Del Albright

TDS A HUGE SUCCESS; TAP TOUR III

2012-03-06T09:02:00.001-08:00

TIERRA DEL SOL CLUB GETS IT DONE AGAIN

TDS Desert Safari was a huge success again....over 1700 registered vehicles and over $160,000 in raffle prizes, with each prize package worth over $1000. Thousands of folks were in the raffle audience. It was amazing. The weather held out pretty good for the most part. But it is the desert, so there was a little wind here and there. On the other hand, we also got sun burnt. :)

We set up a "landuse compound" not far from the vendor show with United Four Wheel Drive Association, BlueRibbon Coalition, Calif. Assoc. of 4Wheel Drive Clubs and the Access Army all together. It was a lot of fun with many hours of landuse talks and strategizing.

Stacie found a new "toy" that we brought home -- a 1972 Jeep Commando in marvelous shape, with an AMC V-8 304. Power steering and power brakes too. Sweet. It was quite the draw at the booth.

Next up for us is Cabela's Spring show and the Reno Off Road Motorports Expo.

Del

CAL4 CONVENTION AND TDS DESERT SAFARI

2012-02-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

On the road today for the annual convention of the Calif. Assoc. of 4Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC); then onto TDS Desert Safari down by the Salton Sea. It's all about landuse for us and these events are tuned into our fight for freedom and access. So it's all good.

Cal4 is part of the new unified group of organizations fighting hard to keep Johnson Valley OHV Area open to us -- called the California Motorized Recreation Council (CMRC). We'll be hooking up with a lot of folks to talk about this battle. The Marines do not need JV, but we DO.

Be sure to see my video here about King of the Hammers and our new donation website at www.savethehammers.org (also on Facebook).

Pictures to follow.
Del

PACK OUT YOUR TRASH TO SAVE TRAILS

2012-02-21T17:38:00.000-08:00

PACK IT IN; PACK IT OUT....THE SIMPLE SOLUTION TO HELPING SAVE OUR TRAILS.

Of all the things you can do to help in the fight to keep access to our public lands for off-road recreation, packing out trash is about the biggest, simplest thing you can do. Everyone needs to carry trash bags and even specialty bags like the Trasharoo mentioned here. Picking up trash is like taking ownership -- it's ours; let's take care of it. Check out our message here:

KING OF HAMMERS LANDUSE PERSPECTIVE AND MARINES

2012-02-18T20:29:00.000-08:00

Short video by me on the King of the Hammers; a landuse perspective and why we need to help the Marines find someplace else to train. HELP SAVE Johnson Valley:

RENO NV OFF-ROAD SHOW IN MARCH

2012-02-18T11:40:00.000-08:00

RENO, NV EXPO AND OFF-ROAD SHOW WITH TRAIL RIDE FOR LANDUSE

This is a fun show in Reno, NV, March 23 -25, with a trail ride on Tuesday March 20th. We did it last year, both the trail ride and the show, and it was a blast with tons of cool things going on.

We set up our BlueRibbon Coalition booth along with several other off-road vendors and enjoyed talking to folks all day long.

The real name of this event is the Reno Off-Road & Motorsports Expo where you'll see the latest and greatest in off-road vehicles, off-road gear, innovative products and the companies from Northern Nevada and Northern California who can provide you with all the essentials for your off-road lifestyle.

The show will provide attendees the opportunity to compare the products of local business owners, as well as, shop for all your off-road recreation needs—all at one great big show, for three great days.

Put it on your calendar and swing by for great fun, great people and an up close and personal look at some great off-road products.

More info here at:
http://www.lockettshows.com/offroad-expo.htm

Del

SUNGLASS FOR THE OUTDOORS -- OUR CHOICE

2012-02-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

ONO'S EYEWEAR; THE CHOICE FOR TEAM ALBRIGHT

We wear these darn sunglasses all the time, everywhere we go. So I thought I'd just drop a short note to let you know about Ono's, because if you need something for the great outdoors, these babies work.

These are the Ernest Hemingway's that I wear. Stacie likes the Ocracoke model; but there are dozens and dozens of choices to make for outdoor sunglasses that just plain work and hold up.

The novelty of these is that you can get a pair with built-in polarizing readers -- yea, you got it --- you know, when the light is not quite right (smile). Talk about a handy thing for close work like tying on fishing lures or trying to see my camera settings (in bad light).

The frames (like on this Torero model) are made from lightweight Memory-Flex material, and the polarizing eliminates reflective glare, with 100% UVA protection. Heck, and let me tell you, we've bounced our Ono's around enough, between the Jeep and our boat, to know they are impact resistant and outdoor-abuse friendly.

You're not going to get these on the $20 rack at Wally-World. These are real sunglasses with technology to hold up to the worst outdoor conditions, while providing great eye relief and clear vision. Our Ono's are in the $80 to $140 price range but VERY well worth it. I would not be without mine.
Del

SANTA CRUZ 4WD CLUB SUPPORTS BLUERIBBON

2012-02-15T13:02:00.000-08:00

4x4 Club event raises $1100 for BlueRibbon Coalition Legal Action Fund!

February 09, 2012 9:37 AM

Press Release by Eli Casey, Santa Cruz 4 Wheel Drive Club

Share 15

SANTA CRUZ, CA (February 9, 2012) -- Santa Cruz 4 Wheel Drive Club's annual "Last One Standing" 4x4 competition results in a generous $1100 donation to the BlueRibbon Coalition Legal Action Fund, a national recreation advocacy group.

Last One Standing (LOS) event hosted by Santa Cruz 4 Wheel Drive Club.

READ WHOLE STORY HERE: http://www.sharetrails.org/story/2012/02/09/4x4-club-event-raises-1100-blueribbon-coalition-legal-action-fund

On a sunny and surprisingly warm Saturday in December of 2011, a group of 21 individuals and approximately 75 additional spectators gathered together at Hollister Hills SVRA (State Vehicle Recreation Area) for the 3rd annual Last One Standing (LOS) event hosted by Santa Cruz 4 Wheel Drive Club. The LOS is a competition-style event that pits drivers of modified and stock 4x4 vehicles against each other and the clock to achieve the lowest time in several challenging off-road courses. The event is open to club members and guests and has been one of the favored "runs" of the club's monthly activities for the past 3 years.

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FOUR-WHEELING RED ROCKS OF UTAH

2012-01-27T15:49:00.000-08:00

WINTER ON THE ROCKS LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

Stacie Albright in her 1994 Land Cruiser (80 Series) getting it done on the red rocks of Sand Hollow State Park outside Hurricane, UT for Winter on the Rocks with the Utah folks and Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association.

This annual event is a real kick in the pants, but more importantly really brings awareness to landuse and access. We are proud to be here representing the BlueRibbon Coalition.

More on the TAP Tour Blog at http://www.trailaccesstour.com and go to BLOG.

TAP TOUR II STARTS TODAY

2012-01-24T18:02:00.000-08:00

TRAIL ACCESS PARTNERSHIP TOUR (TAPT) II BEGINS

TAP Tour I included scenic stops like this red rock scene from Logandale, NV from the Hump 'n Bump event.

We set sail today on TAP Tour II headed for our first stop in St. George, UT for the Winter on the Rocks event with some great folks in the Utah four-wheeling community. Keep up with the adventures and trail-saving work at http://www.trailaccesstour.com

SOUNDSCAPES AND MORE WAYS TO CLOSE PUBLIC LANDS

2012-01-22T11:33:00.000-08:00

"SOUNDSCAPES" AND MORE ODDBALL WAYS TO CLOSE AND RESTRICT PUBLIC LANDS.

Is your rig noisy? Does your lawnmower bother your neighbor? Do you snore in camp? Well, if you answered yes to any of these, you may find yourself with new restrictions on your personal freedoms!!

So, OK, I'm being a bit cute here, but the reality is there are new and oddball ways that folks are dreaming up to close us out of public lands.

Here are some explanations and what we can do about it:

http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/soundscapes.html

4-WHEEL & OFF-ROAD AND TAP TOUR

2012-01-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

PETERSEN'S 4-WHEEL & OFF-ROAD KICKS IT FOR LANDUSE AND BLUERIBBON COALITION

Rick Pewe did an awesome write up about BRC and our recentTAP Tour in his March editorial. Lots of“love” for BRC and landuse.

Source Interlink has been supporting landuse for some time and this is another example of going out of the ordinary to help keep our trails open.

Petersen’s 4-Wheel and Off-Road:

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/departments/4xforward/131_1203_march_2012_4xforward_editorial/index.html

Del

PLEDGE FOR LANDUSE RACE-A-THON

2012-01-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

PLEDGE TOWARDS ANY DRIVER IN KING OF THE HAMMERS TO SUPPORT LANDUSE AND JOHNSON VALLEY -- THE HAMMERS

In a couple weeks the famous Race-a-Thon is getting it on again to support landuse at the King of the Hammers race in Johnson Valley. PLEDGE now and towards ANY DRIVER.

Travis Carpenter and the Team 4405 Landuse Buggy are leading the charge, but this year, you can pledge any amount towards any driver.

60% of the donations will go to the Johnson Valley fight (to keep the Marines from taking it over); and 40% to BlueRibbon Coalition, fighting for all trails and all sports. You pick the driver you want to pledge to.

The driver who makes the most in pledges also gets a full feature write up in CRAWL magazine.

It's all to a good cause; and no amount is too small. PLEDGE NOW and make a difference.

thanks, Del

Here are the pledge links and info: Go pledge/donate to land use

Click here to read the 5 W's and make your pledge-
http://www.sharetrails.org/4405

Full thread here-
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1038267

HAMMERTOWN LANDUSE COMPOUND OPEN

2012-01-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

Landuse Compound at KOH

KOH LANDUSE COMPOUND TO BE IN FULL SWING

It is official now....the unofficial landuse at KOH, that is, for 2012.

We will have the "landuse compound" in full swing and invite anyone over that wants to campfire chat about landuse, access, freedom and anything related to that....

We're calling it the Landuse Meet & Greet with BRC and Cal4wheel (if anyone from another group shows up we'll include them as well). But it's just camp fire time, after hours, informal, around the RV's and ice chests.

We'll have folks with us like John Stewart, Woody from IH8MUD.com, Todd Ockert from Cal4 and Access Army/BRC, Mark Cave (Cal4) and others.

We hope to make the "compound" area right near the main entrance to Hammertown. We'll have banners out on the RV's. CB channel 3, and I'll find out what HAM channel as well (before we get there).

OPEN TO ALL. Please come by and visit about saving trails and keeping our sports alive.

Del & Stacie

OPEN TO ALL. Swing by any evening.

TRAIL PAC ROUNDUP THE NUMBERS -- VOTE

2012-01-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

TRAIL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE ROUNDS UP THE VOTING NUMBERS

Dear Trail Voter,

The Trail Political Action Committee is launching its national Trail Voter Roundup – 100 More
to Even the Score campaign today. This effort will run from January 16 through the 20th. TPAC
has a goal this week to get another 100 people to support our effort to elect pro-access candidates to
Congress.

TAP TOUR TO HIT PHOENIX AZ and KOH

2012-01-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

TRAIL ACCESS PARTNERSHIP TOUR (TAPT) II
HEADS TO UTAH, PHOENIX AND KOH

Traveling with the help of Nemesis Industries, T&T Customs and MetalCloak, the TAP Tour II will hit St. George, UT for Winter on the Rocks, then Phoenix, AZ for some landuse endeavors, and on to King of the Hammers.

