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Sunday, December 15, 2013

US FOREST SERVICE RETIREES SPEAK OUT FOR ACTION!

USDA Forest Service Retirees Call National Forest Policies Unsustainable!

The National Association of Forest Service Retirees (NAFSR) have called the USDA Forest Service policies and procedures for forest health and wildland fire suppression unsustainable!  They have offered up a 10-point plan of actions to clarify and improve the current fire policy situation.  In abbreviated form, it calls for:
1.            More active management of forests and grasslands;
2.            Reduced fuel loading and more prescribed fire;
3.            Review and learning from past big fires like Yellowstone, 1988;
4.            Clarification of fire policies concerning when to implement aggressive initial attack;
5.            Fire leadership adequate training;
6.            “Hot” fire reviews and more accountability;
7.            Pursue adequate fire suppression funding;
8.            Ensure all USFS employees have a role in fire emergencies;
9.            Develop more leadership succession planning to replace experienced retirees;
10.          Streamline environmental planning and reduce legislative conflicts.

For years I have felt, personally and professionally that our public lands have become tied down in bureaucracy and unnecessary legislative silliness and environmental radicalism. I see this report from an esteemed membership as encouragement for a better future for our public lands -- if someone listens.



Del
Del Albright

Director of Operations, BlueRibbon Coalition www.sharetrails.org
Founding Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon www.rubiconfriends.com
Environmental Affairs, CA4WDC www.cal4wheel.com

Find Del on Facebook here

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

STATE LEVEL OFF-ROAD COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION PROCESS

State Level Coordination, Cooperation and Collaboration for Off-Road Recreation
By Del Albright, 11/26/13

How do off-road and backcountry recreation groups coordinate their efforts better at the State level? In states like California where there are probably two dozen or more “friends” type groups, two multiple use organizations, a couple hundred local clubs, and national representation from at least four associations, it would seem a daunting task.  But there are solutions.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY of STEPS:
  1.  Develop common communications.
  2. Meet face to face.
  3. Conduct leadership calls frequently.
  4. Use Executive or Oversight Committees.
  5. Publish results and actions.

In fact, it is being done at the national level, and that same model can be followed at the state level.  The North American Motorized Recreation Council (NAMRC) has laid the framework for uniting efforts across the country.  More can be done; but the model is solid.   NAMRC is supplemented with National Leadership Calls on a regular basis, albeit not directly affiliated with NAMRC at this time. 

It begins with STEP 1: a common communications network (email, forum, Skype, Go To Meeting, etc.).  The critical part is getting everyone rounded up so they know there is a place to share ideas.  Make sure every possible group is invited.

STEP 2:  is to meet once or twice a year, or as often as needed, to tackle issues and meet each other face to face.    It is about the same process as starting a “coalition” as I write about here: http://www.delalbright.com/articles/coalitions.htm.   The actual process for CA was set in 2003 with this Multiple-Use Summit: http://www.delalbright.com/access/summit.htm

Continuing with the CA example, the California Motorized Recreation Council (CMRC) was established to work on Johnson Valley in an unified voice.  That can easily be expanded to all state level issues.  This was attempted in 1997 with the first state level multiple use group called the Resource Education Network (REN).  It was fueled by the Desert Protection Act and lasted several years before morphing into the Sierra Nevada Framework efforts.  More on REN here: http://www.delalbright.com/Access/ren.html

Bringing multiple-use groups together is part of the process needed for state-level unification.  One early example was set in 1997 with the Multiple-Use Shared Trail (MUST) Workshop that could be repeated, or blended into a Leadership Summit type meeting.

Then STEP 3:  is to supplement the face-to-face meetings with leadership calls much like a non-profit would have Board meetings by phone calls or Skype or Go To Meetings (examples).  Each call is facilitated and the agenda is announced beforehand.

For large states like CA, oversight or executive level committees can be established to make the working element a bit smaller and easier to work with, as long as they are working under the expectations of the entire group.

Finally, STEP 4: publish the results and actions so that every participant is informed and included, and the actions of the group are seen by others.

Some unwritten parts of the success of an effort like this include setting aside egos, minimizing club/turf boundaries, and finding ways to be positive and cooperative instead of self-protective.  It can be done.
Del


Del Albright

Interim Director of Operations, BlueRibbon Coalition www.sharetrails.org
Founding Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon www.rubiconfriends.com
Environmental Affairs, CA4WDC www.cal4wheel.com

Find Del on Facebook here
Find BRC on Facebook here.

