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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Help STOP the De-facto Wilderness Grab!

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

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Moons of December Photography by Del

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

Monday, December 20, 2010

50 Years of Off-Roading (Article to use)

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)
Cal4Wheel (CA4WDC)
DelAlbright.com (Del’s Site)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Omnibus Bill is an End Run Around Public

LAME DUCK OMNIBUS LAND BILL NEEDS OUR VOICE!

Please take a moment and MAKE A CALL to your Senators about the lame duck Omnibus Bill about to hit us.
I am asking for phone calls and not emails as this is THAT important (and time sensitive).  Make a quick call and tell them NO Omnibus Bill – because:
1.      There’s not been any real public debate or input and even if the bill has some good stuff in it, we, the public need time to digest and review it.
2.      This is being shoved through (down our throats) in too big a hurry.  It’s not the way government was intended to work.
3.      The bill contains multiple land designations that merely CLOSE us out of our public lands – we need time to review, digest, comment, and CHANGE the language.  It certainly does not represent the will of the public.
4.      This thing contains vast spending measures that are not relevant to public land access.
5.      Basically this is a unilateral agenda to close millions of acres of public lands – YOUR land.

My friends in the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) have a great Action Alert with more information here and a link where you can get the phone number for YOUR SENATOR here:

PLEASE make that call right now.
Thank you,
Del

Save your trails (SaveMyTrails)
Cal4Wheel (CA4WDC)

Saturday, December 11, 2010

New Donors to Christmas Auction for Trails

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC.
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
     Contact: Del Albright, BRC Ambassador
     Phone: (209) 304-7693
     Email: brdel@sharetrails.org
     Date: December 1, 2010
BRC Charity Christmas Auction Still Live on eBay
POCATELLO, ID (December 10) - The BlueRibbon Coalition 2nd Annual Christmas Auction is live on eBay.
Thanks to all our supporters, bidders and donors, we are really making some trail-saving progress!  We have some very nice items up for bid and it is going to a good cause so don't let these awesome goodies get by you!
Get in on the fun at: http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=25971
If you're a business that would like to donate, we can still slip you in on the auction for this year. Just drop Del Albright (Auctioneer) a note with your donation today and we'll make it happen!
The list of contributing donors is long and impressive. We encourage you to support them with your holiday shopping.
Here is the list (so far) of companies donating to our auction.
  • Raceline Wheels 
  • BFGoodrich Tires 
  • GenRight Off Road 
  • Olympic4x4 Products 
  • Nemesis Industries 
  • Falken Tire 
  • Toytec Lifts 
  • BudBuilt 
  • Sedona Jeep School 
  • Barlow Jeep Rentals 
  • Master Pull 
  • Lovell Rock Racing 
  • Fisher's ATV World 
  • Big Dogs Offroad 
  • Rocky Mountain Truck Center 
  • Cruiser Corps 
  • Racer Tech 
  • Trasharoo 
  • Pirate4x4.com 
  • MetalCloak 
  • 4x4Wire.com 
  • Pull-Pal 
  • Trail Master Suspension 
  • Toyota Trail Teams 
  • Rocky Mountain ATV and MC 
  • Rubicon Express 
  • Del Albright's RLTC Course 
  • Roundeyes.com 
  • Parts Mike 
  • WARN 
  • SpiderTrax 
  • ARB 
  • Poison Spyder 
  • The Tugger 
  • Axial Racing 
  • Off Road Trail Tools 
  • Todd & Larisa Ockert 
  • Bushwacker 
  • Maureen Engle-Turner 
  • Axia 
  • Just Add Dirt 
  • Planet SideXSide.com 
  • Dirt Tricks 
  • FunTreks (Chuck Wells) 
  • N. Mono Chamber of Commerce 
  • Meadowcliff Lodge and RV Park 
  • RANGE Magazine 
  • WI Dual Sport Riders 
  • American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) 
  • Trail Gear 
  • Elite Motorcycle Tours, Moab
  • Numbskull Racing
  • Camel4x4.com
These awesome business/donors, with your bids, are making a brighter future for our trails.  Thank you, again.
Please let your friends know and spread the word about this incredible auction to help our sports!
See the auction items and bid here: http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=25971

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Charity Christmas Auction in Full Swing on eBay

The BlueRibbon Coalition charity Christmas Auction is in full swing and tons of goodies are going for great prices (while we build up landuse money to help save trails and keep our sports alive). It's awesome.

GenRight Off Road just became the big boy donor for a single donation with a Jeep TJ Roll Cage Kit in the mix. Sweet. Learn more about GenRight at http://www.genright.com

And here is the list of goodies for sale on eBay right now to help you keep enjoying the great outdoors. All the proceeds go to keeping our trails open around the country.
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/sharetrails/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=


Del

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Holidays, Hoopla, and Hope

No matter what holidays you observe, for me this is the season of hope.  Yea, I know; there’s too much hoopla with a lot of the commercialization of our holidays, but hey, that’s how our country works.   The end of the year holidays really represent the freedoms we have in this great country to observe those special times to celebrate.  How can one not appreciate that?