The idea is to bring together businesses, off-roaders and landuse, all in the spirit of working together to save trails and keep our sports alive.

Winter on the Rocks supports the overall efforts to keep Utah free, open and available to us for responsible recreation under the Utah 4Wheel Drive Association.

We hope you'll find us; hang out; talk landuse; and help us help you keep YOUR trails open.

More on the TAP Tour can be found at:
http://www.trailaccesstour.com

We'll be hitting the road soon!!

Del & Stacie
Team Albright

JOHN STEWART GETS LAW BOOK GIG

2012-01-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC.
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
          Contact: Greg Mumm,BRC Executive Director
          Phone: (208) 244-2112
          Date: January 11, 2012
BRC Board Member and Long-Time Recreation Advocate Pens Article forPrestigious Law Textbook
LAKESIDE, CA (January 11) - John Stewart, BlueRibbon Coalition Board memberand long-time access advocate, has written an article for the Natural ResourcesLaw program at the University of Denver's Sturm College of Law. http://law.du.edu/index.php/enrlp
The article, advocating recreation inclusion in public lands managementpolicy, will appear in the Natural Resources Law 2nd Edition, authored by JanLaitos. The publication is designed for classroom use in U.S. law schoolsacross the country.

Read the whole story here: http://www.sharetrails.org/news/2012/01/11/brc-board-member-and-long-time-recreation-advocate-pens-article-prestigious-law-text

STRATEGIES FOR ACCESS TO BACKCOUNTRY IN 2012

2012-01-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

2012 STRATEGIES TO SAVE ACCESS INCLUDE A NEW LINEUP OF TIPS

While lining up my strategies to strengthen the fight for access in 2012, I see some new "lines" I wanted to share with you.

First of all, in the big picture of things, it still boils down to all of us belonging to those groups we believe in, whether they are perfect or not; join up.

Secondly, in the West, you should follow the progress of the Sage Grouse as it's the new Spotted Owl and sure will impact our recreational access, as well as other uses of the land.

Third, the Forest Planning Rule is still a big one affecting us nationally. Make sure you're on the BlueRibbon Coalition Alert list to keep up with this biggie.

Fourth, the overall strategies for 2012 have a new look, but simliar lineup. Go here for my article on the formula we need to follow to put access Job Number 1.
http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/strategies_war.html

thanks, Del

SAGE GROUSE THREATENS TO CLOSE PUBLIC LANDS

2012-01-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 9, 2012

Sage Grouse - the New Spotted Owl to Close Access?

My landuse partner, Don Amador sent out this quick update today regarding a federal planning effort related to the Sage Grouse. HQ believes it could be the rangeland version of the Northern Spotted Owl controversy that shut down the lumber industry during the Timber Wars (circa 1990-2000).

BRC National Sage Grouse Alert
http://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2012/01/09/blm-and-fs-launch-national-greater-sagegrouse-planning-strategy

Read Don Amador's blog:http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2012/01/hq-western-states-alert-sage-grouse.html

WYO, YELLOWSTONE, OR AND NEW MEXICO IN LANDUSE NEWS

2012-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

OREGON, WYOMING and NEW MEXICO in the LANDUSE NEWS

New Mexico OHV Association has news about Carson National Forest.

Wyoming, Yellowstone Park opens to snowmobiles on a limited basis (but it is open)

Oregon, Baker area and BLM news.

Landuse is starting to hit the headlines again in 2012 with stuff popping up everyday. Stay tuned; stay involved; and stay on the landuse team.

More on all these topics at http://www.sharetrails.org, the home page of BlueRibbon Coalition.

RUBICON TRAIL FOUNDATION SUPPORTS NEW LANDUSE BOOK

2012-01-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

Rubicon Trail Foundation Becomes Premier Advertiser/Sponsor of New Land Use Book

We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) by having them as one of our premier sponsor/advertisers in the landuse and volunteerism book we'll be releasing soon.

RTF knows the new landuse book will be invaluable to helping the effort to keep the Rubicon Trail alive and well for all, while building a stronger volunteer base. With subjects like how to give a speech; how to write a letter; how to lead volunteers; and tons of info on land stewardship, this book will supplement the great job already being done by everyone working on the Rubicon Trail.

According to Scott Johnston, President of RTF, "Del was instrumental in thecreation of RTF and his classes for OHV advocacy got RTF off the ground andrunning!! We could not pass up the opportunity to support this book and itstricks and tips."

RTF is a federally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to this iconic trail we all love. They are all about supporting the Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR) work projects and keeping this trail alive and well into the future.Their Officers and Directors represent a wide variety of Rubicon Trail users and supporters.

We thank the great crew of the Rubicon Trail Foundation for helping to make this new book FREE to off-road enthusiasts.

More on RTF at http://www.rubicontrailfoundation.com

Del & Stacie

ACCESS ARMY TIMES NEWSLETTER FOR JANUARY 2012

2012-01-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

ACCESS ARMY TIMES January 2012

Newsletter of access in the virtual (social internet) world.

By editor, Todd Ockert, with many contributors.

FREE to anyone interested in protecting our motorized and mechanized access to lands and waterways.

JANUARY 2012 edition here: http://www.delalbright.com/Access/AA-Jan-2012-Newsletter.pdf

TOP 10 OHV PREDICTIONS FOR 2012

2012-01-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

"Donstradamus" Don Amador Predicts (for fun) the OHV future for 2012.

Here are the top 10 predictions from noted access advocate, Don Amador. He "sees" the future; gives us the insider insight; and tells it like it might be....some of these crack me up!

A few are likely to be true in my book. Whew...check out his predictions on his blog at:

http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/12/dontradamus-issues-top-ten-ohv.html

Del

LANDUSE VIKING DEBUTS IN COLOR FOR NEW BOOK

2011-12-31T09:35:00.000-08:00

"Brock" the Landuse Viking "shielding public lands from closure" in color!

Ryan Williams of RTW Graphics created our new landuse book character, "Brock" as we sometimes call him. First he was in black and white; but here he is in color. What do you think, is he cool or what?

He will be on our book cover (released March 1st at TDS Desert Safari). But look closely at what he is protecting and how he is doing it. There are a lot of messages here.

Our landuse Viking represents what most organized recreation groups are doing these days, especially national umbrella groups like the BlueRibbon Coalition. Be sure to JOIN as your first step in helping this bad boy do his job. He totally represents what Del & Stacie stand for in their fight as Team Albright.

RESERVE A COPY NOW as supplies of the first run will be limited. The book is FREE because it's supported by advertising businesses. You pay for some shipping and handling, and a signed copy is yours when released.

thanks,

Del & Stacie

CA PARKS OHV MESS HITS SAC BEE BY DON AMADOR

2011-12-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

DON AMADOR CHAMPIONS OHV IN CA FEATURED IN SAC BEE

Governor Brown's firing of Daphne Greene in the State Parks OHV Division is featured by my access partner, Don Amador in the Sacramento Bee. Daphne is a huge example of a GOOD bureaucrat working to help us keep our trails open and setting an example nationwide for other OHV programs.

Don blogs and talks about how all trail decisions are political decisions, and this decision to fire Daphne was totally WRONG. Please read and send a letter in to support getting her BACK in the job.

http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/12/sacbee-op-ed-on-browns-decision-to.html

LANDUSE BOOK WILL HELP STOP ROAD CLOSURES

2011-12-29T11:49:00.000-08:00

NEW LANDUSE AND VOLUNTEERISM BOOK WILL HELP STOP ROAD CLOSURES!

Our new (about to be released) landuse and volunteerism book will help stop road and trail closures. How? This thing will give you everything you need to know, in shortcut style about how to take the steps necessary to ensure a backcountry future and motorized access.

It will guide you and provide tips on things like:

HOW to easily (and safely) give a speech.
WHERE to find the right groups to join and support.
WHEN to get involved and more on how to.
WHAT things the average club can do to save trails.
LETTER writing tips and tricks.
CLUB saving tips and dealing with knuckle heads.
MEETINGS made easy.

and a lot more....all very simply laid out with tips and tricks, bullet points and outlines of the key formulas you can use.

With the support of businesses taking out ad space, we plan to make this book FREE to you. You can reserve a copy now. Official release date is March 1st 2012.

RESERVE now at http://www.delalbright.com/book.html

RESERVE A COPY OF THE NEW LANDUSE BOOK NOW

2011-12-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

New Landuse BOOK from Team Albright -- Taking orders NOW (supplies are limited).
Pay $10.00 for shipping and handling; the book is FREE.

LANDUSE APP QR CODE

2011-12-17T09:08:00.000-08:00

Let's see if this QR works for our new Android App called LANDUSE.

MASTER-PULL PARTNERS WITH TEAM 4405 FOR KOH RACE

2011-12-16T14:26:00.001-08:00

Master-Pull partners with Team 4405 for the 2012King of the Hammers

The Master-Pull 4405 Team will continue to “Racefor Access”

Master-Pull,the leader in synthetic ropes and recovery equipment, has partnered with TravisCarpenter’s 4405 Land-Use Team for the 2012 King of the Hammers. The 2012 Kingof the Hammers will be the third running of the race for Travis Carpenter, whohas qualified through the 2011 Ultra4 series.

Theteam’s mission of “racing for access” will not only continue, but will befurther enhanced by several future projects and campaigns through this newpartnership. One example of this is the upcoming “4405 Master-Pull Race-A-Thon”which will once again be held by the team at the King of the Hammers race. In2012 the 4405 Master-Pull Race-A-Thon will have a focus on saving JohnsonValley and the Hammers trail system.

Accordingto driver Travis Carpenter, “I am very excited to be racing under theMaster-Pull banner. This is not a just sponsorship where we will only berunning Master-Pull stickers on the 4405, this is a true partnership. We willactually be working with Master-Pull to help insure that public lands remainopen to the public. In addition to the 4405 Master-Pull Race-A-Thon, we alsohave another combined project that will be unveiled by the end of theyear.”

AlexRiedo of Master-Pull states, “In that the proper use of recovery equipment onthe trail is essential in minimizing resource damage, the partnership withTravis Carpenter’s 4405 Land-Use Team is a fitting match for Master-Pull.Responsible off-roading is more than just picking up trash on public lands.Reducing your impact on a trail by winching out instead of throttling out canhelp keep trails open and reduce the maintenance costs by public landmanagers.”

Master-Pulldevelops and supplies superior recovery equipment for use in a wide range ofapplications, from recreational off-road to heavy duty military and industrialuse. The ropes used for these applications represent the greatest in syntheticrope technology, which ensures Master-Pull’s products are the mostreliable in the field. These products include synthetic winch lines, kinetictow ropes and recovery kits.

# # #

If you would like more information on thistopic, or to schedule an interview with Kurt Schneider, e-mail Kurt at Kurt@kurtuleas.com

For more information about Master-Pullproducts contact Alex Riedo at 360-714-1313 or e-mail Alex at alex@masterpull.com

CA: LETTERS NEEDED TO SUPPORT DAPHNE GREENE IN OHV

2011-12-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

CA FOLKS PLEASE WRITE A LETTER TODAY AND NEXT WEEK.

Daphne Greene has been one of the best things ever to hit OHV recreation in the State of CA. She is balanced, fair, extremely intelligent and always on the side of responsible recreation.

PLEASE WRITE a letter for her from our letter-generator that makes it easy and gives you the contact address and everything.

HELP DAPHNE NOW!

The Govenor has terminated her appointment as Dep. Director of the OHV Division, CA State Parks as of December 31st. Let's load his office with letters saying NO, don't let her GO! Help Keep Daphne.

