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!

Street Legal OHVs Gain Access into AZ Wildlife Refuge

HQ wants to salute the efforts of the AMA and BRC for their work to gain access for street-legal motorcycles and ATVs into the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.


Historically, the refuge has banned the use of street legal motorcycles and ATVs on a number of its roads that are open for 4x4 use. Thanks to a collaborative effort by my good friends, Nick Haris, and, Brian Hawthorne, they persuaded the unit manager that the area’s management plan did allow for the use of street legal motorcycles and ATVs on several of its roads.

Article on Road Opened for Street Legal OHVs
http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/2011/ama-motorcycle-access-to-arizona-refuge

Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=22571

In this day and age of closures, it is nice to focus on something positive. Kudos again to Nick and Brian on this effort, and to the unit’s manager for being willing to review the issue and then make a decision.

# # #

HQ ACTION ALERT - Call Senate to Stop the Ban on Youth Sized OHVs

HELP STOP THE BAN ON YOUTH SIZED OHVS

HQ wants to issue an action alert regarding the lead ban issue for youth sized OHVs. Many of you got alerts from AMA and others last week about Senate Amendment 264 to Senate Bill S. 493.

April 1 Article on SA 264 and Lead Ban Issue Update
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/newsandupdates/motorcycle_news/122_1104_new_senate_amendment_to_end_ban_on_youth_recreational_vehicles/index.html

March 28 MIC News Release
http://www.mic.org/news032811.cfm

Within that article is an AMA alert where they direct you (and make it easy) to call the office of your U.S. Senator.  The MIC News Release has action links as well.

AMA Alert Link (with talking points and phone numbers)
http://www.capwiz.com/amacycle/callalert/index.tt?alertid=39140501&type=CO

HQ believes it is critically important to make those two phone calls. HQ already made its calls to Senators Boxer and Feinstein. Depending on how busy the office is you may get a staffer or the answering machine.

Some of you may think it may be a waste of time. WRONG! In CA, both senators have worked with the OHV community on a number of land-use bills and we encourage you to call regardless of what state you live in or what party your senator belongs to - please make those calls today. Also, forward to your email network. Let’s get the kids riding again

41 Congressmen and 70 Outdoor Groups Ask Forest Service to Champion Recreation on Federal Lands

The Recreation HQ wants to join BRC and other recreation groups in saluting the 41 Members of Congress who sent a letter to the Chief of the Forest Service asking him to make sure that recreational activities are included in the new Planning Rule.


BRC News Release on House Letter to the FS
http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/?story=713&filter=media

Congressional Letter to the FS
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/11_19_10_USFS_Letter.pdf


In addition, HQ salutes the 70 outdoor recreation groups who also sent a recent letter to the Chief of the Forest Service asking him to promote and protect multiple-use recreation on Forest Service System lands.

Coalition for Recreation in the National Forest’s Letter to the Chief (a good read)
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/COALITION-FOR-RECREATION-IN-THE-NATIONAL-FORESTS.PDF

The General appreciates the various OHV groups such as AMA, MIC, SVIA, ARRA, BRC, NOHVCC and many others who signed this important letter. HQ asks you to review who signed this letter and send them a thank you.

As some of you know, there is a lot of hard work (often behind the scenes) underway by a number of OHV groups and individuals to promote and protect responsible OHV recreation on public lands. Much of this work goes unnoticed and underappreciated.

The General is taking special note of the above work and is sending several thank you notes today. HQ hopes you do the same.

# # #

ACTION ALERT - Send Letter Today to CA Gov. Asking for Veto of SB 435

HQ knows many of you are still in a state of shock after learning yesterday that Cycle News has closed its doors. The General still can’t believe it and hopes it is not true. Be that as it may, HQ is asking that you man (or woman) your motorcycle battle stations by sending a letter today urging Governor Schwarzenegger to veto SB 435.

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COPY OF Aug. 5, 2010 QWR Letter to Gov. asking for Veto

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AMA has made it easy for you to use their action alert system to send that letter to the Governor’s office.