I hope you will take time to reflect on how special our lives are in the good old USA.   Our freedoms have been hard fought battles in many aspects.  I even refer to our freedom to recreate outdoors.   Please do not take anything for granted, from your family, to your ability to observe your holidays, and to your freedom to responsibly recreate on our private and public lands.

Take a holiday moment to refresh your memberships; join new organizations; and give a donation to your special charities and recreation groups like the BlueRibbon Coalition and your favorite state association protecting your right to get off-road and play. 

Here are some key links to check out during this holiday season:
http://www.savemytrails.com; for easy steps in saving your recreational trails and sports.
http://www.delalbright.com; for everything landuse and access; one stop on how to get involved.
http://www.sharetrails.org; BlueRibbon Coalition; champions of saving responsible recreation.
http://www.rltc.biz; for leadership and volunteer training to ensure a recreation future.
http://www.muirnet.net: for landuse 101; NEPA and the basics of bureaucracy.
http://www.accessarmy.com; to engage nationwide in communications about our trails and sports.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Public Lands to be all National Parks?

The BLM is attempting to turn into a pseudo-park system according to some watchers of government. In fact, Dave Skinner, a Montana based writer, in RANGE magazine (Winter 2011 issue) said the current plan for BLM from the Obama Administration called, Our Vision, Our Values, “ lays out a long-term strategy of empire building on a colossal scale, including a complete transformation of the BLM away from its historic multiple use mission in to the world’s largest zoo.”
BlueRibbon Coalition, Public Lands Department, headed by Brian Hawthorne, has reported and advised on the changes in public lands administration, as well as the dangers for motorized access, since the Babbitt/Clinton days. 
Bottom line: BLM is headed towards a landscape where historic uses like mining and grazing will be a thing of the past, and motorized recreation certainly discouraged, if not forbidden in many places.    Time for tolerance of government stealing our heritage has run out. Time for action is here!
Note that the Treasured Landscape and AGOI described below are moving targets;  not done deals.  BRC and other groups are engaged to protect multiple use/sustained yield.  The following pages/links will be updated when needed so you should stay tuned.
Here are my observations and summaries to help put this in perspective.
Dave Skinner called the beginning of this mess, the Babbitt/Clinton “Monument Orgy.”   Because they couldn’t turn all of BLM into one big National Park,  today we are facing initiatives and administrative things that just sound like closure.
Read the short story and get the right links here: http://www.delalbright.com/Access/nlcs.html
Del

Friday, November 12, 2010

PEP Program Launched by BlueRibbon Coalition

BlueRibbon Executive Director Launches New Program -- PEP
Partnership Empowerment Program (PEP) Provides New Hopes for Access

"Partnership Empowerment Program (PEP) is a refurbished as well as newer approach to getting better and more effective at everything we do," says Greg Mumm, Executive Director of BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) and creator of the program.

PEP will improve outreach and communications within the BRC and to all of its partners.  According to Greg, it means working closer than ever with all our member and partner groups, finding ways to drive the access battles in our favor, with a united and cooperative front.

PEP also means things like co-op member drives with tangible incentives like the 4 Wheel Parts Gift Card program.  BlueRibbon is very passionate about helping the entire off-road community grow stronger together.  BRC plans to push, paddle, pull and help drive the “boat” in all ways.

If you want a “PEP” talk, BlueRibbon Coalition is the place to find it.
Read a bit more of the startup information here in the BRC magazine:
 http://www.sharetrails.org/magazine/issues/november2010/

Del

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Volunteer Training Half Price Holiday Deal (online)

Half Price Training Offer on RLTC

With it being Veterans Day, and the Holiday Season with Christmas right around the corner (turn off the music already), I would like to offer my online training course at half price until the end of the year. The Recreational Leadership Training Course (RLTC) will give you 10 ways to help your club; 3 or 4 new pointers for public speaking; lessons in leading volunteers you can't find ANYWHERE else; the inside scoop on saving your trails; and the SECRETS to avoiding burnout in landuse and your club, among dozens of other helpful tips for getting involved in the fight for access.

RLTC is a 10 Module course with an Exam (via email) for each Module.  You work at your own pace.  It's all online.

Normal course price is $150.  From now until the end of 2010, the full course is $75.00 (US).