WIN-A-JEEP TICKETS IN MAIL NOW

2011-12-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

CALIFORNIA 4WD ASSOC. SWEEPSTAKES JEEP TICKETS

Early Bird deadline December 15

Books of Win-A-Jeep tickets are arriving in mailboxes around the country. All you have to do is fill them out and mail the small stubs back to the office with your check. Remember, the tickets make great stocking stuffers or birthday gifts.
Special bonus!
As an incentive to turn your tickets in, we will automatically enter you in the Early Bird drawing for an awesome ready-to-run RC Jeep. All you have to do is send in your tickets by December 15, 2011.
Remember that all proceeds from the drawing go back to the association so that we can continue our mission to keep trails open. For more information on the Win-A-Jeep program and to order additional tickets, visit this link

JOHSON VALLEY (HAMMERS) LESS ATTRACTIVE TO NEW MARINES?

2011-12-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

POST WAR MARINES MORE "MARINE" FOCUSED AND LESS LAND-BASED?

My access partner, Don Amador ran a blog about the new Marines and how they are more focused on ocean/marine issues in the future. So maybe they will leave Johnson Valley alone because like we've said all along, THEY DON'T NEED IT.

Check out his blog with more links and see how we might be winning this battle here:
http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/

BlueRibbon Christmas Auction Extra Thanks to Sponsors

2011-12-08T05:47:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS AUCTION for TRAILS

I would like to reach out and give an extra tip of my hat to some awesome sponsors of our annual charity Christmas Auction, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help us keep trails open and our backcountry sports alive.

BRC will be doing official thank you's and listings of all our partners, but these folks jumped in big time and deserve just one more thanks. I hope you'll join me and tell them THANK you as well. They are fighting with us for our access.

For Monster Beadlocks

Winch and PullzAll

JK Billy Rockers

TJ Bellyskid

Set of 4 ea BFG KM2's

Ironman Sprocket Sets (several)

Tundra and Tacoma Lift Kits

Several Wheel Spacer Kits

Set of 4 Wild Peak Tires

Frame Built Bumper

Access Army Times Newsletter for December 2011

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to the current (December) issue of the Access Army Times -- our viral, virtual "force" to help fight back to keep our trails open and our sport alive. FREE to join; EASY to help; and EFFECTIVE in helping the overall battles for access.

JOIN here.

READ the Times here (thanks to Todd Ockert our editor and Access Warrior).

SEE the new T&T Customs Jeep Trail Doors that support the Access Army and BlueRibbon Coalition as well. Sweet.

Thanks for your support, Del

Del Albright Goes MOBILE

2011-12-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

DelAlbright.com Goes MOBILE.

Del & Stacie Albright announce new MOBILE site for DelAlbright.com, your one stop research spot for landuse, access, Rubicon Trail, volunteer training and more on saving trails and keeping backcountry sports alive and well.

Whip out your phone and check out http://m.delalbright.com/

This BLOG is still going to be the best place for right now, current, del-a-gram stuff on landuse and access, but the MOBILE site will be easy for folks to remember so they can find essential links and information at your finger tips.

Utah Land Use News and TAP Tour II

2011-12-02T12:29:00.000-08:00

UTAH LANDUSE NEWS AND Winter on the Rocks UPDATE
with TAP Tour II

Brought to you by Del & Stacie Albright, Access Advocates, BlueRibbon Coalition
December 2, 2012

BlueRibbon Coalition will be represented by Del & Stacie Albright at “Winter on the Rocks” (WOTR) put on by the Utah 4x4 Club and Canyon Country 4x4 Club. BRC works closely with these clubs and others, as well as the Utah 4Wheel Drive Association. We are proud and honored to be part of this year’s activities and look forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces. Of course, we are all about saving trails and keeping the sport alive, so if you spend time jaw-jacking with us, you can figure that will be the topic of choice.

WOTR will be the first stop of our Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT) II. TAP Tours are where businesses join us on landuse adventures bringing off-road businesses together with customers, all in the spirit of saving trails and keep backcountry motorsports alive. Please find more on the TAP Tour here at http://www.trailaccesstour.com/.

We want to help raise more raffle prizes for the event so perhaps we can call on you to reach out (again) to any businesses you know of and send them this link and a plea for goodies. We will be doing the same from our end. Sponsor Packages: http://www.winterontherocks.com/?page_id=377

The event made a nice donation to BRC last year as part of our partnership in fighting for all trails in Utah. We hope to make that donation even bigger this year (with your help). THIS is the year to make the fight for Utah even bigger and badder than it’s even been. 2012 is election year and YOU KNOW what that means. We have to make changes at the highest levels in order to keep our freedoms alive and well in the backcountry.

Stacie and I are able to get to WOTR and be BRC this year because of the help of THREE awesome businesses who support us a lot in our landuse fights: T&T Customs, Nemesis Industries and MetalCloak. Please NOTE! These are three businesses with some market share competition for similar products, BUT they set that all aside to support landuse and access. Say thanks when you when you see them.
On the team,
Del & Stacie Albright

Landuse News 11-21-2011 from Team Albright

2011-11-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

New Landuse Stuff, Nov. 21, 2011from Team Albright

1. Recreation News from BlueRibbon Coalition, including a congressional committee on national parks; a bit on President Obama trying to get rid of target shooters on public lands; and the "bug" in South Dakota. Go here for more: http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/recnews/2011/11/17

2. T&T Customs build new Jeep Trail Doors that support BlueRibbon Coalition with 10% of proceeds. Check them out here:

http://www.delalbright.com/Products/products_tnt_doors.html

3. Del Albright endorses the Trail Political Action Committee (TPAC) that will help us through the upcoming elections to get trail-oriented, access-supporting politicians elected, here: http://www.delalbright.com/Access/tpac_albright.html

4. Christmas Charity Auction for Trails -- BlueRibbon Coalition, THE trail saving outfit at the nation level representing all sports and all trails, is taking donations NOW. More here: http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/brc_auction_2011.html

5. New Landuse Book: Shortcuts to Landuse for Beginners by Del & Stacie Albright is about to be published. Business advertising opportunities here:

http://www.delalbright.com/book.html

Off Road Voters Update -- Trail PAC and Dust Issue

2011-11-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

VOTE Smart; VOTE Trails. Here's how.

Dear Trail Voter,

As off-road voters know, it’s both anti-trail politicians and the agency leads they appoint and/or confirm at the

EPA and other cabinet level departments that can impact our recreational access to

public and private lands.

To find out what Newt, Cain and other GOP Prez candidates are saying about this important issue -- go

the TPAC blog for today.

Nov. 18 TPAC Blog on EPA Dust Issue

http://thetrailpac.blogspot.com/2011/11/epa-off-road-dust-issue-at-top-of-gop.html

To Donate online to TPAC go to:

http://www.thetrailpac.com/donate.html

To Donate via snail mail go to the main TPAC website and download the form:

www.thetrailpac.com

To Endorse TPAC send your endorsement to:

info@thetrailpac.com

Thanks for your support!

Don Amador, Founder

The Trail PAC

Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT) Update

2011-11-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

TAP Tour

Be sure to see our latest update on the Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT) here at this link to the blog for the site: http://www.trailaccesstour.com/id3.html

Arizona has some amazing scenery and off-roading.
Del

Landuse News from Team Albright 11-9-11

2011-11-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

This landuse news email comes to you from Del Albright, Recreation Advocate.

1. BLUERIBBON COALITION INVITED TO TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESSIONAL SUBCOMMITTEE

POCATELLO, ID (November 9, 2011)--The BlueRibbon Coalition has been asked to testify before Congress regarding three of the most important issues affecting access and recreation on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Rob Bishop (UT), Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands has requested BRC's Executive Director Greg Mumm to provide testimony on an oversight hearing titled "Forest Service Regulatory Roadblocks to Productive Land Use and Recreation; Proposed Planning Rule, Special-use Permits and Travel Management. The hearing will be held Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Entire press release and more info here: http://www.sharetrails.org/news/2011/11/09/blueribbon-coalition-invited-testify-congressional-subcommittee

2. TRAIL ACCESS PARTNERSHIP TOUR (TAPT) holds workshop in Lake Havasu City, AZ, and get tours of desert trails, after stop over at Hump ‘n Bump event and tours of famous trails in Bullhead City, AZ area. TAPT gets nice donations for BlueRibbon Coalition -- $500 from Total Karnage and $2000 from Sidewinders 4Wheelers event. More here: http://www.trailaccesstour.com/id3.html

3. Yellowstone Park open to snowmobiles this winter thanks to BlueRibbon Coalition and others. More here: http://www.sharetrails.org/issues/yellowstone-update/15020

4. Team Albright new Book to be released March 2012 already getting businesses to advertise in support of getting it published. More here with new graphic from RTW Graphics – shielding our public lands from bureaucratic rain! Go here for more: http://delalbright.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-landuse-book-from-team-albright_03.html

## Del

New Landuse Book from Team Albright Gets RTW Cartoon

2011-11-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

Ryan Williams, of RTW Graphics provided us with OUR representation of what Team Albright and BRC does for landuse -- keeping the bureaucractic rain off our public lands. What do you think of this?
thanks, Del

New Landuse Book from Team Albright

2011-11-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

We have decided it’s time to write a book on landuse – Shortcuts to Landuse for Beginners, or Landuse 101, something to that affect. First draft is close to done. We plan to make it FREE to OHV friendly folks wanting to know more about landuse and access.

It will take 30 years of landuse/access activism and writing (first publication for Del dates back to 1981) and condense it into a short and sweet handbook on saving trails and waterways. The book will include every tip, trick, and tap dance you need to know to help keep our outdoor sports alive and well, including how-to shortcuts on writing letters, dealing with bureaucracy, public speaking, running meetings, keeping a club healthy, knowing what organizations to join and support, care and feeding of volunteers, leadership in the off-road world, sharing trails, a little bit on NEPA and politicians, event organization, and tons of other little tricks.

We are working with Ryan Williams of RTW Graphics in Sacramento, CA (Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/RTW-Graphics/106682312735907#!/pages/RTW-Graphics/106682312735907?sk=info) to create a unique cartoon representation of “keeping the bureaucratic rain off our public lands,” which will be the book’s motto. Ryan is amazing. Wait until you see what’s he’s got in store.

We are going to make ad space available to businesses (to help support the cause and book publication). Many off-road businesses have already expressed an interest in supporting the book.

Hopefully, this handbook will end up being only about 40 – 50 pages, providing just the meat of landuse topics, with links and references for further research and reading. Bullet points are used a lot, as are outline lists of the key solutions to keeping public lands open. Stay tuned for the release hopefully before TDS Desert Safari 2012 (March).

Nemesis and Burnsville Partner with Team Albright

2011-11-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Burnsville Off Road (where Hemi's rule) and Nemesis Industries (where you get what you deserve) partnered up with Team Albright today, to work together to save trails and keep off-road sports alive. Both businesses are now the elite Premier Partners of Del & Stacie Albright.

They headline Team Albright, that includes T&T Customs of Cheyenne, WY, the suspension build sponsors of "Red" the Land Use War Machine. According to Del, "Without these business partners who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, we would not be able to do what we do, fighting for access, saving trails, and helping folks keep the sport alive."

