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| The Road Less Ridden | Short Cuts | |
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| Del Albright |
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Del Albright in Moab |
January, 2000
We're out-numbered. We know that. Those folks that would rather see us not enjoying the great outdoors in our favorite off pavement vehicle far outnumber us. They want us to forego our four-bys; dump our dune buggies; mash our motorcycles; stop using our snowmobiles; and generally enjoy the great outdoors through magazines and dreams. Well, I for one refuse to succumb. I plan to ride the roads less ridden until the day I drop. But we've got to ride smart.
It seems recently I've been involved in several conversations with non-riders/ohv-ers that ask the inevitable question: "what is about getting off the pavement that you like so much?" We've got to be able to answer that question with facts and feelings that they can learn from. And hopefully, get a few more of them on our side.
Just the other day I was jaw-jacking with the Field Representative from Congressman John Doolittle's office (an elected official who is strongly on our side). He was being asked the same question. So I gave him some answers. And he was able to pass those answers along to his constituents (and opponents). It's a valuable thing we can do to further our cause.
There's no one more important for you to have a relationship with than your local congressman or other elected official. Their staff is the key. Get to know them. Be on a first name basis. Then, when that question comes up, you'll be the one providing the answers. It's not hard to get to know the field staff of your congress folks. Make appointments to talk; invite them on a run; give them your reasons for wanting to explore off pavement. Talk to them about freedom; choices; and independence. Give them facts.
We all have our reasons for riding the road less traveled, but for me there a few key ones that I always share with elected folks. First, I explain my feelings of the freedom of choice and the right to enjoy this great country in a responsible fashion. Second, I tell them how the adventuring spirit is in our American blood. Our forefathers were off pavement adventurers……not that there was pavement; but you know what I mean. The right and the driving need to explore resides in many of us. Third, I give them facts about how little damage we responsible users really cause. And I emphasize the good work we do (clean up and trail maintenance). Fourth, I stress the educational value both to us and our children in learning how this great country came about. Taking a young person on a backcountry adventure to find some old deserted, mostly intact mining town, is a marvelous step back into history. Without roads and trails, we'd never get there.
Why do you enjoy the road less ridden? Tell your kids; your friends; and especially your local elected official why you'd rather be out there in the wild than on some paved road in the herd. You've got to reach out. Write letters; make that appointment to get to know your elected official.
Del Albright.
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