AMA Alert on SB 435
http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/alert/?alertid=16039911&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

QWR Blog on SB 435
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2010/07/hqs-view-on-sb-435-and-loud-street.html

Besides calling his office and emailing a letter today, HQ is asking that you also FAX in your letter to his office in Sacramento as well as the office nearest you.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160 ( new number )

District Offices:

Fresno Office
2550 Mariposa Mall #3013
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: 559-477-1804
Fax: 559-445-5328

Los Angeles Office
300 South Spring Street
Suite 16701
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: 213-897-0322
Fax: 213-897-0319

Riverside Office
3737 Main Street #201
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-680-6860
Fax: 951-680-6863

San Diego Office
1350 Front Street
Suite 6054
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-525-4641
Fax: 619-525-4640

San Francisco Office
455 Golden Gate Avenue
Suite 14000
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-703-2218
Fax: 415-703-2803

Washington D.C. Office
134 Hall of the States
444 North Capitol Street NW
Washington D.C. 20001
Phone: 202-624-5270
Fax: 202-624-5280

Thanks for your continued support and service!

BRC Supports H.R. 5580 - Send Letter to Oppose Obama Monuments

Since the Recreation HQ and Congress found out about the Department of Interior’s National Monument-related “secret documents” that were leaked in February 2010 to the public, The General has been working hard by filing FOIAs to find out just who is pushing this idea. HQ’s good friend Congressman Devin Nunes recently took the bull by the horns and introduced H.R. 5580 to stop presidential abuse - for political gain - of the Antiquities Act.

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PHOTO: BRC's Don Amador on Designated Trail in Proposed Stonyford Obamument or NCA

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H.R. 5580 Introduced by Cong. Devin Nunes
http://www.nunes.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=662fd8c1-19b9-b4b1-1275-60c183990d88&Region_id=&Issue_id=

Yesterday, BRC stated its support for H.R. 5580. HQ applauds this effort and that of other organizations such as the Cattlemen’s Association to support this bill.

BRC Support for H.R. 5580
http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/?story=704&filter=media

Cattlemen’s Assn’s Support for H.R. 5580
http://www.northernag.net/AGNews/tabid/171/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/502/Behind-Closed-Doors-Monument-Designation.aspx

Since a number of these monument proposals include popular OHV areas such as Stonyford, HQ urges riders to take advantage of AMA’s action alert and letter generator to let your congressional representative know of your support of H.R. 5580.

AMA Alert and Letter Generator for H.R. 5580
http://www.ama-cycle.org/legisltn/rapidresponse.asp

The General used this AMA alert to send a message and again asks you to do the same.

HQ knows that OHV is getting hit with a barrage of issues lately but urges all riders to stay the course and remain engaged.

Thanks for your service!

Butte County Uses Common Sense to Address OHV Noise Issue

The Recreation HQ was pleased to hear about how common sense prevailed at the Butte County Board of Supervisors meeting yesterday where a potential new OHV ordinance was being considered to restrict OHV use on private land.

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PHOTO: Quest Type 1 Sound Meter

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As the news article below points out, the BOS was addressing this issue because of several inconsiderate (i.e. spodes) track owners who apparently don’t care if they violate important tenets of being a “good neighbor.”

News Article on Butte County OHV Agenda Item
http://www.chicoer.com/ci_15163770?source=rss

BRC was contacted about this on May 24 by one of our members (and darn good rider) who wanted us to convey some land-use management prescriptions to the BOS to that they would not impact families who ride on their own private property in a responsible manner. (we all remember the Riverside debacle – see 2004 BRC News Release below)

BRC Letter to Butte County on Proposed OHV Ordinance
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Butte_County_BOS_May_OHV_Ordin0001.pdf

Thanks also to AMA for sending out an action alert on short notice
http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/alert/?alertid=6548446&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

2004 Riverside County OHV Sound Issue
http://www.blueribbon.org/releases/?filter=media&story=367

The General wants to commend the riders who showed up and championed responsible OHV recreation. HQ again wants to thank the BOS for using a flyswatter instead of a sledgehammer to address inconsiderate track owners.

Riding responsibly with a “sound” land-use ethic should not be relegated to just our public lands. Rather, it should be a concept that we use when riding on private property as well.

Be a Quiet Warrior or be shut down... your choice.

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Obamuments, April 16 White House Conservation Summit, and You

The Recreation HQ has been following the “National Monuments” issue with a keen interest. A lot OHVers and mostly legislators from Western States have sounded the alarm based on secret documents uncovered which showed a plan for the designation of what The General now calls “Obamuments.”