NAMRC Supports CAMRC to Save Johnson Valley, CA

2011-11-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

SAVE JOHNSON VALLEY and the HAMMERS

October 31^st, yesterday, the North American Recreation Council, NAMRC, in Las Vegas, NV in conjunction with SEMA, made Johnson Valley and the Hammers a top priority action item. NAMRC will basically follow the lead of CAMRC (the Calif. Motorized Recreation Council), and provide national support of JV efforts. Whatever letter-writing, donations and action items that CAMRC puts together for a Strategic Plan, NAMRC will follow suite and jump in with national organizational support to fight for Johnson Valley. This is SWEET news to those who love this unique place – and ask that the Marines go someplace else for whatever training needs they might have.

More on NAMRC on Cal4wheel’s website here: http://www.namrc.com

More on the “Hammers” and the Hammerdown email list at http://www.savethehammers.com

(NAMRC is hosted by SEMA every year; facilitator provided by BlueRibbon Coalition)

T&T Customs Kicks Down the Doors for BlueRibbon

2011-10-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

Totally awesome Jeep Doors from T&T Customs with 10% going to BlueRibbon Coalition. Sweet.
Here is the pic and ad campaign that we're doing together. So get 'em; share 'em; show 'em. Help us help TnT continue to save trails with us.

The "Access Army" is a virtual force of many folks, organizations, individuals, web forum heroes and anyone who wants to help save trails and keep off-road sports alive. The Access Army supports BlueRibbon Coalition and any OHV organization needing our forces!

T&T Customs is rocking the doors off for landuse and access. They are also are principle Jeep builders for our new Rock-Tek Suspension system. Wow, how SWEET it is!

T&T, the Access Army, BlueRibbon Coalition, and Del-Stacie are about FREEDOM and partriotism. Thanks to all who help.

And don't forget, T&T and many other great businesses are with us RIGHT NOW on our TAP Tour. Check out: http://www.trailaccesstour.com/id3.html
To follow us along.

Visit, buy and thank T&T Customs right here at http://www.tntcustoms.com
Del

Leadership in OHV Organizations, Article

2011-10-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

This may very well be the most important column I’ve ever written. It’s about leadership; it's about our future.

We have a lot of great leaders in recreation, but we have no single source, unified leadership to guide us to the future. We do not give our allegience to any one group or organization. Read here to find out why, and what we can do about it.

Many years ago, a colleague of mine, Norm Lenhart of Off-Road.com at the time, talked about what he perceived as a lack of unified leadership in our OHV communities. Norm, as usual, made some great points. He felt we needed a national leadership with a guiding figure – much like the role Charleston Heston served for the NRA.

Can we have a guiding organization? Do we have one? Can we all follow the same "goose?" Read/download the whole article here at http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/leadership.htm

Del

Christmas Auction for BlueRibbon Coalition Announced

2011-10-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC.
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Del Albright, BRC Ambassador
Phone: (209) 304-7693
Email: brdel@sharetrails.org
Date: October, 12, 2011

RACELINE WHEELS AND WARN LAUNCH CHRISTMAS AUCTION FOR BLUERIBBON COALITION

POCATELLO, ID (October 12, 2011) -- BlueRibbon Coalition is excited to announce our third annual Christmas Auction to save trails and keep public lands FOR the public instead of FROM the public. The eBay bidding will start December 1st, 2011.

BRC Auctioneer Del Albright said, "I'm stoked; this auction is kickin' it for public lands and waterways. Businesses from all over have donated products and goodies to make this year's auction a record-breaker."

Raceline Wheels and WARN Industries started off filling the virtual storeroom shelves already. Get ready to see Raceline Monster Diamond Beadlocks and a WARN winch to start with. More partner-contributing businesses will include a long list of recognizable names. Stay tuned.

BRC lists hundreds of items on eBay (as donated by supporting businesses) with all proceeds benefiting their national efforts to save trails and riding areas for our continued access.

"Thanks to the vendor donations, not only is each winning bidder getting some awesome product, they are also contributing to our winning team," said Greg Mumm, Executive Director of BRC. "This annual eBay auction significantly beefs up our ability to fight back," Greg added.

More on BlueRibbon Coalition here.

Team Degenerates Win Team Challenge at Off Road Expo

2011-10-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday Oct. 9th at the Pomona Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo, the Team Degenerates won the title, took first place, and walked away with awesome prizes at the Team Challenge for Best Prepared Trail Rig.

(photos by Steve Egbert)

Raceline Wheels donated the polished trophies and kicked in first place prize with a set of Allied Rock-A-Thon Steel Beadlocks.

John Stewart, Cal4 Natural Resources Consultant and owner of http://www.4x4wire.com/ served as my Chief Judge. Stacie Albright performed as reining champion team judge -- the Team Degenerates judge (again).

Greg Mulkey mc'd with me and was our host Sponsor, Raceline Wheels, for the Challenge for the third time.

The three teams this year were Team Degenerates (1st place): Team MetalCloak JK Adventure (2nd place); and Team Poly Performance (3rd place).

The Team Challenge is like a scavenger hunt on the rigs to see who can find a trail item the fastest and get it to the judge first. Sponsors included:

Title Sponsor: Raceline Wheels

Product and Gift Certificate Sponsors: Trail-Gear; MetalCloak; Tuffy Security Products; BDS Suspensions; Inner Air Locks; Dirt Tricks (Ironman Sprockets); Bushwacker; and Trasharoo.

Crowd Pleaser Goodies: sPOD, SpiderTrax; Trail-Gear; Off Road Evolution; Wheelers for Warriors; Torq Development (Super 14); ToyTec; and OutbackUSA.

Thanks to all the teams, judges and sponsors for a great time and a fun contest -- all about landuse, saving trails and making it fun in the process.
Del

TAP Tour (TAPT) Update September 25

2011-09-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

AZ and NV Clubs and Friends,

Update on the Del & Stacie Albright Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT) to Southern AZ/NV in November.

JOIN US for the fun, the adventure and the landuse!

Our TAP Tour will take us from SEMA to Hump ‘n Bump in Logandale, NV, to Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City, AZ, then to Parker AZ for Desert Splash with the Parker 4Wheelers. PLEASE consider this an open invitation to join us physically or virtually. We’ll be blogging and posting up on Facebook and blogs our entire Tour, website here at http://www.trailaccesstour.com/

Rick Pewe from Petersen’s 4Wheel & Offroad will joining us on the Tour and covering the adventure. We are teasing Rick that this might be the Ultimate Adventure of Landuse. (smile). Denis Snow of Off Road Adventures (ORA) Magazine will also cover the story. ORA as you know is the magazine of 4Wheel Parts. Both these editors/publications are huge supporters of landuse and keeping our outdoor sports alive.

We will have some awesome business partners joining us along the way, and at the organized events: T&T Customs; Nemesis Industries; Trail-Gear; Daystar; Olympic4x4 Products; Raceline Wheels; GenRight Off Road; Dave’s Customs Unlimited; and others…

Our first real stop is to cruise SEMA most all week, the hit Hump ‘n Bump with the Vegas Valley 4Wheelers on Thursday night, to run their organized trails Friday and Saturday.

Sunday we will mosey down to Bullhead City, AZ, to stay a couple nights in the Mojave County Parks Davis Camp RV Park (hopefully space C2). Sunday and Monday nights are “open campfire” time where we can hook up, talk landuse, talk about saving your trails, learning more about AZ issues, whatever comes to mind. We are YOUR BlueRibbon Coalition reps, so bring us the “news” good and bad. Let’s work together to see what BRC can do more for you. We will be doing some local area sight-seeing and area orientation as well.

Tuesday afternoon we’ll pull into Lake Havasu City, AZ (looking for an RV park for the night) and have another “open campfire” where ever we are. Wednesday we’d like to spend time with local clubs and folks who can get away from work to tell us about the area and what BlueRibbon Coalition can do to keep this awesome area open.

Wednesday night we’ll pull into the La Paz County Park in Parker, AZ to prep and get ready for the Desert Splash with the Parker 4Wheelers the rest of the weekend.

At both Hump ‘n Bump and Desert Splash we will have a BRC booth, so please join us at these great events and support the clubs, as well as BRC.

Hump n’ Bump Registration and Information: http://www.vv4w.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=3&Itemid=4

Desert Splash Registration and Information: http://parker4wheelers.tripod.com/desertsplash.html

After Desert Splash, we will work our way home!

TO FOLLOW ON BLOGS: visit Del’s Blog at http://delalbright.blogspot.com

Stacie’s Blog: http://staciealbright.blogspot.com

Please email if you have any questions or suggestions. This will be epic!

Del & Stacie

www.delalbright.com

Wheelers for the Wounded on the Rubicon Trail with MetalCloak

2011-09-22T20:31:00.001-07:00

MetalCloak is a super sponsor of the Wheelers for the Wounded on the Rubicon Trail. Check out this clip with Del Albright and Matson Breakey (MetalCloak).

Article on Tips for Using CB Radios

2011-09-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Landuse and access article for your use in motorized recreation friendly publications, newsletters and websites:

The Secrets of Successful CB Communications, by Del & Stacie Albright

Making Memories Instead of Headaches.

Many of us use CB’s to conduct our events and convoys in the off-road world. And I think it’s safe to say that Stacie and I probably attend as many events as anyone in our motorized world. But for sure I can tell you that CB communication is probably the most ignored and ill-tended part of any convoy or event out there!

We’ve had more bad than good experiences with CB’s. However there are some secrets and tips that will help you be the best you can be on the CB. Get the entire article and learn how to make CB’s a better part of our off-road life here: http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/cb_radio.html in either Adobe or WORD.

Del

Enter Now for Pomona Off-Road Expo

2011-09-20T18:35:00.001-07:00

Enter for FREE and win stuff! At the Pomona Off-Road Expo, Del & Stacie Albright will be hosting a fun contest open to the public called the Team Challenge; Best Prepared Trail Rig. Grad some buds, bring a rig, and ENTER to win. It’s on Sunday October 9^th in the Lucas Oil driving area.

You’ll be famous!

Teams of up to four (4) folks can enter with a 4x4 or ATV/UTV. No driving required. It’s like a scavenger hunt on the rig for trail stuff. Several businesses are kicking in some sweet prizes for the winners, including custom trophies made by Raceline Wheels. We’re hoping to get at least seven (7) teams to enter and have fun.

Here is the link to enter:

http://www.sharetrails.org/off-road-expo/

Here is a link to a video of what it looks like (Reno Stampede Team Challenge):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTcgJkG2R-U

Del & Stacie

Team Challenge Video from Reno Stampede

2011-09-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

This video shows you what a BlueRibbon Coalition Team Challenge, Best Prepared Trail Rig, looks like. This is the one we just did at the Torchmate Ultra4 Reno Stampede with Raceline Wheels and OutbackUSA.com stepping up as our prmiary sponsors.

The next Team Challenge is at the Lucas Oil Pomona Off-Road Expo October 9th (Sunday) at 11am. 7 teams will get to compete. Entry form here: http://www.sharetrails.org/off-road-expo/
Del

Pomona Expo Announces BlueRibbon Coalition as Official Charity for 2011

2011-09-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD and HELP SAVE TRAILS

The 2011 Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo at Pomona has announced BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) as their official 2011 charity of choice. BRC’s grassroots mission of saving trails will be featured at Expo. Additionally Stacie and I will be hosting a Team Challenge at Expo for the first time – another Best Prepared Trail Rig fun contest in front of a live audience.

You can help us raise funds for trails very easily: Please tell your friends to buy advance tickets for the Pomona Expo using the online code BRC2011. Advance Purchase Tickets are also cheaper than buying at the gate. For every advance purchase ticket sold, $1.00 will go to BlueRibbon Coalition. Folks can buy tickets (and support BRC) right here: http://www.offroadexpo.com/page/tickets

The coupon code BRC2011 (all caps; all one word) is entered right at check out when buying tickets.