Learn more here (or just drop me an email to start at del@delalbright.com and pay when you can or as you go): http://www.rltc.biz/

Del

A Veterans Day Salute to All Military

I salute all veterans, past and present, on this special day, Veterans Day.  Were it not for our veterans and our military, we would have few, if any freedoms.   Freedom is what the USA is about...and I am honored to live in this country, salute the Red, White and Blue, and give my thanks to all military personnel and their families.
I kept a few of my things from my past -- never forget...
Del

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Forest Service Waives Fees on Veterans Day

USDA Forest Service waives fees on Veterans Day

WASHINGTON, October 29, 2010 -- Upcoming Veterans Day, November 11, marks the fourth time this year that the U.S. Forest Service is offering national fee waivers on recreation sites.
"The Forest Service is working to ensure as many visitors as possible have the opportunity to experience the great outdoors and take advantage of the many recreational activities national forests have to offer," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "By waiving fees, everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the wonder and rejuvenation of recreation on national forests and grasslands."
##
PERSONAL NOTE from Del:  I'd like to think the feds were doing this to honor veterans and their families, but alas, NO, that is not the case.  I'm disappointed to say the least.  It's just a nice day to waive fees I guess.  They've done it before on various holidays.  There is no mention of our military personnel in their press release.   Read more here:  http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2010/releases/10/veterans.shtml.
While I appreciate the USDA Forest Service dumping fees for a day, I am disgusted they didn't at least honor our wounded, missing and gone military folks who have served this country and for whom this day is supposed to be dedicated.
Del

Study Shows OHV Riding to be Healthy!

ATV & ORM Health Benefit Study Completed

Post date: September 21, 2010
A study conducted by York University Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Unit, Faculty of Health, and supported by other OHV groups, shows the positive effects of OHV riding on our health.
It helps our cause to have credible institutions like this doing studies on the positive side of our motorized recreational pursuits.  Check it out here on the NOHVCC website:  http://www.nohvcc.org/Resources/News/10-09-21/ATV_ORM_Health_Benefit_Study_Completed.aspx

Del

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

SEMA Show, Las Vegas, Gets Underway

SEMA show in Las Vegas starts today and it looks to be a good one.  Looking forward to seeing all the new after market products and linking up with tons of off-road businesses, BlueRibbon members and partners from all over the country. 

Yesterday, the meeting of the North American Motorized Recreation Council (NAMRC) was a huge success.  About 30 folks filled the table representing most every off-road group in the country.  Issues talked about included the AGO Initiative, the Planning Rule, the elections (of course) and strategies for motivating folks to stay in the game of fighting for our trails and joining our established organizations that help keep our sports alive.

SEMA folks are hugely supportive of helping landuse groups keep trails open.  They believe in supporting their SEMA member businesses by ensuring grassroots organizations can stay effective in fighting for trails and access.  It's a great partnership. 

Del

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Landuse at King of the Hammers; 4405 Buggy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kurt Schneider
Tel. 925-202-9246
E-mail: kurt@kurtuleas.com
October 25th, 2010


4405 Land Use Team awarded Merit Entry into the 2011 Griffin King of the Hammers
Driver Travis Carpenter will "Race for Access" once again with fundraiser for the Blue Ribbon Coalition

Driver Travis Carpenter and the Ultra4 4405 Land Use rig have been awarded a "Merit Entry" by Hammerking Productions into the famed 2011 Griffin King of the Hammers race.  The merit entry is based on the team's ongoing efforts to promote responsible land use, raise awareness of land use issues, and to generate funds, volunteers and memberships for various land use organizations.


 Billed as the "Land Use" buggy, its land use outreach program has had the 4405 on near constant display since its inception in 2008. The vehicle has been seen in many magazines, on trails all over the West Coast, in parades, on trail work parties, and at many schools and businesses. It is used as a centerpiece to talk about responsible OHV use and to promote the sport as a whole.


In the 2010 King of the Hammers, the 4405 team held a Race-A-Thon to raise badly needed funds for land use organizations. Despite only completing 98 miles of the race, the team managed to raise nearly $20,000, the majority of which was pledged by members of the Pirate4x4.com website. Additional substantial pledges came from the Tin Benders 4x4 club and 4 Wheel Parts.


Sadly, three months after the 2010 King of the Hammers, the 4405 burned to the ground in a structure fire. There has been an overwhelming positive response to hearing this news. Many companies along with members of Pirate4x4.com have begun donating parts and cash in order to rebuild the vehicle so it can continue its mission. Master fabricator and co-driver Dan Trout of Fishmouth Fabworks has been bending tube and feverishly building the new 4405.


According to Manager/Promoter Kurt Schneider, "Our original plan was to run the 4405 in the entire Ultra4 Grand Slam series in 2010. We wanted to earn our spot outright for the 2011 King of the Hammers. Points-wise, all we would have to do is attend each race and we would have qualified, but with the 4405 burning down, that could not be accomplished."


For the 2011 Griffin King of the Hammers, the team will once again hold a Race-A-Thon for land use. Driver Travis Carpenter states, "We learned a lot from last year, and with the help of Del Albright, Pirate4x4.com and CRAWL Magazine, the 4405 team is planning on making this Race-A-Thon massive. It is our goal to make this the largest single-day fundraiser for land use ever. We are hoping that companies and OHV enthusiasts help donate to keep our public lands open to the public."