PHOTO: FWMC's Dale (L) and Randy (C) and CERA's Clark (R) on the Ladybug Trail a designated OHV trail in the proposed Stonyford Obamument

BRC Submitted a Letter to Congress regarding Obamuments on Feb. 19
http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/?story=685&filter=media

On that same day, The General (on behalf of BRC) filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to see who was driving this plan. When he got a letter back from the Department of Interior that they could not find any information because they only looked on the Secretary’s desk – The General filed a FOIA Appeal and is still waiting for a response.

FOIA Appeal
http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/?story=689&filter=media

The Recreation HQ appreciates the phone calls that many of you have made to your Congressman regarding your concerns about the Stonyford OHV Area being named as a potential Obamument. Riders are lucky that Stonyford happens to be in the congressional district of Congressman Wally Herger – a champion of public land access.

Article on Cong. Herger’s Fight Against Obamuments
http://www.colusa-sun-herald.com/articles/acres-2049-tcnsyndication-federal-lands.html

Glenn County Joins Fight Against Stonyford Obamument
http://www.orland-press-register.com/news/county-5186-glenn-land.html

This story now gets even more complex with the unofficial announcement today in the LA Times of an April 16 White House Summit on the Great Outdoors to address national monuments, conservation, recreation, and other issues.

LA Times Article on Conservation/Outdoor Summit
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-outdoors28-2010mar28,0,371471.story

As The General awaits a response from DOI on his FOIA appeal this week, it will be interesting to see just who from the recreation community will be invited to the April 16 Summit. If it is anything like the Obamacare summits, you will see “recreation” groups like Trout Unlimited, IMBA, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, PEER/Rangers for Responsible Recreation and other pro-Wilderness organizations sitting at the table speaking for motorized groups like BRC, ISMA, ARRA, AMA, and United 4WD.

At this moment, the Recreation HQ is willing to give the Obama administration a chance to dispel our concerns about how the President will treat the legitimate voices for continued access to public lands. The HQ will know soon who is invited and that list will tell the story.

Stay tuned this week as Congress and the Recreation HQ continues to press the administration for Obamument documents that were obviously the product of many roundtable discussions between government agencies and preservation groups.

Thanks for your service and support!

Amador's Top Ten Off-Road and Environmental Predictions for 2010

10- While on vacation in Hawaii, President Obama takes his family on an ATV Tour at the Kipu Ranch on Kauai. He has such a good time that he directs the Forest Service in California to reverse it current position of banning non-street legal OHV use on most level 3 forest roads.

Photo to Right: Donstradamus - World Famous OHV Forecaster

9 - Off-roaders and street riders jump on the Meg Whitman for Governor bandwagon based on her ties to EBay because that site has facilitated the sale and purchase of so many dirt-bikes, ATVs, and street motorcycles.

8 - While on a transcontinental flight on a private jet, Al Gore remembers how much fun he had riding his Honda 305 during his college days. Because of that fond memory he joins the American Motorcyclist Association and becomes a spokesman for the organization.

7- During the Senate’s debate on a Cap and Tax bill in 2010, a moderate Democrat who owns an OHV, goes hunting, and watches the NFL will take to the floor and promise to join with GOP legislators in a successful filibuster of the proposal.

6- In a rare act of political courage, the BLM will admit the arbitrary interim closure at the Clear Creek Management Area was based on junk science, flawed studies, and an unwarranted fear of some phantom lawsuit. Shortly after that admission, the agency will order CCMA reopened for all users. The agency official who reopens the area will be nominated for induction into the Off-Road Hall of Fame.

5- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger decides that he has been scammed by the man-made global warming crowd and realizes that factors such as sun spots and natural earth heating/cooling cycles occur regardless of human activity. After the epiphany, he joins and writes large checks to the Pacific Legal Foundation, the Heritage Foundation, and several off-road organizations.


4 - Owners of the Connolly Ranch have a change of heart and decide that in order to be good neighbors of the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area, the ranch will withdraw their support from the current PEER/Fishing Alliance lawsuit and join forces with the OHV community to keep the current park open and to support the expansion of the park onto the new properties purchased about 20 years ago with OHV funds for OHV use.

3 - Conservative elements in the Mormon Church take Senator Harry Reid out behind the spiritual woodshed and “encourage” him to abandon his far left political positions. After that experience, Reid switches to the GOP and becomes a champion for low taxes, access to public lands, and a balanced federal budget.