TEAM CHALLENGE: We are hoping to get 7 teams competing at Expo in the challenge. The application to get in the game is here: http://www.sharetrails.org/off-road-expo/

Thanks for your help,

Del

Del Albright, BlueRibbon Coalition Ambassador

PS. This week is Reno Ultra4 Stampede and yes, Friday night the 9^th, another Team Challenge at the Grand Sierra Resort, hosted in part by our Bronze Sponsor, OutbackUSA (http://www.outbackusa.com/). We are still looking for teams to compete if you know someone… J

Land Use Land Cruiser and Stacie Albright on the Rocks

2011-09-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

"Elsie" the Land Use Land Cruiser hits the rocks testing out the new Trail-Gear bumpers and sliders, the Old Man Emu 2.5 inch tuned suspension and Warn winch on Goodyear MTR's. This is the Pardoe/Emgirant Trail up Highway 88 of N. CA.

New Website for Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT)

2011-08-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

Just launched today! New website for Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT), coming to Southern CA, NV and AZ this Fall to kick things off. Follow (literally or virtually) Del & Stacie Albright journey in convoys to help you save your trails.

It's all about freeom and access to our lands and waters. The entire tour will be devoted to keeping trails open, providing landuse help, offering campfire seminars and fun workshops, viewing awesome wheeling trails, and attending three big events to promote responsible recreation.

Events will be the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV, then Hump 'n Bump in Logandale, NV, then Desert Splash in Parker, AZ.

Check it out at http://www.trailaccesstour.com/

Poison Spyder and Rikki Rockett Drum Set Landuse Raffle

2011-08-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Get your tickets now to support charity and possibly win a Rikki Rockett Poison Spyder Drum Set, handmade and totally custom. Proceeds will go to BlueRibbon Coalition, Fast-Aid and Wounded Warriors. It don't get no better than that!!!

Get tickets at $5.00 each here: http://shop.poisonspyder.com/Rockett-Drun-Works-Raffle-Ticket-p/drumtix.htm

Poison Spyder is building Rikki a Rubicon JK custom, while the drum set is being offered as a Poison Spyder custom set to support these important charities. Check it out; support the cause; and buy some tickets.

Thanks, Del

Summer Land Use Trip Wrap Up

2011-08-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Our Summer Land Use Trip has come to a close after three weeks and nearly 3000 miles of travel in the motorhome towing the Jeep/trailer. We spoke to hordes of folks about saving trails and keeping our off-road sports alive, while having a bit of fun as well.

Covering parts of CA, NV, UT, WY, CO and AZ, we saw a lot of country, met with several clubs and off-roaders, gave 10-year old Jessica a ton of new experiences, and really relished the freedom that our forefathers and veterans have given us.

From beaver ponds to snow-capped mountains to high desert sage fields to the Colorado Rockies, it was a journey never to be forgotten.

We spent a week with our friends and partners at T&T Customs in Cheyenne, WY, getting our new Rock-Tek suspension, and then wheeled Salida, CO area with the All 4 Fun Event. Sweet!!!

Stay tuned for the next landuse and trail access adventure this Fall with our Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT), covering three events doing landuse work and helping clubs and groups save their trails.

Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT) Open to Public

2011-08-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

Landuse Fun Tour Open to Public -- join Del & Stacie on a wheeling adventure in November!!!

BlueRibbon Coalition fun convoy tour starting at SEMA, going to Hump n Bump in Logandale, NV, then Parker, AZ for Desert Splash! Jump in for all or part of the tour. Additional wheeling stops may be included as we continue to plan the Tour.

Support landuse; have fun; hang with the big boys like Nemesis Industries, T&T Customs, Daystar and other partner businesses. Campfire stories will be unequalled!

Nothing too structured; just fun tagging along with each other and special invites to dinners, meetings, special wheeling trails and more. All we ask is that you support landuse and responsible trail access to be part of our Tour.

RSVP to me or on Facebook even if you only want to keep up with the fun and plans.

Facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=212605708789258

Come along; join the fun.

Del

Jeep Rebuild 8-7-11 Field Testing

2011-08-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Red, the Land Use War Machine is a whole new rig now. The T&T Customs Rock-Tek suspension is truly amazing and works like a dream. Both on and off-road, this engineered system is a "Cadillac" ride and performance. We found ourselves cruising through obstacles with ease and finesse. On the last day of All 4 Fun in Salida, CO where we were doing the testing, we broke a 10 year old axle in the Ford 9. But it was field fixed and we made it back to camp.

The T&T shows itself on this rock with the cab still fairly level (considering). The JKS Switch Blade Sway Bar System is working great and is so simple to use.

The PSC hydraulic assist works so much better now with this T&T High Steer set up (one ton gear). The BFG's are grabbing and working great like always.

Note the WJ (Grand Cherokee) knuckles that provide the foundation for the high steer setup.

We were also very pleased with our new emulsion Fox Racing Shox. They worked amazingly well, especially coupled with the Old Man Emu (OME) coils and T&T suspension. We felt a whole new ride and feel, let alone awesome handling.

Drivers meetings and trail updates were frequent on most All 4 Fun trails, and proved very valuable to knowing more about the trail and the history of the area. Here we are on the Chinaman Gulch trail near Carnage Canyon intersection. Carnage lives up to its name and we opted to avoid that one.

This gives a view (top down) of Carnage Canyon. It's hard to see but the drop off in the middle of the trail is pretty much a winch-up obstacle that is nothing less than gnarly!!!!

These trails are about 8000 elevation so the scenery is more high desert type.

The soil here is best described as slippery (greasy?). When you put it on big rocks, you get a ride you'll never forget.

Bob Levenhagen of T&T Customs poses for a good camera shot at the top of Carnage Canyon. All in all, it was a great trail test day on Chinaman Gulch.

Then it happened.....

I got on a rock pile, not pushing it or getting crazy, when the 10-year old axle in the Ford 9 gave up and snapped off at the hub/flange. Ouch. It was described by fellow wheelers as an epic break.

Tyler Schleppy of 4x4Offroad and Used Parts performed magic and created the right length of splines on a spare axle he happen to have along in his XJ, using our Warn PowerPlant winch/air compressor and a cut-off tool. Will Carter looks on and helps. All hands chipped in to make sure "Red" got back to camp.

We had to press on the new bearings (that Tyler also happened to have) with a pipe and "armstrong" work. We did it. It worked.

Then, before we could get all the way down off the mountain and back to camp, Chris Lowrey broke both spring hangers on his rig and we had to use "Red" and his Premier Power Welder to rescue him as well.

Will Carter provided a spare tire that fit the new bolt pattern of the loaner axle from Tyler. Well, ok, it's several sizes to small compared to the 37 inch BFG's up front; but hey, it worked and I nursed it back to safety and camp. Thanks to all who helped, including our T&T friends, Tyler, Will, Mike Paris in his '73 Bronco that ensured we all made it to camp, Melody Mesmer our trail boss, and the rest of our trail crew on Chinaman Gulch. You all ROCK.
Del

Jeep Rebuild Final 7-31-11

2011-07-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

The Jeep is done and the rebuild is complete. Here are some final notes from our tremendous experience with T&T Customs:

Here is the Jeep on the trailer, with the final buildup ready to roll. It's on our trailer and ready to head out to All 4 Fun in CO. Notice the High Clearance Y-Link Radius arms. Not in the pic are the Dual-triangulated 4-Link rear arms. This system is tight, rad, and you name it. :)

Bob and Mary Levenhagen own and operate T&T Customs in Cheyenne, WY. Great folks; awesome products; and total commitment to off-roading....that's what you get with T&T Customs. Learn more at http://www.tntcustoms.com/

Jeep Rebuild Update 7-30-11

2011-07-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

From underneath, rear looking forward, you can see the dual-triangulated 4-link system going in. This eliminates rear "crabbing" when in a bind and gives maximum performance. It's also ruggedly built, I can assure you.

We've also got the JKS Manufacturing Switch Blade Sway System installed and working. Wow, can't wait to try this out with like 5 positions of sway (or no sway). Simple to use as well.

T&T Customs notched the frame for the rear shock giving a new installation position for the Fox Racing Shox to ride. Notice the coil relocator kit from T&T as well. Red will be an incredible machine soon!
More on T&T right here: http://www.tntcustoms.com/

Check out their Y-Link High Clearance Radius Arms (JK, TJ, LJ, XJ, MJ, ZJ and YJ) also. That's what is riding on Red now.

Jeep Rebuild Update 7-29-11

2011-07-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

T&T Customs has been working day and night to get this custom build wrapped up and trail ready. We've made several mods all at once, so this is a bigger project than normal. But WOW, check this out and see where we are with the Land Use War Machine:

Dialing in the high steer is fairly easy with the pre-fab (slightly modified) truss and brackets fromT&T Customs. Notice the PSC hydraulic assist steering custom mount on the tie rod. This T&T clamp will hold the ram tight to the tie rod, but also allow the toe-in to be adjusted down the road if needed.

Getting the coils, shocks and high steer adjusted just right takes several ups and downs on the lift to ensure everything clears and performs as expected. While nice to have, the lift is not mandatory to do this install. When we worked the system up and down, it blew me away to see how much droop and articulation I now have on Red. Dude, I can't wait to wheel this!!!

This is a newer style Fox Shox that we are installing on Red, and I'm liking them already. Stacie says they're "sexy" too. Performance should be incredible when matched up to a Rock Tek system like this.

The new WJ (Grand Cherokee) rotors, calipers and knuckles will make a tremendous difference in stopping power, while allowing for an awesome High Steer set up. Beefy....

The Rock Tek Long Arm getting some fine tuning as we go along. We still have some painting to do as well, but that can wait until everything is fitted and ready.

My Currie Ford 9 (old school) is a tight fit for no matter what suspension Red carries, but the Rock Tek truss is going to fit just right. Several articulations on the lift will make sure everything clears.

I am really getting excited now to get Red back on the trail and get some wheeling in. I am impressed with every component of this install: T&T Customs, ARB/Old Man Emu, Fox Shox, and JKS Manufacturing (still to come in the install). I'd also like to thank J&W Auto Wreckers for the knuckles and brake parts.

Saving Trails Together

Reno Stampede Best Prepared Trail Rig Team Challenge 2011

2011-07-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

It's AWN! Friday night September 9th in Reno, NV, at the Ultra4 Reno Stampede...

THE BEST PREPARED TRAIL RIG TEAM CHALLENGE!!!

Tons of the prizes for the contestestants! All done in fun and for landuse! Anyone can enter! Audience cheering (and hissing) likely! Teams will be famous!

We are still looking for a TITLE SPONSOR, but as of right now, the Team Challenge looks like this:

This is like a scavenger hunt on your rig, with a team of UP TO four (4) folks.

Any 4x4 rig set up for trail rides may enter (including UTV's). Does not have to be street legal.

We are asking for a small donation/entry fee of $20 per person ($80 per team), with the donation going to BlueRibbon Coalition.

First Team Challenge we had 5 teams; second Team Challenge we had 7 teams. Who knows how many this time?? :) ENTER and take a shot.

Magazines and TV coverage likely.

Hot chicks for judges!!!

RUMOR has it that past Team Challenge champions are returning to DEFEND their titles!!!

Hosted by Del & Stacie Albright of the BlueRibbon Coalition.