 According to Jeff Knoll, co-founder of KOH, “the Griffin King of the Hammers is  the toughest one day off road race on the planet, and we want to set new records for landuse awareness and fund-raising in 2011 with the 4405 buggy.   Del Albright, BlueRibbon Ambassador added, “King of the Hammers (www.kingofthehammers.com) has quickly become one of the biggest events in off-roading and a major outlet for helping to save our trails and support organizations like BlueRibbon Coalition.” With a mix of go-fast desert racing and hard-core rock crawling, the endurance race has attracted 100 of the most accomplished drivers in Rock-sports competitions, and literally tens of thousands of spectators.


# # #
If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kurt Schneider, please call 925-202-9246 or e-mail Kurt at kurt@kurtuleas.com

Monday, October 25, 2010

4405 Land Use Team awarded Merit Entry into the 2011 Griffin King of the Hammers

4405 Land Use Team awarded Merit Entry into the 2011 Griffin King of the Hammers

National Round Table Meeting in Vegas (NAMRC)

I am honored to be the official Facilitator on behalf of BlueRibbon Coalition for the annual meeting of the North American Motorized Recreation Council (NAMRC) in Las Vegas next week in conjunction with the famous SEMA convention.  NAMRC is like a Knights of the Roundtable for off-road motorized recreation, sharing ideas, and formulating solutions to national problems facing our sport and our access.

The Calif. Assoc. of 4Wheel Drive Clubs hosts our website and you can learn more at http://www.namrc.com/

Visitors and guests are welcome if you're in Vegas Monday Nov. 1st.   Drop me an email for more info at del@delalbright.com

thanks, Del

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Del Albright's Blog: Ultra4 Stampede Gate Info at Exit 28 Motorsports

Del Albright's Blog: Ultra4 Stampede Gate Info at Exit 28 Motorsports: "QUICK LINK with High Res Pictures: http://bowermedia.com/2010/09/exit-28-motorsports-park-opens-gates-for-ultra4-stampede-race/ Exit 28 M..."

Del Albright's Blog: Access Army Times October Newsletter

Del Albright's Blog: Access Army Times October Newsletter: "Go here to see/read/download and share the Access Army Times (October newsletter) with landuse and access info from coast to coast. Thanks ..."

Del Albright's Blog: The Trail Party formed to help Voters for Access

Del Albright's Blog: The Trail Party formed to help Voters for Access: "TRAIL PARTY Formed to Help Off Road Voters Be an 'ORV' -- Off Road Voter. The current election can seem a little overwhelming, time consum..."

Del Albright's Additional Blog to Jeepndel

Figuring I need to move my blogs over to here DelAlbright.blogspot.com rather than jeepndel.blogspot.com
Del

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Trail Party formed to help Voters for Access

TRAIL PARTY Formed to Help Off Road Voters

Be an "ORV" -- Off Road Voter.

The current election can seem a little overwhelming, time consuming and maybe even a little confusing to sit down and read up on all the candidates and propositions. Don Amador, noted Recreation Advocate has made it easy and has done all the reading and put together an easy to use "Trail Party Voters Guide". Essentially it is comprised of the candidates that are OHV friendly and made the propositions a piece of cake to decide on.  The Trail Party is already taking on national importance in helping to de


Go here to take a peek: Trail Party Voters Guide

Monday, October 11, 2010

Roger Norman with Lance Clifford in Pole Starter at Baja 1000

Roger

Roger Norman drew the pole (starting) position for the Baja 1000 with Lance Clifford, my pal and owner of Pirate4x4.com, as his co-driver. Wow.
Lance

This should be a wild race as they plan to Ironman the whole thing.  Whew....GET IT!!!  Read more at http://rogernormanracing.com/roger-norman-draws-first-position-and-plans-to-ironman-2010-tecate-score-baja-1000
Del

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Access Army Times October Newsletter

Go here to see/read/download and share the Access Army Times (October newsletter) with landuse and access info from coast to coast. Thanks to our main man, Todd Ockert. Air Warrior King, for putting this together.

http://www.delalbright.com/Access/Access-Army-Oct-2010-Newsletter.pdf

Monday, September 20, 2010

Reno4x4.com Wins Club Challenge in Reno, NV

Reno4x4.com Wins the Club Challenge at Ultra4 Stampede

Kickin' it with 4 other clubs, the hard-charging wheelers from Reno4x4.com won the Club Challenge in Reno at the Off Road Innovations (ORI, Reno) Club Challenge for best prepared rig for a trail ride.  Battling with the Motherlode Rockcrawlers of Jackson, CA, the Arkansas Crawlers, the Trailbusters 4x4 Club of Solano County, and the Friends of the Rubicon, Reno4x4.com took home the trophy. :)

Actually, the trophy was a free full weekend of wheeling and camping at the famous Exit 28 Motorsports as sponsored by ORI of Reno (http://www.orireno.com/).
Read and download the press release here at http://www.delalbright.com/Misc/club_challenge_winners.html

It was fun for all.  We look forward to next year.
Share
Del

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Del and BlueRibbon on Pirate4x4 TV Live

You have to let this load for a bit if you want to see it (me on Internet TV doing my BlueRibbon thing). It starts about minute 23. This is the largest off-road website out there, Pirate4x4.com.  It's a fun interview about landuse, what BRC is doing and how folks can get in the game of saving trails.


