/TV industry to get involved in the fight to keep trails open. Consider hosting a concert or trail ride. Donate your time for a PSA. Consider making a financial contribution to BRC or some other land use organization. There is no time like the present for you to get involved.

If you want to send a donation, plan a concert, host a fundraiser trail ride, or make some other commitment…feel free to contact The General.

Don Amador
The General’s Recreation HQ
555 Honey Lane
Oakley, CA 94561
Office: 925.625.6287
Email: damador@cwo.com

To send a donation to BRC:

The BlueRibbon Coalition, Inc.
4555 Burley Drive, Ste. A
Pocatello, ID 83202
www.sharetrails.org

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New Skate (and future BMX) Park Opens in Oakley

With all the talk of doom and gloom regarding our economy and continued assaults on our access to public lands, I wanted to share just a bit of good news. The City of Oakley California officially opened its new Creekside Park today.

I remember back when I was a kid and we called skateboarding by its original name – Sidewalk Surfing. And yes, I did “bust my buns” more than just a few times skating along Campton Road in Cutten, (a rural suburb of Eureka) California.

The new park in Oakley includes a much needed skateboard area, future BMX track, BBQ sites, and other amenities. I talked with one of the City’s police officers at the gas station several days ago and he thought Oakley was being proactive and forward thinking by providing kids a safe and legal place to recreate. I agree.

I know a number of cities in west Contra Costa County have been asked to put in similar skate parks, but many of them refuse to provide this type of recreation outlet for their youth. I guess they would rather have them buzz people at the shopping mall. Sad when civic leaders have no vision. Kudos to Cindy Coelho (Sr. Rec. Leader for Oakley) and the City of Oakley for this new park! Also, helmets off to Raley’s for providing refreshments for the grand opening.

I hope you don’t mind me sharing this small slice of optimism in these difficult times. And, I hope it reminds more than a few of you about the “good old days” when we were kids. Those times look pretty good from my perspective.

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