All items must be located in or on the vehicle. Teams must find the requested item QUICKLY and dash to the assigned judge, in front of a live and verbal audience! Fastest team with item to judge, wins that item. Team with most items WINS the competition. First two winning teams get fancy-beautiful trohpies made by Raceline Wheels.

TONS of prizes will be awarded teams; all teams will win something from our supporting businesses. Audience will get rewarded as well with freebies and fun goodies.

A landuse extra raffle is possible as well, with donated prizes from businesses.

To ENTER: send an email to Del Albright at del@delalbright.com with the following information:

NAME OF TEAM: (make one up)
TEAM MEMBERS: (the names you have so far; up to four)
RIG: (short description, make, type, year; does not have to be street legal)
TEAM MEMBER LANDUSE INVOLVEMENT: (club and group memberships; work days; volunteer stuff)
IS THIS YOUR FIRST TEAM CHALLENGE? (what other comps like this have you done before?)
NOTES: (anything else you'd like to add).

There you have it...
thanks, Del

About Axle Trusses, Interview with T&T Customs Bob Levenhagen

2011-07-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

Bob from T&T explains how trusses work and what they will do for Jeep Albright in continuing the fight to save trails (with a macho off road machine).

The Story of T&T Customs, Cheyenne, WY

2011-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Bob and Mary started T&T Customs after Bob retired from the Air Force. A "fixit" kinda guy, who grew up working on stuff and making do with common sense and the school of hard knocks, Bob has an "eye" for creating mechanical marvels that work right!!! Here is Stacie interviewing Mary about the business:

For more pleas

Jeep Rebuild Video (from the start)

2011-07-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

T&T Customs first round of live video on the Jeep Albright rebuild. See it here:

Summer Land Use Trip More T&T Updates

2011-07-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

The first fitting of the belly pan bracket with the Atlas back in (re-clocked).

Axle truss getting fitted. Can you believe the rugged construction and well-thought out engineering.

Go Equipped fits this outfit. My junk will be ready and equipped like never before.

Another look at the truss as we add to it, installing brackets, coil pads, and more. SWEET. T&T Customs knows what they are doing! I can't wait to wheel this baby.

More on T&T here: http://www.tntcustoms.com/

Best Prepared Trail Rig Team Challenge Update 7/25/11

2011-07-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

First up to donate to our Team Challenge (in September in Reno, NV) is Raceline Wheels, Allied. Not only are they donating a set of steel wheels, but also making our trophies for the top teams. Raceline has always supported landuse and trail access. They are also a personal sponsor of ours and a big supporter of BlueRibbon Coalition and many events that support landuse. Learn more and say hi at http://www.racelinewheels.com/

MetalCloak is giving a handful of Gift Certificates for their awesome products. Team participants will all win something and these gift certificates can apply to a variety of goodies. Another of our personal sponsors and big supporters of landuse, MetalCloak is on the team, for sure. Their frame built bumper is riding on our Jeep right now! We love it. Thanks MetalCloak for being in the game helping us to save trails and keep our sport alive.

F-O-A Shocks jumped right in with a Gift Certificate to help the participants walk away with something cool. Thank you, FOA, we appreciate your support. Check out their off-road shock technology at http://www.f-o-a.com/

Always good about helping us save trails, Premier Power Welder and Pull Pal are donating a Gift Certificate as well. Our Premier Power Welder has rescued a lot of wheelers, including us on famous trails like the Rubicon and Moab. Thank you again. Visit these landuse supporters at http://www.premierpowerwelder.com/

thanks to all who are supporting our Team Challenge for landuse. Drop me a note to apply to compete as a team or to donate. Thanks , Del

Reflecting on Our Changing Off-Road Sports

2011-07-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Reflecting on our Changing Sport. As I sit in Wyoming, hunkered up in our motorhome struggling to get a good WiFi connection, I find myself reflecting on our off-road sports and how they are changing -- evolving. Everything has to change, right? So it is with our sports. The picture here shows "Red" a few years ago on the Rubicon Trail -- about two rebuilds back it seems. Rock crawling competitions like Cal-Neva and W.E. Rock give us new innvovative modifications we can all use. Tire size changes more than, well, ok..my socks! "Red" started on 33's and now rides on 37's. Recently we saw Top Truck Challenge (TTC) where 54's were the tire of choice. Motors are trendy too. Name me a JK owner that does not want a Hemi??? :) So what does all this mean? Is it just change? Is it good or bad? What do we do about it?

I think it's just a normal part of any sport. It's going to change. Our Jeep is changing (again). Many of you are doing mods and improving the performance of your rig -- which probably was pretty good to begin with. But that's ok. The KEY thing is that we embrace all aspects of our sports -- and the machines that take us there. We learn and help each other do our sport responsibly. We stay on the trails. We pack it out. We teach our kids the right thing to do. My reflection tells me to not fight the change; but to embrace it and make it work for a positive future in off-road sports. I hope you'll join me.

For more on how to get involved in saving our sport and making sure we have a viable future, try this link from my website: http://www.delalbright.com/index2.html

And let's not forget to do the BASIC first step -- JOIN BlueRibbon Coalition and all those groups that make sense to you. BRC website at http://www.sharetrails.org/

Thanks...

Del

Summer Land Use Trip, Jeep Upgrades

2011-07-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

We are at "ugly" in our Jeep rebuild. Parts are everywhere. The whole underbelly has been removed. Old long arm kit: gone. Old belly pan; gone. Old skid plates; gone. Old shocks; gone. Old brackets; gone. YIKES.

T&T Customs has removed all the old parts, even the Atlas (that appears to have been clocked wrong). Everything is being shaved and made ready for a clean install of new parts.

Mike, the magician mechanic, is making sure we've got everything lined up to do the best possible install ever. T&T takes serious pride in "doing it right." I can now attest to that. They do not let anything past them -- even the small stuff. Do it right is engraved into their foreheads. :)

Here the T&T owner, Bob Levenhagen is performing some welds that would impress the best stick man. Can't wait to see these axle trusses on my Ford 9 in the rear and Dana 44 up front.

Here's another shot of the "ugly" that we will now call BEFORE. Just wait a day or so until we have the AFTER pics.

Parts hanging....even little things are being tended to, making sure the fit is right and the install is tight. Wow, I'm impressed. This is an amazing operation; very professional and very strict in attention to detail.

Summer Land Use Trip Day 6, T&T Customs

2011-07-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Getting a tour of T&T Customs, Cheyenne, WY, where the Jeep is going to undergo major changes in the engineering and ride.

The "boys" in the welding/fab side of things give Stacie the tour.

Mike, the mechanic magician, shows some T&T work being done on another rig in the shop. T&T suspension components are well-engineered and quality controlled. This takes you jeep to another level where you can brag that you "Go Equipped."

the in-shop powder coating is a system that recycles the coating and really gets the parts protected.

Can't help but have a little fun with the machines in the shop. Everywhere we looked, it was apparent the T&T folks are professional and caring about the products they make and install.

More on T&T Customs at http://www.tntcustoms.com/

Summer Land Use Trip Day 5, Wyoming

2011-07-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Wyoming takes pride in its wildlife. Here we are viewing a habitat area from a Rest Stop along I-80. Stac is working the spotting scope, looking for antelope and deer.

We saw a ton of antelope alongside the freeway all day today. Some with big horns too!!!

Can't say the whole drive across the bottom of Wyoming is one of our favorites, but we sure did enjoy the critters. AND we had very little wind.

Considering the winds sometime blow pretty regularly at 70MPH in this stretch of road....yikes.

This is the view we were enjoying from the Rest Stop.

The other thing we saw were miles of snow drift fences right along I-80. Found out these things also help keep patches of grass exposed for the winter herds of elk in the area so they have a source of browse. Cool.

Del

Summer Land Use Trip Day 4, Utah

2011-07-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

No stop in Salt Lake City, UT is complete without a visit to Temple Square. We wanted to make sure Jessica got to see this unique part of our country's history, as well as the beautiful architecture. It's impressive up close and personal. SLC is a very clean town as well....nice people everywhere.

The campground even had a free guided shuttle over the the Square and plenty of volunteers are there to give you a tour and more on the LDS religion.

This momument to "seagulls" is about the most unique I've ever seen. In fact, I know of no other to a bird. When the Mormon settlers were about to get wiped out by bugs (Mormon Crickets), they prayed for relief and bingo. The gulls swooped in by the millions and ate the crickets, thus saving the crops and the settlers.

Of course, the Great Salt Lake, like other inland salt lakes, attracts gulls and birds of all kinds during their migrations. So toss in a few bazillion crickets, and I suspect these seagulls were packing some heavy bellies.

Temple Square is well tended and manicured. The landscaping is colorful and beaufitul, with a large variety of flowers and shrubs.

As a musician, I must say this pipe organ was mind-boggling just to stand near it. Marvelous piece of history that is still in use.

Next stop is Cheyenne, WY for our Jeep rebuild at T&T Customs. Here we come.

Del

Summer Land Use Trip Day 3, Utah

2011-07-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of our Summer Land Use Trip started off with memories still hanging on of Lamoille Canyon. Stacie got this beaver pond shot (which is up in the Ruby Mountains not far from Elko, NV). What a great place. We love the outback of Nevada and the many sights you can see with just a little exploring.

Elko, NV has one of the coolest museums full of natural and cultural history. It's always worth a stop, especially for young eyes and ears. Learning is always a part of our travels -- for all of us. Get this, they found the bones of a Mastadon right outside town, not that long ago (the find). He's been dead for 2 millions years. Wow.

It the 1920's there was a cow thief around Elko County (Crazy Tex) that made up and used "cow shoes" to disguise his cattle rustling habit. They never saw human foot prints after many rustlings over the years. No one could figure it out. He acquired quite a few steak dinners before ever getting caught. Oh yea, they finally got him and he did a little time. But everyone thought he was pretty inventive. He was later shotgunned to death when he was in the 70's by a fueding neighbor.

We are going to do some sightseeing around Salt Lake City next. Utah is one of our favorite states.

Summer Land Use Trip Day 1 and 2

2011-07-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Summer Land Use Trip Days 1 and 2

Our travels in the motorhome towing the jeep in the name of landuse and BlueRibbon Coalition include a little fun time and adventuring with our daughter, Jessica. We're headed to Wyoming and Colorado.

My latest BlueRibbon shirt includes our newest sponsors, T&T Customs from Cheyenne, WY who are rebuilding the Jeep Albright, bottom up, new suspension system and tons of work. And Magnum Ink who helped put the shirts together. We are really pleased to be displaying a new T&T Customs Rock Tek suspenion when we get to CO for All 4 Fun with the Mile Hi Jeep Club.

On the road trip we try to get a walk in every day and here we are with a road workout as our shadows tag along in the sage brush nearby.

Outside Elko, NV is Lamoille Canyon -- one of the most spectacular treasures in NV (in our thinking). We also stopped in downtown Elko to show Jessica the world's largest Polar Bear. It's at the Commerical Casino downtown. Whew...big boy.

Check out the desert Horned Toad we said hello to (then let go). Next stop Salt Lake City, UT.

Poison Spyder Drum Set Land Use Raffle

2011-07-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

A Rikki Rockett (Poison) drum set being raffled off to support charity including the BlueRibbon Coalition! Get it on Poison Spyder who did custom work on the set. This is amazing. BUY some tickets and support the cause. WOW.
Thanks to KrawlZone TV for helping to get the word out. Only $5 a ticket; get yours today.
Del

Jeep Rebuild and Summer Landuse Trip

2011-07-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

This is what "Red" the Jeep (Land Use War Machine) looked like about 14 years ago on the steps of the California State Capital for an OHV Lobby Day. Tube bumpers; nerf bar; 33's and a couple inches of lift.