Go here to see it but have a good connection: http://www.pirate4x4.com/tv/live11b.php


Del

Monday, September 6, 2010

Raceline Wheels 4x4 Show and Shine at Reno Stampede

If you're coming along with me to the Reno Stampede, bring your junk and enter it into the Raceline Wheels Show and Shine, they even have a Best Beater category.   The contest is Friday the 10th, along with the Bikini Car Wash and Club Challenge, as well as several other fun things at the Grand Sierra Resort.

Get a sign up form (free) here: http://www.kingofthehammers.com/registration.php

See ya there.
Del

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Ultra4 Stampede Gate Info at Exit 28 Motorsports

QUICK LINK with High Res Pictures: http://bowermedia.com/2010/09/exit-28-motorsports-park-opens-gates-for-ultra4-stampede-race/



Exit 28 Motorsports Park Opens Gates for Ultra4 Stampede Race

RENO, NV SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 ~ Exit 28 Motorsports Park is excited to host the Stampede race produced by Hammerking Productions and sponsored by ORI of Reno. Designated spectator areas will be $10/per person per area, 10 years and under are free but must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and everyone is expected to stay behind the protective barriers. The main parking area is free and accessible by passenger cars. Wristbands can be pre-purchased on Thursday and Friday at the ORI of Reno display booth to help eliminate congestion on Saturday morning.

The green flag will drop at 10am on Saturday September 11th and is expected to finish by 6pm. Please plan on coming early if you would like to see the beginning of the race, the road will be closed intermittently throughout the day as racecars cross. There are two spectator friendly viewing areas with no stadium seating, camp chairs are recommended for all areas.

Spectator Area 1 is by the Start/Finish line and Short Course track where Ultra4 cars will jump and take corners at speed. Area 1 will have easy access to concessions including food, drinks and an assortment of vendors. No outside alcohol is allowed on premises.

Spectator Area 2 will be at the Giants Throne Rock Crawling Arena where the serious rock crawling enthusiasts will be able to watch these aggressive vehicles take on brand new trails that have huge boulders and wicked waterfall drops. Area 2 will require a short hike up the hill, with limited concessions and portable toilets. Primitive hiking trails are not ADA accessible to Giants Thrown Arena.

There is a third area that is limited to members of organized recreation, local, state and/or national clubs with decals/stickers showing on the rig. Deadwood Canyon will be one of the best viewing areas in the park. There is a $20 per able vehicle fee to access, with only as many people as seatbelts in the vehicle. Proceeds for this area will be split between Blue Ribbon Coalition and Exit 28 Motorsports Park.

Access to Qualifying on Friday morning is free. The Pits are closed to spectators and will only be accessible by team members with specific pit passes.

“We are very excited to have this race at Exit 28 Motorsports Park,” said Don Gilman, Operations Manager. “We have been out almost every weekend cutting new trails and we are sure there will be some of the hardest trails around, keeping with the excitement of the King of the Hammers.” The race will be three 20-mile laps attacking the brutal terrain including 3 rock canyons, a rock crawling closed course, a off-road racing short course and miles of rally roads. “This race has the most in common with the hardest off-road race on the planet. King of the Hammers has been unlike any other race, until now,” said Jeff Knoll of Hammerking Productions.

Off Road Innovations (ORI) of Reno, located adjacent to the Exit 28 Motorsports Park, will be open during the week of the race for vehicle repairs and assistance.

Directions to Exit 28 Motorsports Park: I-80 to Exit 28, Patrick Road. South on Patrick, over Railroad tracks. Follow Signs to Designated Parking Areas

For More Information: www.kingofthehammers.com or www.orireno.com
Photo Credit: Bower Motorsports Media, RubiconScat.com
Event Sponsors: Hammerking Productions, ORI of Reno, Mustang Ranch


About Exit 28 Motorsports Park

Built around the enthusiasm for offroading in the Reno Sparkes area, this motorsports complex will be able to host all styles of racing with its diverse terrain, weather, nearby hospitality and International Airport within 20 minutes. In 2010, Exit 28 Motorsports Park hosted the VORRA Xtreme Outlaw 250 desert race, two CalRocs rock crawling events, the LivFast Motocross Park and the Stampede a King of the Hammers qualifier. In 2011, the schedule will extend to include additional high profile desert races and multiple other events. The park is available to be rented for any style event, race, concert series, corporate function, club events, offroad testing, and new product releases. The options are endless with over 100,000 acres to utilize for executing a world class event.


