Respecting Trails

RVTrax · #1 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012, 03:42 PM

Over the many years of riding on public and private land there has been many closures. Some because our "Government knows best" HAHA, yeah right, and others because of disrespectful riders littering, damaging vegetation and the environment, drunk and rowdy behavior, disrespecting each other and much more. When the rules state "Stay on the Dedicated Trails" we should, to insure these areas will stay open. We had a great place to ride here in the panhandle with a campground and springs, but a few drunks rowdy behavior has caused the park to recently close to all off road enthusiasts. We have actually convinced some private land owners to open areas for us to ride, by organizing clean up teams for the land owners, providing release of liability forms, and only inviting responsible riders. There are some areas that are legal at this time for riding, but a few bad apples can and will ruin it for everyone else. Because of this, it sometimes these places might be best left a secret, because of the few legal places left to ride.

billy78945 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012, 03:51 PM

I agree. Some of the places we ride are so trashed. The last time we rode I took some trash bags just to try and clean up some of the trails. Mainly beer cans. I,m not against having a drink or two, But that doesn't mean you have to throw your trash on hte ground.

Atsah · #3 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012, 03:53 PM

Yup, I have an ATV and a snowmobile trail going through my property and I have shut it down more than once because people throw trash, and tear up my fields.. I told the ATV club and the snowmobile club the next time I see a piece of trash or ruts through my field, it's getting shut down for good.. It's a major ITS trail and there is no way around it.. I own a mile back to a river that can not be crossed.. I'm tired of the BS..

skizmo · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atsah

Yup, I have an ATV and a snowmobile trail going through my property and I have shut it down more than once because people throw trash, and tear up my fields.. I told the ATV club and the snowmobile club the next time I see a piece of trash or ruts through my field, it's getting shut down for good.. It's a major ITS trail and there is no way around it.. I own a mile back to a river that can not be crossed.. I'm tired of the BS..

Good on ya Atsah!...same in my area there is a great place to ride trails,mud sand dunes you name it its there. But these low life guys that steal wire and burn it to get the copper out ruin for hundreds of law abiding citizens.they sit around drinking cheap beer of course burning hazardous material and then wonder why the police chopper fly's over top.they dump construction material's,beds,you name it...I guess because its SOOOO expensive to pay for the dump fees....Its not at all...

Just like Drinking and driving the public needs to shun these types of people for there actions and make it socially unacceptable.

Atsah · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012, 04:20 PM

Several other large land owners went to the club meetings and told everyone there done if the nonsense continues.. We all ride ATV's and sleds and we would never do the things these dumbazz's do..

SledRacer112 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2012, 07:14 PM

Atsah, where in Maine do you live? Depending on where you are I've probably ridden on your land before!

I have to say that I feel like overall most of the trails here in Maine that I've seen haven't been that bad. There are a few places here and there that are abused..and it really is a case of a few idiots that can't be responsible. When we go out on a ride we typically bring a bag with us and will stop and pick up stuff if/when possible.

I am VERY thankful for the landowners that allow us the ability to use their land and will continue to do my part to keep it clean and be respectful of the land. Where I live I have to trailer my wheelers a couple of hours to get to decent riding, but if I lived in the areas of the major trails I would definitely be working with my friends to create groups to help maintain the trails and the area around the trails for the landowners that allow us use. It only takes an afternoon of riding to cruise some trails and do some clean up along the way...maybe even hauling in some gravel or rocks to help control the muddy areas if that works for the landowners.

A big thank you to all of the people that allow us to use their property to have fun!

Atsah · #7 (**permalink**) 01-20-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SledRacer112

Atsah, where in Maine do you live? Depending on where you are I've probably ridden on your land before!

I have to say that I feel like overall most of the trails here in Maine that I've seen haven't been that bad. There are a few places here and there that are abused..and it really is a case of a few idiots that can't be responsible. When we go out on a ride we typically bring a bag with us and will stop and pick up stuff if/when possible.

I am VERY thankful for the landowners that allow us the ability to use their land and will continue to do my part to keep it clean and be respectful of the land. Where I live I have to trailer my wheelers a couple of hours to get to decent riding, but if I lived in the areas of the major trails I would definitely be working with my friends to create groups to help maintain the trails and the area around the trails for the landowners that allow us use. It only takes an afternoon of riding to cruise some trails and do some clean up along the way...maybe even hauling in some gravel or rocks to help control the muddy areas if that works for the landowners.

A big thank you to all of the people that allow us to use their property to have fun!

If everyone thought like you do, all would be well..

North Anson Maine.. ITS 87 and ITS 84 run through my property..