2 - After dropping the bowtie and joining Fox News as a commentator, Tucker Carlson decides to take the next step on his manly journey when he goes to a dirt-bike riding school and learns the sport. He then asks for a field assignment where riding an OHV is part of the story.


1 - A wealthy philanthropist in the SF Bay Area, Portland, or Seattle decides to quit funding anti-OHV recreation groups because his grandson has won several local races in the youth class. That change in mindset results in a $3,000,000 grant being awarded to the BlueRibbon Coalition’s legal defense fund to help counter an expected avalanche of anti-OHV eco-lawsuits filed throughout the West in 2010.

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Happy New Year!

HR 1925 UT Wilderness Bill is a Zombie

One thing that I really hate are zombies. There is almost nothing that you can do to kill them … and, just when you think they are dead – they come back to life.

The never ending effort by SUWA and out-of-state legislators to resurrect the infamous 9.4 million acres of "potential Wilderness" in new versions of the same old Wilderness bill (now called HR 1925) reminds me of a land-use version of a zombie.

In Sept, BRC issued an alert to have its members send letters to their legislators in prep for the Oct. 1 hearing:
http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1070

It looks like a lot of riders sent those letters, based on what I heard about the testimony of the UT Congressional Delegation and other gov.t officials:
http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=27&extmode=view&extid=292

Sen. Orrin Hatch Takes Issue with HR 1925
http://hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.View&PressRelease_id=10b99c3a-1b78-be3e-e003-8a6390fa20bd

AMA also had something to say about the proposal
http://www.ama-cycle.org/news/story.asp?id=1375

On May 5, The General wrote a blog about new Wilderness bills and the need to include the “Pombo Doctrine” in any new Wilderness legislation – see blog for a discussion of that issue and a copy of the Pombo Doctrine.
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2009/05/time-to-revive-pombo-wilderness.html

I think I have found a cure for the “Wilderness Zombie.” How about giving the wilderness undead a large dose of the Pombo Doctrine?

New Sound Test for Street Bikes - SAE J2825

With so many issues hitting off-road riders these days (i.e. CA budget battle, travel management, etc), The General wanted to make sure that the troops are aware of a rather historic event in the saga of addressing excessively loud motorcycles.

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*A Quest Type-1 "law enforcement grade" Sound

Meter is Pictured on the Right

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On June 24, the MIC issued a news release regarding a new sound test –SAE J2825
http://www.mic.org/news062409.cfm

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AMA issued a release as well:
http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=995

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I believe this is a game changer in the battle to improve the image of both the off-road and street motorcyclist. While the off-road community has the SAE-J1287 20 inch sound test – a standard that has been adopted by several states, the missing-link in the sound saga up until now has been an easily applied stationary sound test for street bikes.

While operating the FMF/BRC Sound Testing Program for OHVs at many AMA Dist. 36 Enduros or Dual Sports, I am often asked by dirt-bikers..."When is somebody going to do something about the loud street-bikes?" Well it looks like we have an answer.

Also, some riders don’t realize that the general public does not distinguish between loud dirt bikes vs. loud street bikes – they view all excessively loud motorcycles in the same manner.

I think the SAE-J2825 offers law enforcement and those of us in education a valuable tool to help the riders and other stakeholders address excessively loud street bikes.

Everybody wins with this new test. Kudos to all those who worked in the development of the

SAE-J2825 Sound Test!!!

# # #

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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Carl Gooch Wins New KTM 250

As many of you know, May 2009 was the KTM/FMF Protect Your Right to Ride Month. Members (or new members) of BRC and other land use groups had to show their membership card at a participating KTM dealership and they were given a chance to win a new KTM 250 XC-FW.

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Photo at right is bike winner, Carl Gooch
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Well – it was announced yesterday by KTM that Carl Gooch (a BRC and AMA member) from Olive Branch, Mississippi was the lucky winner. His local dealership was Shoals Outdoor Sports.

BRC News Release on Carl Winning the Bike
http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/media/?story=650

Examiner.com

http://www.examiner.com:80/x-1197-Boomer-Biker-Examiner~y2009m6d23-Carl-Gooch-is-Protect-Your-Right-To-Ride-Month-Winner

Carl has been active over the last few years working with other BRC supporters in his area by hosting a fundraiser for BRC and working on access issues on the Holly Springs
National Forest.

