You can look at in this way. If it wasn't for the timber, mining, oil/gas, or other industries over the years, the roads and trails we like to use wouldn't be there in the first place. I don't want to see everything developed but I'm tired of existing roads and trails being closed and then reading about the gov. agencies complaining that the places are getting to crowded. If we have to accept money from these businesses to help then maybe that's a necessary evil in some ways. The groups that are against us have a lot more money coming in and a Million dollars to them is like pocket change.
I guess if people are complaining about the BRC, they must be doing something right.
We need to get the groups affected by the trails and roads being closed consolidated or we will be picked off one by one. I remember a few years ago when the mt. bikers in an area were siding against four wheelers and wanted them off of the trails. They were kicked out right after the four wheelers were. The people that don't want us on the trails also don't want the motorcycles, ATV's, snowmobiles, horses, and in some cases hunters on the trails either. If we can get everyone together and working on the problems and get people to donate a little it would do wonders. It amazes me that people will put $10,000 into modifying their rig, but won't give $10.00 to help keep the trails open. It seems that they are the first to ***** when the trail is lost though.
If I put that $10,000 into my rig to enjoy the trails, I don't feel that it's asking to much to put $100 or a $1000 into helping the sport. I live in a fairly remote area, Wy, but I'm only about 5-6 hours from Ouray and Moab and other places. I can't get to the trail cleanups and the different local fund raisers so I joined the UFWDA, The BRC, The Utah Association, and the Colorado Association to get info and I donate from afar. If it happens that I can get to one of these get togethers I would be more than willing to help out.
Another thing is the fact that we need to start policing ourselves a bit or it's going to keep biting us. I'm tired of going places and seeing the trash laying around and new routes cut into the sides of the mountain. If you can't make it over or through the normal route, go to another one that you can make it through. And how hard is it to carry a garbage bag and take your trash out with you? I've been on trail runs with my pickup in Moab that people asked if they could load me up with trail trash and I've had 3/4 of a truck load by the end of the trail.
I guess it comes down to thinking about what's important and what's it worth to you personally. Do you want to donate and volunteer and continue to enjoy yourself with your custom rig, or do you want to sit back and watch and wait until it's to late??
Just think, that lift and winch will look better on the trail than at the mall.
Jim