From the Executive Board of ATVAM

Middle of May already! Where is the time going? April just flew by with only a few great rides and the spring convention. May and June have always been great times to ride in Minnesota, so get out and enjoy the trails this spring. Remember to keep an eye on the weather and pick those ticks quickly.

The 2004 Legislation session is winding down and we will send alerts to our membership as needed. Remember, if you want to be notified by email, you have to let the ATVAM Office Administrator (Cheryle Young) know your email address and be willing to accept emails that are grouped. If you haven’t already done so this legislative session, let your Senators and Representative know how you feel on the motorized recreation issues continually getting thrown around up at the Capital. Lots of people walking around the capital spreading misinformation and half truths on the issues and when you let your elected officials know how you feel, you help combat the negatives they continue to hear from the opposition. If you don’t know who your elected officials are or would like to send an email to them now, follow this link and let them know how you feel about the issues at hand. Your elected officials want to hear from you, the riders and members of ATVAM. They are willing to listen if you are willing to talk to them. If you don’t talk to them, someone else will.

Keep checking the ACTION ALERT notice toward the top of our homepage. When ATVAM is notified of items that may have an impact on riding issues, we’ll post it at the very top of the web page, so you can keep up with the latest information across the State.

Trails have been open for a few weeks now and so far we’ve not heard a lot about closures or violations out on the trails. Going up Interstate 35 and 94, the last couple of weekends we’ve seen many people taking their ATV’s up and back for some springtime riding. Lots of trailers with nice machines going north and we’re happy to see people heading out to enjoy the Minnesota outdoors. Remember to always check the DNR website for up-to-date information regarding trails.

DNR has indicated the number one violation of owners being ticketed by CO’s is (can you believe it) REGISTRATION! Save yourself some ticket money and click here to get your ATV registered.

It’s quick, easy and you can print off a temporary receipt while you wait for your sticker. Beats a ticket and you save about $60 bucks in fines. With the money you save, renew your membership in ATVAM, purchase a few raffle tickets and register for the 2004 Fall Convention right from the ATVAM website.

Lots of ATV Classes being scheduled and we are extremely happy and thankful to those individuals and clubs putting on the training. Parents are signing up their children for the youth ATV safety courses in record numbers, and it’s the efforts of volunteers getting involved with the usage of the ATV’s and education of these kids that is making the program a success. Needless to say you are providing a great service to our younger riders, please keep up the good work and thank you very much.

Over the last few months we’ve had a few setbacks. Anti-access groups continue to use unauthorized photo’s or photo’s of no damage and incorrect information to further their cause. We’ve seen them submit incorrect information about issues they know very little about. Single out certain politicians in a blatant attempt to do almost anything to prevent us in getting trails on the ground. Which is why it is of vital importance for us to continue to do the right things in everything we do.

We delayed the Great Western Trail ride out West. We’d like to pick up the group again later this year and plan for a ride out West in 2005.

ATVAM continues to be a very pro-active organization for motorized recreation and continues to make progress with good people, increased membership and support from our riders, dealers and manufactures. Without a doubt, our trails becoming more and more valuable as others try to take them away. Continue to make 2004 a great year by making a difference. You do more by riding correctly in the eyes of a non-rider then any laws will. Make some plans and get out there to enjoy your ATV and the trails we ride.

Remember: Show a non-rider a ride, a rider a club, a club to ATVAM.

ATVAM Executive Board