Helmets off to Carl and all those who support our efforts to champion responsible OHV use on public lands.

The General salutes you!

"Rock the Trail" in 2009

I can’t tell you how many times The General has been at OHV meetings or sitting around the campfire at a trail ride talking with off-roaders about trying to get new blood (such as rockers, artists, musicians, actors) helping user groups keep riding areas open. The bad news is that over the years… that new blood and energy has not been forthcoming.

See Amador interview where he talks about getting race stars and other folks like rockers involved in land use (click on link below and scroll down to Amador interview)
http://www.pitpassradio.com/?cat=7


However, that “Change” may be coming with the help of an alternative rock band based in Reno, Nevada. Joey Vegas, the lead singer for the Peace Mafia (they also like to ride dirt-bikes), called me several weeks ago and said they wanted to help the BlueRibbon Coalition by donating a percentage of the sales of their CDs while at the Mammoth Motocross this year.

Peace Mafia info/songs
http://www.myspace.com/peacemafia

There are a lot of artists who ride dirt-bikes or drive off-road vehicles. Besides the Peace Mafia, I am pretty sure that members of Green Day, Motley Crue, Beastie Boys, etc. also ride. Other celebrities and actors that ride include Lance Armstrong, Fabio, Matt LeBlanc, etc.

One of those celebrities who stepped up to the plate to champion access to public lands is Perry King. I first met him several years ago at a local Forest Service/users group meeting on the Eldorado National Forest. He was there as a concerned member of the public. Today, he serves on the Board of Directors at the AMA.

You have heard me articulate the need for the OHV community to grow our numbers. I believe getting rockers/celebrities/actors more involved and supportive of our efforts to keep trails open could be a very important factor in the land-use equation. I think they could help us reach an entirely new segment (i.e. young people) of the public who are not aware of the attacks on their right to ride.

Some of you may remember the Rock the Vote effort in the last several elections. I think it is time for us to start our own “Rock the Trail” in 2009 to “get out the rocker-rider” to help us fight for their/our collective access rights.

If you are an artist that wants to help (serve on a board, write a check, host a concert to raise money for trail access, be a spokesperson, etc.) – Give The General a shout.

Dual-Sport Riders Win Big Victory in CA

I just wanted to congratulate the dual-sport community and their lobbyists, AMA, ABATE of California, and the California Motorcycle Dealers Assn. for their hard work in fighting the Pavley motorcycle smog bill. Earlier, SB435 (Pavley’s smog bill) was thankfully recognized by state senators with common sense as a proposal that punished the motorcycle recreation community and created another “tax.”

Here is quote from Capitol Weekly
Pavley was also forced to significantly weaken her motorcycle smog check bill, SB 435, because of objections from Wright and other moderate Democrats.
Full news article about SB435 at
http://www.capitolweekly.net/article.php?_c=y12dhpvks3hi6i&xid=y11gl3bydgla74&done=.y12dhpvks42i6i

I know many dual-sport riders were concerned that SB 435 would require smog checks on legal dual sport conversions (dual sport kits added to 2000-2003 green-sticker dirt-bikes such as XR650Rs, open class KTM 4-strokes, DRZ400s, WR426/450s, etc.) As it stands now, the bill’s focus was reduced to address catalytic converters.

The General feels that dual-sport recreation and related events are an important factor to rural communities in the current economy. Having ridden in, or helped tech at, a number of dual-sport rides in Northern California, I can attest to the fact that businesses (local hotels and restaurants) thrive when several hundred riders utilize their establishments.

There are a number of exciting and fun dual-sport rides coming up this summer and fall.

Check in Nor Cal Dual Sport for a list of rides
http://www.norcaldualsport.com/home.html

Also, ck. in with North Bay Motorcycle Club for their Lost Coast Dual Sport Ride in Oct.
http://northbaymc.org/

I hope to see many of you at these events.

# # #

KTM/FMF Kick Off May as "Protect Your Right To Ride Month"

Something very cool and exciting is starting May 1, 2009. KTM and FMF have joined together to promote May as “Protect Your Right to Ride Month.” KTM is doing a giveaway of a brand new 250 XC-FW equipped with a Q4 muffler.