He's been thru a few rebuilds since then, thanks to the help of many off-road businesses. Well, he's about to go thru another one!

In the next couple weeks, Red will undergo another belly transformation at T&T Customs in Cheyenne, WY. You can FOLLOW the progress here and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Del-Albright-Landuse-and-Access/130593936993351?v=app_4949752878

We are going to do a new long arm kit (T&T Rock Tek); truss the axles; upgrade to WJ (Grand Cherokee) brakes and knuckles; install a new Switch Blade Sway Bar System from JKS Manufacturing; smooth out the ride with Old Man Emu (OME) coils; pop in some new Fox Racing Shox; and add a custom T&T High Steer set up. Pics and story here as we go along.

We'll also post up pics of our adventure getting there -- our Summer Landuse Trip.
Del

Eldorado Nat'l Forest Exessive Cost Recovery

2011-07-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

Seems like the Eldorado National Forest is trying to put OHV clubs in the bankruptcy catagory with excessive cost recovery charges for organized events. It's happening in Moab, southern CA, and many other areas as well. But here is an example where it appears anti-access political pressure is pushing the cost recovery thing as a way of shutting out our access for events.

Check out my partner Don Amador's blog about this and where things are headed: http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2010/07/ohv-cost-recovery-fight-on-eldorado-nf.html

Del

Volunteer Training Freedom Deal (online)

2011-07-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Online volunteer training course SALE -- all throughout July get RLTC for 2/3's off.
$50 for the whole course.

Nothing else like it in the whole country. One of a kind training for leadership, volunteerism and event organization.
Work at your own pace. All done online.

Get 35 years of tips, tricks and secrets to managing and working with volunteers. Learn 10 new things to help your club stay viable. Get at least 3 new public speaking tips. Learn the inside trick to managing events with the RICS system, like the command system used by the fire service all over the USA. And gain invaluable communication tools that will help you in private, work and volunteer life.

Go here for more: http://www.rltc.biz/
Drop me a note any time if you want to start the course. Arrangements can be made to start now; pay later.
Del

Save Trails and Bid on this Ultimate Adventure Truck

2011-07-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Bid on an Ultimate Adventure rig (Whopper Jr.) and support BlueRibbon Coalition at the same time!

Check out this ’98 Ford F250 that kicked it in the 2009 Ultimate Adventure (Petersen’s’ 4Wheel & Offroad Magazine).

Bidding starts at $500 and WOW, what a bunch of stories and memories this truck has. What a trophy! The truck comes with a 2009 UA DVD, a signed plate from everyone at Petersen’s 4Wheel & Offroad (4WOR); and your picture with your “new” UA truck in a future issue of Petersen’s 4WOR magazine.

Clint Carter (of Inner Air Lock, internal bead locks) is throwing this trophy up for grabs as his way of helping us save trails and keep the sport alive. SWEET! Thank you, Clint.

Go here for more and to bid: http://www.innerairlock.com/blueribbon-coalition-auction-i/

Celebrate Freedom and Independence

2011-07-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Happy July 4th Independence Day to all. Celebrate and embrace your freedoms. Wave a flag; thank the military; and salute a veteran.

Del & Stacie Albright; C UN RD (Seein' Red).

BRC Don Amador Heads to Congress to Testify (again)

2011-06-21T19:08:00.001-07:00

BRC SPOKESMAN TO TESTIFY AT HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING

POCATELLO, ID (June 20) — Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, has been confirmed as a witness to testify before the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands on June 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. The hearing will be at the 1324 Longworth House Office Building. Amador is expected to share his views regarding the ongoing closure of BLM's Clear Creek Management Area CCMA) located in Central California's Coastal Mountain Range. BLM has effected the single largest public land closure of its kind in U.S. history by functionally closing 75,000 acres of public lands to all users groups in May, 2008. In 2002, Dirt Rider Magazi ... read more

Eldorado Lawsuit Gives Us Bragging Rights

2011-06-21T19:06:00.001-07:00

ANOTHER MILESTONE IN ELDORADO TRAVEL MANAGEMENT

SACRAMENTO, CA (May 31)—A national trail-based recreation group and state off-highway vehicle organizations are applauding a recent legal ruling involving the Eldorado National Forest. The ruling comes in the latest of preservationist lawsuits spanning several decades.
Senior U.S. District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton issued his ruling on May 26, 2011, that largely upholds the Eldorado travel management decision, but finds the Forest Service violated the Endangered Species Act and certain Forest Plan standards in authorizing access through a handful of meadows and failing to more thoroughly consider ephemeral streams. Each of these issues focused on alleged impact ... read more on BlueRibbon's website here.

Article: Off Pavement Patriotism

2011-06-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

Our latest article: Off Pavement Patriotism; it's all about freedom. Get our take on why motorsports folks love what we do and why we do it. Get the inside scoop on what it means to be a "motorized" patriot.

Go here to read/download the article and share it with other patriots:
http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/off_pavement_patriotism.html

Eldorado Lawsuit Gives Us Bragging Rights

2011-05-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

The latest on the Eldorado lawsuit (Rubicon Trail and others) shows some good stuff for our side. Check out my partner's blog, Don Amador of BlueRibbon Coalition, here: http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/2011/05/court-says-no-to-enviro-subpart-claims.html

Del

BlueRibbon Magazine with Cycle Gear Donation

2011-05-05T10:16:00.001-07:00

Get the latest national landuse news and fun stuff from the BlueRibbon Coalition magazine, and see where landuse supporter Cycle Gear donated $10,000 to keep the access battles alive. THANK you to Cycle Gear (and all businesses/donors who are supporting the cause).

Click here to see the magazine: http://www.sharetrails.org/magazine/issues/april-may2011/
thanks, Del

Moab Easter Jeep Safari Update

2011-04-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Stacie poses next to Red along the Rose Garden Hill trail where it seemed like we found another Grand Canyon as well as grand four-wheeling on a Red Rock 4Wheelers trail ride. Awesome stuff.

Rose Garden hill itself was a long climb over some rocky ledges that provided a good challenge, yet fun as heck. Everyone made it and no one broke!!! And my, my, the scenery was just spectacular.

Here Stac gets some trail time in with Red on the Rose Garden Trail.

Moab Easter Jeep Safari 2011

2011-04-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Rolled into Moab, UT last night and set up camp at the RV Park near the Arena. Sun is shining off the red rock canyon walls and beckoning to the tires!!! Can't wait to hit some trails -- the same ones we work so hard to save. Oh, and don't forget to support the cause by getting a t-shirt from RCH Designs at the Moab Diner where $5 of each sale goes to BlueRibbon Coalition. Now THAT is supporting access!!! I can get behind this big time. And the shirts are AWESOME. You can see more on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/RCH-Designs/121468456878

Del

Albright Jeep Morphs Again

2011-03-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

C UN RD (Seein' Red), the 1997 TJ Wrangler changes again with the addition of MetalCloak front bumper/stinger, Master Pull Winch Rope, Daystar Hood Wranglers and D-Ring Dampners, and BFGoodrich 37" A/T's.

Red will be at Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR) Annual Meeting (10 year anniversary) this Saturday April 2 in Sacramento; then to Easter Jeep Safari in Moab April 16 - 24. The Land Use War Machine is going strong, even after nearly 150,000 miles and 14 years (of lots of trails).

NOTE: Special thanks to Nemesis Industries for supporting my BlueRibbon Coalition travel to Moab this year. Sweet! More on Nemesis at http://www.nem-ind.com/

At your service....

Del

Reno, NV, Motorsports and Home/Garden Show, March 2011

2011-03-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Reno, NV, Off Road Expo, March 25-27, 2011, promises to be an awesome show that also includes a Home and Garden Show. BlueRibbon Coalition will be there along with local 4x4 and off-road folks and clubs.

Come by the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and say hey and enjoy the show. See the Land Use War Machine Jeep and check out the build up in person. Visit with several vendors and businesses who support our off-road sports and landuse fights.

There is also a fun-ride/charity trail ride on Tuesday before the show. I will be representing BlueRibbon Coalition on this ride. Come join us.

Dock Jumping Splash Dogs Make Waves
At the Reno Outdoor Sports and Recreation Expo
March 25-27, 2011 at Reno Sparks Convention Center
Reno Off-Road Motorsports Expo ~ Reno Outdoor Sports & Recreation Expo ~ Spring Home & Garden Show ~ Reno Pet Show

Read/download the entire press release here: http://www.delalbright.com/Misc/reno_expo_2011.html

Pledges and Donations Now Accepted for 4405 Land Use Buggy Results

2011-02-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

by Del Albright on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 6:40pm

King of the Hammers 2011

The 4405 Land Use Buggy did 98 miles in the famed King of the Hammers race before the tranny only had 3rd gear left. But driver Travis Carpenter and his co-dog Dan Trout gave it their ALL for access. It was an amazing race and now we can support them and our trails by donating your pledge or making a new donation. Please go here to donate and in the Contribution Instructions box, just put 4405 KOH Buggy.

Donate online here: https://www.sharetrails.org/secure/join_or_contribute/?c=1

If you would like to use the pledge form, just go here: https://www.sharetrails.org/secure/4405/

If you want to just mail a check to support the cause, please address it to:

BlueRibbon Coalition
4405 Land Use Buggy
4555 Burley Dr., Ste. A
Pocatello, ID 83202

These funds will support our trail-saving work and help to keep our sport alive. Thanks to all who made this happen.
Del

Landuse Raffles at Griffin King of the Hammers

2011-02-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

Falken Tire has donated a set of 4 tires any size up to 35's of their WildPeak A/T's for a special "support BlueRibbon Coalition" raffle to be hosted in the MetalCloak booth at KOH. One tire will be on display by Wednesday; the winner will get the tires delivered to your doorstep. Tickets will be on sale in the MetalCloak booth; $5 per ticket; 5 tickets for $20. When we're all out watching the race, you might see the display tire on the back of Del's Jeep. Check it out.

DRAWING will be Friday after 5pm (close of raffle ticket sales). Need not be present to win. Ticket will have your name and contact phone number. Tires will be delivered to your door by our friends at Falken Tire.

4 Wheel Parts might have a surprise "support BlueRibbon Coalition" and landuse raffle as well in their booth at KOH. Look for it and check out these awesome supporters of keeping our lands open.

Cal4wheel (CA4WDC) will have the Sweepstakes Jeep at KOH as well. Look for this vendor-supported awesome build up Jeep and win it for only $2. Tickets will be on sale in the CA4WDC booth. You'll see the Jeep.

GenRight Off Road is our Presenting Sponsor of the landuse efforts at KOH. Be sure to pay them a big thank you for their support.

Support landuse. Support businesses that support landuse. Let's all fight together to keep our trails open.

Raceline Wheels Supports Many Drivers at KOH

2011-02-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a note and some links from my landuse supporter friend, Charlene Bower of Bower Motorsports Media about a great sponsor of racing and landuse, Raceline Wheels.