Contact Del at brdel@sharetrails.org; or del@delalbright.com
Website: www.delalbright.com

Monday, November 25, 2013

TRAIL SNACKS, ENERGY BARS -- THE GOOD GUYS

HERE IS HOW THE SNACKS STACK UP -- PHASE I RESEARCH DONE!
Del Albright Blog, 11/26/13

Phase I of my online and family taste testing is done when it comes to off-road/backcountry snacks from companies that are on our team, or at least not lobbying against us and our access to public lands and waterways.

 Phase II is you reporting back on what you think of the flavors, options, and results.

I did NOT do energy drinks.  Just bars and jerky.  Here is my report on those companies that I will buy from, and suggest you buy from as well.  BIG TIP: if you find a good snack elsewhere, PLEASE ask the company position before you buy. Then let us know.

NOTE: my purpose here is not to go into all the flavors and act like some sort of food critic;  I'm just telling you   I researched these companies and tasted their treats -- they all came out with FLYING colors.  The ones I felt did not add up to our off-road world criteria, I did not report on.  They bombed.  You can buy from the folks below and be assured you are not jeopardizing our backcountry sports with your purchase.

JERKY:



 The Wicked Good Snacks folks are all fully supportive of our off-road sports, and in fact show up at events often, doing the activity themselves!  BIG thumbs up. Great flavors and selection.

Off Road Jerky is owned by two famous off-roaders Shaun ‘Surveyboy’ Bootsma and Deanne ‘Crash’ Angeloni-Bootsma.  They wheel; they do it; and they have an awesome line up of jerky.

Link to Wicked Good Snacks: 
http://thewickedgoodsnacks.com/

Link to Off Road Jerky:
http://www.offroadjerky.com/index.html

ENERGY and PROTEIN BARS

Honey Stinger products are amazing...and quite a large selection of goodies, from waffles, to organic honey, to bars of energy and protein, to organic energy gels.  I've not found any of their goodies I don't like!





The Dark Chocolate Mocha Cherry protein bar is a household favorite of ours.  Awesome!  And this company supports our backcountry lifestyle as well.  Company executives personally answered my emails and told me how they also sponsored dirt bike racers!
The Fig Bars from Nature's Bakery get BIG thumbs up as well.  Great company from Reno, NV, with "Made in America" all over them.  Delicious flavors and they have staff that gets dirty now and then (not in the shop, but on the trails).  Big thumbs up.

Link to Honey Stinger: http://www.honeystinger.com.

Link to Nature's Bakery Fig Bars: http://naturesbakery.com/

There you have it...off road snacks that are good for the tummy and good for our trails.
Del





Sunday, November 24, 2013

CA: CLEAR CREEK AND BRC FIGHTING BACK

CA: CLEAR CREEK, ASBESTOS AND PERSISTENCE BY BRC
Del Albright Blog, Nov. 24, 2013

I would like to showcase for CA riders, the work that has gone into getting Clear Creek back in our riding inventory since 2008.  BlueRibbon Coalition has devoted tons of staff hours (and some serious money) on fighting the absurdity of claimed asbestos issues.

Here is a link to BRC congressional testimony which laid the groundwork for the legislation which is a long process.

  
BRC continues to work with Congress to have them designate it as a National Recreation Area and open to OHV.

Here is link to BRC news release last year

The bill was reintroduced this year as H.R. 1776 and we are working to get a hearing on it.

And BRC has a bunch of links of the things they've done here:


And best of all, about 8 pages of blogs from landuse advocate and BRC Western Rep, Don Amador, right here about CCMA: http://thegeneralsrecreationden.blogspot.com/#uds-search-results
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Del

FAVORITE NOVEMBER MOTIVATIONAL POSTERS FOR LANDUSE





GETTIN' THE MESSAGE ON! MOTIVATIONAL POSTERS OF NOTE FOR LANDUSE IN NOVEMBER.
Del Albright Blog, Nov. 25, 2013

These posters tell the tale and should motivate us all to do more; get more involved; and stop the trail closures and unnecessary land and water restrictions to our access.