If you are a rider, all you have to do is go into your local KTM shop and sign up for a membership with BRC or AMA (businesses can sign up with ORBA) or show your BRC or AMA membership card and get an entry into the drawing to win the new bike.

When you go into the shop, The General is asking that you also buy some KTM products or other aftermarket accessories to help support the dealership. That is what I will be doing! Don’t just sign up for a membership for yourself… sign up each member of your family as an individual member.

I expect some news releases on this promo in the next day or two, but here is some initial info on this project at FMF’s new land-use site:
http://www.soundoffmc.com/


Here also is a link to KTM’s dealer network to find your local shop
http://www.ktmusa.com/Dealer-Locator.77.20.html


Please fwd this note to your email networks and get folks to sign up and also buy some products at the dealer.

Thanks for your service!!!

April 24 - Update on Smokey Bear ATV Ad

The General thanks all of you who recently sent in feedback and complaints about the continued airing of the now infamous 2008 Smokey Bear ATV ad. As you know, the BRC, AMA and other OHV groups requested that the ad be pulled.

In response to our collective request, the Ad Council did send out a request to media outlets to pull the ad in 2008. However, it appears that some TV or radio departments did not get the message.

Based on BRC’s April 13, 2009 letter requesting The Ad Council review of our continued concerns, they responded today with a letter basically asking for our/your help in tracking the unapproved airing of these ads.


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April 13, 2009 BRC Letter to Ad Council
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Smokey-Bear-ATV-Ad-April-2009/BRC-Letter-0001.pdf

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April 24, 2009 Ad Council Response and Request for Help
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/Smokey-Bear-ATV-Ad-April-2009/Ad-Council-Response-Letter.pdf

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On Monday, the BRC will be sending out an alert to its members (sign up on the BRC Alert System if you want to get such alerts)

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BRC Alert System
https://www.sharetrails.org/secure/lists/?p=subscribe&id=2

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That alert will be asking you and your friends to monitor TV and radio shows for the airing of the ad and then contact Helen Cleveland with the details so that Ad Council can do the appropriate follow-up.


CONTACT:

Helene Cleveland
Fire Prevention Program Manager
USDA Forest Service
hcleveland@fs.fed.us

Thanks to all of you who made The General aware of this issue.

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Ask Congress to Support H.R. 968 to Address CPSC Ban of Youth OHVs

The General has a favorite saying regarding federal regulations pertaining to OHV recreation and that motto is: “All land-use [including CPSC’s ban] decisions are political decisions.”

Unfortunately, the CPSC’s reluctance to use common sense and issue a stay on its ban on youth-OHVs has proved that theory. Since it is now a political issue, users must turn to Congress for help with a political solution.

The good news is that many of you have written, or made personal visits, to your Member of Congress asking for help.

Because of your letters and phone calls, Congressman John Shadegg has sponsored H.R 968 to address CPSC’s refusal to grant a stay.

The General is asking all of his troops nationwide to contact their Member of Congress and ask them to support Congressman Shadegg (see text of email below) and join with Congressman Herger and other representatives and co-sponsor H.R. 968

Go to Cong. Shadegg's Website and click on the "Sponsored legislation" link

http://johnshadegg.house.gov/Legislation/

H.R.968 Title: To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to provide regulatory relief to small and family-owned businesses. Sponsor: Rep Shadegg, John B. [AZ-3] (introduced 2/10/2009) Cosponsors (19) Related Bills: S.374 Latest Major Action: 2/10/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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Letter to Don Amador from Congressman Herger:

March 10, 2009



Dear Don,

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and its inadvertent ban on the sale of youth model off-highway vehicles (OHVs). I appreciate hearing from you and while the safety of consumer products - especially those intended for children - is of the utmost priority, please know that I share your concerns on this issue.

Off-highway vehicle use is a popular and important recreational activity enjoyed by all ages, particularly in our Northern California area. For this reason, I joined several of my Western colleagues in Congress in sending a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to express our support for the petition filed by the powersports industry requesting temporary exclusions under this regulation. I have attached a copy of that letter for your review. Unfortunately, the CPSC did not grant this stay by the February 10th effective date.