What: Stampede Race

When: Thursday September 9th 2pm Kickoff BBQ at Mustang Ranch

Friday September 10th 8am-12pm Qualifying Runs

Saturday September 11th 10am-6pm Stampede Race

Where: Exit 28 Motorsports Park. Exit 28 off I-80, South on Patrick, Follow Signs

Tickets: $10 per person / per viewing area (2 available)

3rd viewing area for Clubs with Purpose Built rigs only. $20 per Vehicle; guided by "special guests of landuse"; Deadwood Canyon obstacle.


--

Bower Motorsports Media
Charlene Bower
714-394-1716
charlene@bowermedia.com

Let's Rally Behind the BlueRibbon Coalition Fund-Raiser

I just opened my letter from the BlueRibbon Coalition asking for our special help in these changing times.  I say we get behind this and help hit new levels of fund-raising in order to keep BRC in the fight, nationally and locally, kickin' it for us!!

Times are critical right now, and in the words of Greg Mumm, Executive Director at BRC, "the Administration and Congress have upped the ante to record new levels when it comes to "changing" the landscape -- literally."  We gotta help BRC get stronger, now. 

The goal is to raise $500,000 to help support the BRC budget and the legal battles from Tellico to the Hammers.  All donations of any size would help right now.  Please go here and give what you can as we need your help.  I need your help as well because without BRC, I would not be doing what I'm doing for our recreational access.
Help us here: http://www.sharetrails.org/donate
thank you,
Del

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Reno Stampede Offers Exclusive Viewing at Deadwood Canyon

Premier viewing for an awesome obstacle at the Reno Stampede on Sept. 11th is now available for pre-sale tickets to the first 100 vehicles. Part of the proceeds will benefit the BlueRibbon Coalition.  I will be your guide and host. Get on it if you want the BEST seat in the house (and help save trails at the same time).

I will organize our convoy of rigs and landuse folks, and guide you to the top of the viewing area where you will see one amazingly challenging obstacle, with better (and safe) viewing than any other obstacle on the course.  Naturally you'll get a chance to interact with some landuse folks in between race cars if you want as well. :)

Get your ticket early as I'm sure we'll sell out. Read all about it here and say a big thanks to ORI Reno for me while you're there.  Those folks ROCK!
http://www.orireno.com/2010/08/31/reno-stampede-deadwood-canyon-spectator-fee/

Del

Monday, August 30, 2010

Important America's Great Outdoors Initiative Update 8-30-2010

BLUERIBBON COALITION NATIONAL LANDUSE UPDATE!


BRC America's Great Outdoor Initiative Update

Important update on the Obama Administration's ambitious new conservation agenda

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscribers,

On April 16, 2010, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum that will radically change the U.S. Government's conservation policy. The Memorandum created the America's Great Outdoors Initiative (AGO Initiative) which, among other things, will take public input on how to conserve public and private lands and how to promote outdoor recreation among young Americans.

Many OHV enthusiasts across the nation have attended the meetings and reported in so we wanted to give our members an update. This information is also available on BRC's Public Lands Department section of sharetrails.org: http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/ under the section AMERICA'S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

There are still many questions about the AGO Initiative and how it relates to its companion, the Treasured Landscape Initiative, and we are learning more every day... so watch your inbox for updates and action alerts..

As always, please call or email if you have any questions,
Brian Hawthorne Ric Foster
Public Lands Policy Director Public Lands Department Manager
208-237-1008 ext 102 208-237-1008 ext 107


READ/DOWNLOAD the entire update and details here.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Article: The Jeep That Saved the Day (and our lives)

The Jeep That Saved the Day

And our lives

By Del & Stacie Albright

The trucker behind us on I-80 near Truckee, CA, said he figured we were goners when the Jeep made the FIRST 360 at 55 MPH on the freeway with the jeep trailer coming disconnected yet upright, held only by the safety chain. Then when he saw me steer out of that for the SECOND spin with the trailer headed sideways and still flopping on the chain, he knew we were going to be statistics. Yet we survived it; no one got hurt, and after a few repairs, we drove home the Jeep with the trailer. It’s a story worth telling.

“Red” the Jeep stayed upright and we must have had the luck of the Big Four-Wheeler in the sky watching out for my driving. I'm still celebrating life even more today. But this story is also about the right gear; the right buildup on your rig; the right training; and the family we call four-wheelers, or better yet, off-road recreationists.

Read the whole story and download for sharing at http://www.delalbright.com/Articles/jeep_trailer_spin.html

Del

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Trail Gear Supports Albright and BlueRibbon Coalition

Trail Gear, famous for rugged off-road parts for Toyota and Samurai rigs, stepped up to the plate big time for landuse to support the Del Albright Land Use War Machine and BlueRibbon Coalition.  THANK you, TG, and thank you for the great stuff you make!

Check out the custom, special logo the Trail Gear folks developed for my Land Use War Machine.  I plan to make these available to my supporters and friends soon.