Raceline Wheels was one of the first supporters of the King of the Hammers, and this year they again have over 1/3 the field on their wheels. They also support by giving back...Hosting the Volunteer Dinner, Making the Trophies and sponsoring the Show and Shine (more information to follow). Be sure to say Hello to Greg when you are on the lakebed! Thanks for sharing! ~Charlene

SOCIAL MEDIA LINK: http://www.racelinewheels.com/e-rev..Raceline.DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=759

QUICK LINK with High Res Photos: http://bowermedia.com/2011/01/raceline-wheels-supports-many-drivers-at-upcoming-king-of-the-hammers/

Action Packed Video of Four-wheeling and Landuse at Crawlfest

2011-01-28T06:12:00.000-08:00

Del delivers action-packed four-wheeling and a land use message at Southwest Crawlfest in UT, thanks to Bower Motorsports Media for filming and producing this great move.

More about our landuse friends at Bower Motorsports Media here at http://www.bowermedia.com/

King of Hammers Swag for Landuse

2011-01-22T05:55:00.000-08:00

Here are the companies and goodies we have for participants and some lucky audience folks as well (so far):
Landuse Seminar: Tuesday Feb. 8th 6pm
Team Challenge, Best Prep Trail Rig: Wed. Feb. 9th 6pm.

GenRight Off Road - Presenting Sponsor of Team Challenge; with a $500 Gift Certificate, nice donation to BlueRibbon Coalition and outfitting our entire Challenge staff in apparel from GenRight.

Tuffy Security Products -- $300 in Gift Certificates for Tuffy products; plus some t’s.

Tuff Country – awesome Tuff County clocks, flashlights, and t’s. SPECIAL THANKS to Tuff Country for starting this idea of donating swag and products to the landuse efforts at KOH. :)

Trasharoo – 3 trash bags built to last; like the one that hangs on my Jeep rack.

Powertank – 6 Pro Tire Plug Kits

Rubicon Express – various RE swag; water bottles, t’s, and more

Trail Gear – 100 foot 3/8’s synthetic winch rope; 4 axle straps, 1 recovery strap; and 2 Optima battery boxes.

Off Road Jerky – 2 pounds of their famous off-road special jerky.

Great Lake Off Road.com - 2 Dana 60 diff covers with trim.

MetalCloak - gift certificates, t's and goodies
Olympic4x4 Products - t's, caps, and goodies
Poly Performance -- coozies, t's and more

King of the Hammers Team Challenge Contest (open to all)

2011-01-20T07:36:00.001-08:00

Landuse and Access will be have two featured activities at the 2011 Griffin King of the Hammers. Please share the info with anyone who might be attending KOH.
Thanks, Del Albright

King of the Hammers Team Challenge – Best Prepared Trail Rig
Applications Due by Tuesday Feb. 8th - OPEN to KOH Participants and Spectators

EVENT: Wednesday Feb. 9th 6pm, Main Stage Hammer Town.
HOSTED by Del Albright, BlueRibbon Coalition Ambassador; Cal4 EA Coordinator; Access Army Grand Poobah

5 teams (at least) will be selected to participate. 4x4’s and Side-x-Side (UTV) rigs. Any team of up to four (4) folks can compete. It’s all for fun and a little fame, with a cool trophy from Raceline Wheels for the winning team. Also, several businesses have stepped up to provide swag, goodies, and freebies to participants and the audience.

HOW it WORKS: Put together a Team of your friends or club members who can be at the event on Wednesday Feb. 8th in time to compete at 6pm. This is a treasure hunt for goodies used on a trail ride. No driving necessary. Rigs will be parked.

Team Challenge Details:
Wednesday night Feb. 8th at 6pm, Main Stage, Hammer Town.
It will be a TEAM challenge and not just a CLUB challenge. However clubs can be a team. 4 folks max per rig; best prepared trail type rig; treasure hunt of things IN and ON the vehicle. Good lookin' chicks for judges (and a few old guys). In front of the crowd.

LUCKY PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DRAWN (and notified) Tuesday night Feb. 8th during the Land Use Workshop hosted by Del Albright.
Team Challenge participants will be posted in the KOH main booth.
Team Challenge rigs must be near the stage by 5:30pm, Wed. Feb. 9th, and checked in with John Stewart, Cal4 Resource Consultant.

Ok, there have to be rules, so here they are:
No trailers; items must be in or on the vehicle the whole time. You have to dig for everything.
All participants must be in a safe condition to play the game.
Fastest time to the judges with the proper item AS described by the emcee; it’s important to retrieve exactly what is called out.
No dangerous things like large metal objects or spare tires will be asked for. Safety briefing will precede Challenge.
Non-street legal as well as street legal rigs are ok, INCLUDING UTV’s (sidexside).

How to APPLY:
Apply online/email by sending the following information to del@delalbright.com; or bring the info filled out hard copy to KOH and hand it in at the KOH Merchandise Booth, or to the Raceline Wheels booth, or bring it to the Land Use Seminar Tuesday. All applications must be in before the Land Use Seminar Tuesday night, 6pm – that is when we’ll draw the participants.

Please provide the following information (don’t worry if you don’t have your whole team assembled until you get there; we can add their names then).
TEAM MEMBER NAMES:
TEAM MEMBER CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
RIG: (year, make model, type)
TEAM NAME: (make one up if you don’t have one yet).
BRIEFLY Describe what Team Members have done for landuse and access efforts:
Describe why your team should be selected:

Email Del for any more information or questions: del@delalbright.com
More about King of the Hammers at http://www.ultra4racing.com/

Race-a-Thon for Land Use at King of Hammers

2011-01-05T12:39:00.001-08:00

The 4405 “land-use buggy” races for access at the famed King of the Hammers race.
Driver Travis Carpenter asks people to “Pledge per mile made”

For the second year in a row, Rock Zombie 4x4 club member Travis Carpenter of the 4405 “land-use” team is racing in the famed King of the Hammers off-road race on February 11th to generate funds for land-use. Held by HammerKing Productions (http://www.kingofthehammers.com/) and billed as the toughest off-road competition in the United States, the King of the Hammers is a mix of desert racing and hardcore rock crawling. The grueling 120 mile long course is split into two laps, and many competitors are not even able to finish the race. In only its 5th year, attendance at the race is expected to draw well over 30,000 people to the southern California desert.

Make a PLEGDE right here (Pay later): http://www.sharetrails.org/4405

Read/download entire press release here in WORD (.doc) or ADOBE (.pdf).

Help STOP the De-facto Wilderness Grab!

2010-12-29T16:20:00.000-08:00

BLUERIBBON COALITION WILDERNESS ALERT!
Help Us Stop the Secretary that Would Steal Christmas!
Dear BRC Members and Supporters,

Just one day before Christmas Eve 2010, Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar announced that he had signed an Order that seeks to embed a Wilderness review in every component of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) planning, creating a unique status for Wilderness different from other multiple uses in BLM management. Secretarial Order No. 3310 and Draft Wilderness Inventory Manual

The order appears to be one of the best Christmas gifts any Wilderness activist could hope for. The timing was no accident. Secretary Salazar's new order came just after the Lame Duck Congress adjourned, having failed to pass the massive Public Lands Omnibus Bill--a package that would have created millions of acres of new Wilderness, openly supported by the Secretary. It was no accident the Order was announced after legislators had gone home for the holiday. It was no accident that none but Wilderness insiders and their media outlets knew about it until the last minute. And, it was certainly no accident that at the ceremony, the Secretary was standing right next to peolple like Peter Metcalf, CEO of Black Diamond Equipment, and that the ceremony itself took place at the REI Building in Denver - a virtual altar scene for Wilderness worshippers.

You have every reason to fear under-handed tactics even more suspicious than those attempted by some of their lame duck legislative allies. Wilderness activists will likely try to use Secretary Salazar's Order to further paralyze meaningful BLM travel management and to create millions of acres of new Wilderness.

For decades, Wilderness activist groups have applied constrictor-like pressure on the BLM regarding Wilderness issues. Some of BRC Legal's finest moments have come in rejecting those efforts, most notably the dismissal of the infamous SUWA case in Utah District Court on BRC-USA All's motion, eventually upheld by a 9-0 thumping in the U.S. Supreme Court. Sadly, this looks like another inside job in the offing, through which anti-access interests seek to seize a window of political opportunity to again squeeze BLM into a never-ending, ongoing Wilderness inventory and management scheme.

The Order is as complex and convoluted as any validly promulgated law or regulation. Its meaning is not readily apparent and will likely be determined by the courts. Our staff has conducted an initial review, which is summarized at http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/?section=salazar_order.

We are not naïve enough to proclaim what Secretary Salazar's Order will ultimately mean. However, we can fairly predict what Wilderness activists outside and within BLM will say it means. They will try to use it as a landmark tool to close long-traveled routes on BLM land, not unlike they did with the Clinton-Gore Roadless Rule. History also teaches that, while all other users of BLM lands and the economies supported by them will be affected, the trail users and advocacy groups like BRC are likely to be at the point of attack (if not standing alone) in meaningful opposition.

This opposition will require a lot of time, effort, coordination and skill. It will require BRC, partners and stakeholders to be at their best. And it will cost money. I would love to wax eloquent about skinny David slaying wealthy Goliath, but I hope over the years you've learned better. You know Secretary Salazar's friends did.

We hope you will consider an end of year donation to help us fund this important fight. If you've completed your giving for tax year 2010, please put this issue on your list of campaigns to consider supporting in 2011 - and beyond.

Greg Mumm
Executive Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 101
PS: Currying political favor through public lands policy is not what Congress intended when it established the agencies that manage our public lands.
CLICK ON "STOP SALAZAR'S WILDERNESS" HERE TO HELP

https://www.sharetrails.org/secure/join_or_contribute/?c=1&other=Stop%20Salazars%20Wilderness

Moons of December Photography by Del

2010-12-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

December 2010 produced some very nice moons for photography. Here is my shot saying good-bye to the last full moon of the year, yet looking forward to many more nice moons in 2011.

And next is a tripod night time shot I got of the Lunar Eclipse.

Here's hoping your 2011 is full of bright moons, clear visions, great trails, and happiness.
Del

50 Years of Off-Roading (Article to use)

2010-12-20T16:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Editor/Webmaster and friend of landuse:

Here is my latest article for your use on landuse and access. Feel free to post/share it in off-road friendly forums and newsletters. I would appreciate a link if you use it. Thanks, Del.

50 Years of Off-Roading

Reflecting on lessons learned and our outdoor future

By Del Albright, BlueRibbon Ambassador

The bikini clad Rock Zombie girls were all over my Jeep giving it the wash job of its life as I sat perched on my roof rack marveling at 50 years of off-roading. They were raising money for landuse, so I’m always in for a good cause. What really hurt, though was realizing the combined age of any two of the girls did not equal my number of years of trails and dirt roads!

I guess you could say I’ve seen it all. I’ve lived in 16 states and been shot at in 3 countries. I’ve logged 140,000 miles on my Jeep over the last 13 years of concentrated landuse wheeling; and it ain’t over yet!

With the sun shining and the suds a‘flying, I reflected on what I learned in those many years of backcountry adventures. From that, I’d like to offer you some tips that may help you prevent a stumble or misstep in your off-roading, and help us keep our outdoor sports healthy and alive.

Those five decades have included everything from dune buggies to dirt bikes to four-by-fours. I’ve used motors to do things like hunting, fishing, backpacking, exploring, geocaching, rock hounding, four-wheeling, and just plain relaxing. From those adventures over time, I have condensed those lessons into the 5 “M’s.”

Read and download the entire article here in WORD or Adobe .pdf: http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/50_years_offroading.html

Thanks, Del

Save your trails (SaveMyTrails)

BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC)

Cal4Wheel (CA4WDC)

Access Army (TAA)

DelAlbright.com (Del’s Site)