However, I will continue to closely monitor this issue and will keep your views in my mind as I do so. I also intend to cosponsor H.R. 968, a bill introduced by Rep. Shadegg to amend the CPSIA in order to address these and other unintended consequences of the law.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. Please don't hesitate to do so in the future regarding this or any other federal issue important to you. In addition, I would like to invite you to visit my website at www.house.gov/herger where you can find additional information on my position on a variety of issues and sign up for occasional email updates on various federal issues.


Sincerely, WALLY HERGER

Member of Congress


The General asks you to do this today!!!

To find your representative use BRC's Rapid Response Center

and type in Zip Code

http://www.sharetrails.org/rapid_response/

Thanks for your service.

# # #

National OHV Land Use Awakening?

It is sometimes said that it is tough to awaken a sleeping giant, but after reading ESPN’s March 2 story on land use battles… I think the giant that is the off-road community (media, dirt-bike moms and dads, motocross racers, X-game champions, enduro racers, and trail riders) has had those heavy scales removed from its eyes.

The General has been hearing from a lot of troops about the collective weight of land-use battles currently being waged on any number of fronts. The Wilderness Bills in the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act -S.22, the CPSC ban on youth OHVs, money being stolen from the California OHV Fund, Riverside County banning private tracks, trails being closed by the Forest Service’s Travel Management Rule, and many other issues that collectively appear to be causing a national off-road land-use “awakening.”

As a long time OHV advocate, The General has had a dream that all of the various disciplines of off-road motorcycling would join together and fight these land closures with a loud and effective voice.

I think the ESPN article is a strong indicator that The General’s dream is becoming a reality.

ESPN Article (quotes from MIC, AMA, and BRC)
http://espn.go.com/action/news/story?id=3947200

You can also take the important steps of joining your local, state, and national OHV groups. Join them all. Becoming an involved member of a land use group is the most important thing you can do.

To Join BRC go to:

http://www.sharetrails.org/

To Join AMA go to:

http://www.ama-cycle.org/

Also join your local and state organizations.

Thanks for waking up!!!

# # #

CPSC Hollow Promise?

The General talked with CPSC spokesperson Sonia Hayes-Pleasant today regarding recent reports in some media stories that the CPSC was going to address the ban on youth OHVs in a “few” weeks.

As more local motorcycle shop owners cry foul and motocross/trail-bike moms voice their strong objections to the “ban,” the General agrees with his good friends at the AMA, BRC, ARRA, MIC, SVIA, ORBA -- Keep the pressure on the CPSC by sending letters, making phone calls, AND take a dealer to the local office of your own Member of Congress!!! Be sure and let The General know what your representative said.

See “Kid Chewing on Dirt Bikes?” Article from Today
http://www.wqad.com/news/wqad-cpsia-motorcycles-lead-law-22309,0,6451441.story

BRC Alert

http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/media/?story=633

________________________________________________________
See AMA National Action Alert from Today

Add Your Voice to the Fight Against the Ban on Youth Motorcycles and ATVs!

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) continues to ask all riders to protest the recent ban on certain youth motorcycles and ATVs by contacting their Members of Congress

On Feb. 10, 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) effectively outlawed the sale of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) intended for youth riders 12-years-old and under. Since that time efforts by the AMA, its sister organization the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Industry Association, the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the Off-Road Business Association and others have spurred an outpouring of letters and phone calls to the CPSC and federal legislators.

AMA and ATVA members, racers, riders and fans across the country have responded strongly to the collective calls for action so far, but our work is not over. The current ban on the sale of youth motorcycles and ATVs still threatens the very future of off-highway recreation in America.

Members of Congress and the Chairmen of the CPSC must continue to hear from everyone in the motorcycling community if we are to reverse this ban. You can quickly read more about the issue and gain some useful tools by clicking here.

To send a message to your Senators and Representatives, please click here.
-- End of Alert --

________________________________________________________________
Being familiar with government “bureaucrat speak” – the promise to address our issue in a few weeks could be nothing more than a hollow statement meant to “get the heat” off the agency while it is in the rulemaking process (this often takes up to two years). The General
hopes the agency is sincere about finding a solution.

In addition, The General is awaiting a call from the CPSC’s Executive Director – Patsy Semple – to explain why the agency cannot cut some red tape and provide immediate relief on this issue.

Stay tuned as the national off-road community's temperature continues to rise on this issue. See previous blogs for more information. Keep up the pressure!!!