I've been on customer appreciation runs with the good folks at TG and I can tell you, they are top notch off-roaders and just plain nice people. Their 50,000 SF warehouse is totally stocked with parts and goodies so you don't have to wait if you place an order.  TG is dedicated to delivering top quality parts to your door FAST!  Check them out at http://www.trail-gear.com/
Del

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Del Live on Pirate4x4 TV Tonight (8/17)

I will be on tonights episode of Pirate4x4 TV Live! Be sure to tune in! ~ Thanks!


Join Us LIVE for the July Pirate4x4 TV Live! Webcast
Hosted by Camo & Jessi Combs

Tuesday August 17th
6pm - 8pm PST

Watch LIVE at this link: http://www.pirate4x4.com/tv/live.php
(If you can't tune in live, we will have the recorded show along with a podcast on iTunes up next week!)

Guests Include:

• Erik Miller the International Endurance Series Winner

• Kevin Carey with Wheelin for the Wounded

• Del Albright from Blue Ribbon Coalition

• Jessi Combs gives a Welding 101 Lesson

also...

• Warn Winch Shop Tour

• Jeepers Jamboree

• Lands End Hill Climb

• Disabled Sports Run on the Rubicon

• Bikini Car Wash

• Review on the ATL Fuel Cell

• FAST-Aid for the California 200

• Giving away Trail-Gear Rock Assault™ Axle Housing Giveaway

Don't miss it!

ALSO

We will pick a favorite question submission for each of our 4 guests. The 4 winners will receive the Pirate4x4 t-shirt of your choice from the Pirate4x4 Store

Just post your questions on the live chat during the show (don't PM or email them to me), we will ask them, and pick the favorite out of the group...

Need Questions for the following guests :

1. Erik Miller (Winner Ultra4 International Endurance Champion)

2. Kevin Carey (Wheelin for the Wounded, Pirate4x4 TV Live! Camera Guy)

3. Del Albright (Land Use Extraordinaire, Blue Ribbon Coalition)

4. Jessi Combs (Welding 101)

Please help us spread the word by posting on your Facebook, Twitter and Myspace pages!
--

Bower Motorsports Media
Charlene Bower
714-394-1716
charlene@bowermedia.com
facebook.com/charlene.bower1

Friday, August 13, 2010

Reno Stampede Club Challenge Competitors Announced

The five (5) clubs drawn to compete in the live Club Challenge on Friday Sept. 10 at the Grand Sierra Resort as part of the Ultra4 Reno Stampede are:


Reno4x4.com (Reno, NV)
Mother Lode Rockcrawlers (Jackson, CA)
Arkansas Crawlers (Sherwood, AR)
Trailbusters 4x4 Club of Solano County (Suisun City, CA)
Friends of the High Lakes (Paradise, CA)

Each club will be allowed one well prepared trail ride rig (4x4 vehicle) and a team of up to four (4) folks. It's like a live reality TV show where the key is to find stuff FAST. Yea, all those little hidey holes where you store stuff you forgot you had.

The Challenge will be held right after the Bikini Car Wash at the GSR, starting from 7 to 8pm.

The lucky winning club wins the awesome exclusive weekend of camping and wheeling on 100,000 acres of private land on the Exit 28 Motorsports property just outside Reno, sponsored by Off Road Innovations (ORI), Reno, NV. I've seen and wheeled the land; it's amazing and totally fun, with everything from bad-azz to crazy to moderate to sight-seeing.  Also saw dozens of wild horses while cruising the property.  Sweet!

Don't miss it the Challenge and the Reno Stampede.
See/download the entire press release about the Reno Stampede, Sept. 7 - 12, 2010 right here with this .pdf file: http://www.kingofthehammers.com/pdfs/30%20day%20stampede%20PR.pdf

Del

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Cantina for the 'Con Rubicon Fund Raiser


6th Annual Cantina for the 'Con Rubicon Trail Fund-Raiser
Labor Day Weekend at the Spillway (Sept. 4th and 5th)

Taco Feed and Raffle to Benefit the Rubicon Trail

Loon Lake Spillway.  Buy tickets in advnace or puchase them at the spillway.
More info contact email:  cantinadonations@gmail.com
Raffle begins Sunday, Sept. 5th at 4pm.

More info and details at http://www.rubicontrailfoundation.org/

Off-Road Hall of Fame 2010 Ceremony

The 2010 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Postponed


Originally scheduled to take place on August 21, 2010, at the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada, due to unforeseen circumstances, this date is cancelled. We will announce a new date and venue as soon as we have solid arrangements in place. We regret the inconvenience this change in dates may cause.