Tuesday, November 12, 2013

ALBRIGHT TAKES HELM AT BRC

Albright To Lead BlueRibbon Coalition Operations

Share on Facebook
November 12, 2013 10:50 PM

Del Albright

POCATELLO, ID (November 12, 2013) -- The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) Board of Directors formally announced today that Del Albright will serve as Interim Director of Operations, overseeing the daily affairs of BRC following the departure of former Executive Director Greg Mumm. Albright is well known to BRC supporters and the broader outdoor community, having worked with BRC for over a decade, most recently as the BRC Ambassador.
"It is with great anticipation that we promote Del to this position," said John Parrinello, President of the BRC Board. "He has the right mix of experience, vision, and credibility with our constituents to lead BRC at this important juncture," Parrinello explained.
"I am excited to tackle this new job and new challenge," said Albright. "We need to remind everyone what made BRC a leader in grassroots recreation advocacy. We will continue our time-tested strategies advancing recreation interests in the most efficient and effective way possible," Albright promised.
Del Albright has an extensive and diverse background, including service as the BRC Ambassador, as State Environmental Affairs Coordinator for the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, and as a member in United Four Wheel Drive Associations, Friends of the Rubicon, Tread Lightly!, and the North American Motorized Recreation Council. Albright holds a bachelor's degree in Forestry and a master's degree in Environmental Planning. Before Albright "retired" to his present role as an outdoor recreation advocate, he served 26 years in the California Department of Forestry and 14 years in military service, including as a U.S. Army Green Beret. More information about Albright is available atwww.delalbright.com.
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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

DEL TO DO BAJA 1000 PRE-RUN WITH BFG

DEL ALBRIGHT DOING BFGOODRICH TIRES TEAMBFG BAJA 1000 PRE-RUN.
Del Albright Blog, 10/21/2013

#teambfg of +BFGoodrich Tires has invited me to be part of the pre-run for the Baja 1000, and then to be involved in the progress of the real race in a few weeks.  The SCORE International Tecate Baja 1000 is the most famous, historical off road race in the world, I think.



BFGoodrich Tires has a phenomenal track record for winning tires in this desert-bouncing, high speed, endurance rated, off-road marathon competition.  I get to add my landuse perspective while getting to know the famous names behind the race; but more importantly I get to experience first hand why we love this sport and these types of races.  The dust, the glory, the speed, the fear, the challenge and the fun will be in my tool bag very soon!

Stay tuned as I add my experiences, thoughts and adventures with BFG on the social networks like Twitter and Facebook.

More on SCORE International here: http://score-international.com/.
More on BFGoodrich Tires here: http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com.
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Del

Thursday, October 17, 2013

CONTEST OF TWEETS FOR #TEAMALBRIGHT

FUN CONTEST: TWEET #TEAMALBRIGHT AND WIN GOODIES

A Hashtag (pound sign) provides world-wide tracking of posts, grouping of messages and a searching tool in messages for key topics. #teamalbright is what we use for our Del & Stacie internet presence -- Team Albright.  So here's our contest: Tweet #teamalbright (use Twitter and use the hashtag) with what you like about what we do, or what you think is unique, and WIN goodies if we select your Tweet.

Contest ends Monday, 5 pm, October 21st.  Winners will be selected based on originality; if your tweet makes us smile; and some arbitrary pulling out of the hat.  This is just for fun (and to see how well this Hashtag stuff works). Winners will get to choose from three prizes:


 1.  Autographed poster of Team Albright, 5x7 or 8x10.










2.  Autographed copy of our Landuse and Volunteerism book, mailed free to your doorstep.

 








  3.  Bag of stickers and decals (swag).  We'll pull a bunch from our partner/sponsor box of goodies and send them to you for your collection (or your kids).  ;)

So TWEET away; Tweet #teamalbright and say something that will catch our attention.  I will follow your Tweets using the Hashtag from Hootsuite and Twitter.   Thanks, Del


Saturday, October 12, 2013

FIXING STUFF ON YOUR OWN

 SELF-HELP IN THE MODERN WORLD;
FIXING JUNK ON YOUR OWN WITH INTERNET HELP -- ESPECIALLY YOU-TUBE.

