Lost Coast: You can always...
Lost Coast: You can always trust a guy who rides his dirt bike to the beach.
Earlier today we received a note from Don Amador reminding us about the Blue Ribbon Coalition's (BRC) fund-raising auction and annual Breakfast of Champions event. As off-road riders and motocross fanatics we're big fans of the BlueRibbon Coalition and all trail advocacy groups and programs (you should be, too). After all, they're on the front lines in the fight for land-use rights. Without land, we can't ride.
As fans and supporters, we decided to ask Don a few questions. Like, "What is the Breakfast of Champions?"
DR: Don, what is the BlueRibbon Coalition and what is www.sharetrails.org all about.
DA: The BlueRibbon Coalition is the leading national grassroots non-profit recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. The successful BRC strategy of working administratively, legislatively, and legally for effective recreational advocacy for over 20 years is time tested and trail proven.
DR: Why is land use important right now and why should I care?
DA: Virtually every OHV trail on Forest Service lands nationwide is under review via the agency's national Travel Management Rule. The Bureau of Land Management is also pursuing a similar planning process. It is of critical importance for riders to join and support the BRC's efforts in the administrative and, if needed, the legal arena to help keep our trail areas open for use. Dirt-bikers also need to join local clubs and work with them to develop site-specific comments on trails that are important to them.
DR: So, you're saying that these problems won't just go away?
DA- Fighting for trail access is a decade's long endeavor. Just ask some of the off-road heroes like Malcolm Smith or Chris Carter. They know how hard the battle is and that is why they support the BRC's efforts to keep trail riding available for future generations. Fighting for OHV access is a life-long effort.
DR: Will off-road motorcycling become extinct if I don't do anything?
Jackhammer: Don Amador might...
Jackhammer: Don Amador might love riding more than you do.
DA - The answer to that question is up to the individual rider. BRC has seen examples where off-roaders stood up and fought against unreasonable closures and have seen federal agencies respond with more trail-friendly travel plans. Likewise, there are examples where users failed to unite and champion continued access to public lands and those areas were partially or completely closed to OHV recreation. If riders don't get involved - they are certain to lose riding opportunities.
DR: Whoa! I really like riding...what the heck should I do, then?
DA - The first step is to join the BRC and support our efforts with both fiscal donations and membership. The second step is to join a state organization and support them. Third, join an active local club and get your riding buddies to follow that same three step process.
DR: What can I, as a company in the off-road motorsports business, a respectable dirt bike publication, a motorcycle manufacturer or super-famous industry celebrity do to support the BlueRibbon Coalition and the sport that made me what I am?
DA - Just as Jimmy Lewis and DR often does: use the bully pulpit of your industry status or celebrity to pay-it-forward. Lend your name to access efforts. Proudly champion and support the efforts of BRC and other groups as they battle for access to public lands.
DR: So, we just have to bully, then? Got it. What about this "Breakfast of Champions"? When does take place and where can I donate some valuable memorabilia or product to your auction?
DA - The 11th Annual Breakfast of Champions takes place at the Annual Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. This year, the theme is "Celebrating the Champions of ISDE".
It is held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom at 7:00 a.m. on February 15. A Dealernews Show Pass is not needed.
This event-which is limited to 500 people-is open to racing and riding enthusiasts and fans who want to support BRC and show some appreciation to the ISDE racers of past and present. Also, we have an auction which will be online starting December 1st featuring International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and other racing items and memorabilia from industry leaders and racing champions.
We're currently seeking donations for this auction. Companies in the motocross and off-road industry as well as past and present racing heroes are encouraged to donate merchandise. Donations can be sent to:
Travis Poppe
BOC Online Auction Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition, Inc.
4555 Burley Drive, Ste. A, Pocatello, ID 83202.
Email: brtravis@sharetrails.org
Thanks Don! More information about the Breakfast of Champions can be found here or by visiting www.sharetrails.org