The 2010 ceremony will mark the seventh consecutive year of inductions since the re-birth of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Class of 2010 includes five new inductees:
Peter K. Brown; industry pioneer.
Eugene A. (Gene) Chappie: Pioneer: Advocate
Chris Haines: Pioneed: Industry
Johnny Johnson: Competition: Off Road Racing
Rick Pewe: Recreational: Four Wheeling
 
The new time and location will be announced soon.  What a great crop of Hall of Fame folks.  Congrats to all.
For more on the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame visit: http://www.ormhof.org/
or email Bob Bower bobbower@cox.net
 
Del
 

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Win a Rock Crawling Weekend on a Private Ranch for Your Club

Win a Weekend for Your Club on a Private OHV Ranch near Reno, NV
Off Road Innovations and Hammerking Productions Announce the 2010 Best Prepared Rig Contest
at the Ultra4 Stampede in Reno, NV, Sept. 7-12, 2010.

Five (5) 4x4 clubs will get to compete for a chance to be the ONE selected club to get a full, PRIVATE weekend of awesome rock-crawling, camping, and trail-riding fun for the whole club, right outside Reno, NV. On Friday night of the Ultra4 Stampede, the five finalist clubs will present their BEST PREPARED/SETUP rig to the crowd of cheering fans for a most unusual contest of preparation and preparedness!

“This is not a rock crawl or obstacle course,” says Don Gilman of Off Road Innovations, the premier sponsor of the contest, “but rather a challenge to see how well setup and prepared your BEST rig is in your club.” Each club that fills out an application (TBA) will get a shot at being one of the 5 finalists who compete LIVE in front of the Ultra4 audience, with noted landuse activist and off-roader, Del Albright as the emcee and a panel of judges.

The drawing for the five finalists clubs will be held in Reno on Wednesday August 11th at the premier of the “King of the Hammers - Anarchy” film at the Grand Sierra Resort.

The contest will be live from 7pm to 8pm on Friday night, September 10th at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. Each rig/car/4x4 entered can have up to but not more than 4 seats and 4 passengers. Only one rig per club may be entered. All passengers may help with the contest. Without unveiling the fun of this contest, just realize that it is about preparation, setup, inventory, and readiness for about any situation on the trail or in rock crawling.

The contest is FREE to enter and applications are due by 5pm August 10th. Fill out your form at the Off Road Innovations store in Reno, NV or online at http://www.orireno.com/ and click on the Ultra4 logo to download the form.

For more information on the Ultra4 Stampede please visit http://ww.kingofthehammers.com/. To book your weekend stay at the Grand Sierra Resort please visit http://www.grandsierraresort.com/ or call 1-800-501-2651. Get the Ultra4 Stampede special room rate by using “ULTRA4” code when booking your room.

Questions may be addressed to Del Albright, Event Emcee by email to del@delalbright.com

Monday, July 12, 2010

BlueRibbon July Magazine with Jeep Beach

Be sure to see the Jeep Beach article from this recent trip I was on.
Del

The July 2010 issue of BlueRibbon Magazine is available online! Featured in this issue...

STAFF COLUMNS

Greg Mumm, BRC's Executive Director, tells us how to ensure the future

Sonia Bartz, BRC President, gives us the lowdown on the BRC Board of Directors election process

NEWS

Members are asked to vote in the BlueRibbon Coalition Board Of Directors (BOD) election


Absentee Ballot for BOD Election

BRC honored at International Snowmobile Congress (ISC)
Del Albright tells us how a Florida Jeep club kicks it for BRC at the 2010 Jeep Beach event

Court adopts Lewis & Clark remedy - restores access


EDITORIAL

Mark Algazy asks, "What Frequency Are You On?" (read more!)

Barbara Larsen gives us the lowdown on those dedicated "Pledge Partners" who support BRC all year long


Charlie Williams discusses "Wilderness on a Palodoodle"

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Legal Action Update

The Member Support List: Thanks guys!

Brian Hawthorne gives us our Wilderness update in the Land Use Outlook

This notice sponsored by Klim Technical Riding Gear

Go here to see the magazine: http://www.sharetrails.org/magazine/issues/july2010/pdf/BRM_July2010.pdf

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Rubicon Work Weekend June 26, 2010

Preparing for the Rubicon Trail -- packing the Jeep, getting the camping gear loaded up on the Olympic4x4 rack, making sure the lug nuts are tight, checking the tire pressure in the BFG's, and doing the once-over on old Red, when the moon decided to pay me a visit.  Big work party this weekend on the Rubicon Trail with the Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR), the most famous off-road coalition in the world, dedicated to just one trail -- the Icon of Four-Wheeling!
Sometimes as a photographer, the picture finds you.  It's times like these that remind me why so many of love what we do -- getting out there, exloring nature, and "seeing" what the world has to offer (off pavement).   No matter what your choice of off-road recreation is, be sure to help keep it alive for moments like this.  Join all those organizations that make sense to you, starting with the BlueRibbon Coalition (http://www.sharetrails.org/) and your state association.

FOTR folks are feeding us with a great dinner Saturday night and there is still time to sign up and help with some very productive trail work right here at : http://www.rubiconfriends.com/

When it comes to moments like this pic with my Jeep and the moon, my advice is simple: Take the time to see what is around you and appreciate the freedom this great country has to offer.    Del