By Del Albright, Blog 10/12/2013

Lately I've accomplished some repairs I never would have tackled years ago because I'm not a fixit type of guy.  Yes, it's about the Internet -- YouTube, Bing.com, Wikipedia and forums.

The trick to figuring out just about anything is learning the right search terms and where to look.  Don't look in a forum where the participants spend more time flaming each other than providing good info if you want reliable (and friendly) help. Don't look in Wikipedia if you want to repair your RV water heater.  It's all about knowing where to look, and what to look for.


It takes a little practice and some visualization (common sense thinking).  I learned how to check an alternator on a good forum that had a thread for my vehicle (and reasonable, knowledgeable people).

I learned how to fix the pilot-light water heater in my old hunting trailer from YouTube. It took a while to find the right search terms, but once I did, BINGO, I was watching a guy fix the same water heater on his 1970's something trailer just like mine!  Step by step fixit instructions and even bench testing of components.





Did you know that not all battery chargers are alike?  And that if you spend the money on a modern, good charger, you get a lot more than you ever could have expected in battery life?  Yup.  I learned that from some experts at Optima batteries and a few reliable forums.

For an RV (or even an off-road rig), battery condition is one of those critical components that can sure mess with your success if it's not working right.  So from a few forums and on the job training, I now make sure all my batteries are in good shape and properly managed  -- not just charged.

OH, and let's not forget computers!


The other day I was ready to make my desktop computer into a mailbox!  The Visual C# Command Line Compiler had stopped working (or some such error message that would NOT leave me alone).   And let's not forget to mention my Network Adapter that would not connect to the Internet unless I Disabled and re-Enabled it, EVERY morning.  Larger hammers were showing up in my office!!!

The solution was a HELP desk from Windows in this case, with a user community thread.  A soft boot with all Microsoft stuff disabled fixed the problem -- but I had to spend a hour looking for the solution.  Actually, the soft boot fixed both my problems with this potential mailbox.

The real bottom line for me is that YouTube wins top honors.  You can find a good video on about anything you need to do on this amazing video sight.  Yes, there is still junk mail out there, just like on Wikipedia, so you have to be a bit diligent in double checking sometimes.  But overall, I've found the fix more often than not on YouTube and I recommend you learn to make this site your friend.
http://www.youtube.com

Del
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

WHO IS BRC AND WHY JOIN?

WHO IS BLUERIBBON COALITION (BRC) AND WHY JOIN THEM?
By Del Albright
10/2/2013

Landuse is not about miracles; it’s about consistency, professional staff, and hard work. While it might be the key to long term success, you can’t substitute enthusiasm for experience. If you want to do the job right, join with those who've been there, seen it, done it and have proven they know how to help you get it done from experience.   That is BRC; and that is why I advocate for it to be your first stop in joining outdoor advocacy organizations.

Don't get me wrong; I will always ALSO advocate for you to be part of your local club; your regional or state association, and your sport-specific nationwide outfit. But when it comes down to making sure we have influence in national politics where decisions are made (Washington DC), and a partner with oomph that will work alongside our local/state organizations, it's BRC.

BRC is the national grassroots leader in helping to save trails and keep off-road sports alive and well – all sports and all trails.   Like an umbrella organization, BRC champions responsible access at all levels in all areas of the USA, working with all forms of modality like 4x4, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, dune buggies, side-by-sides, ATV’s and anything else you can think of.  It encompasses the sports of off-roading, hunting, fishing, photography, skiing, snowmobiling, exploring, adventure travel, and anything activity that relies on access to lands and waterways.  Everyone in outdoor sports should be a member of BRC as their first step in getting involved in keeping a sport alive.

A key thing that sets BRC apart is their full time, professional, trained and competent staff supplemented by volunteer Board of Directors and professional career landuse advocate contractors, all dedicated to making sure we have a future in off-road sports. It is the professional staff and that experience coming alongside to help its members and member organizations that make BRC the ‘big dog’ in saving off-road sports.
  
Del


Monday, September 23, 2013

OUTDOOR FREEDOM IS ABOUT CHOICES

HUNTING, FISHING, EXPLORING, CAMPING, OR WHATEVER YOU LIKE; IT'S ABOUT FREEDOM OF CHOICE

By Del Albright

Being outdoors enjoying whatever it is you do, is one of the treasures we have in this country. It matters not what you do (outside), as long as you do it and respect others who might do something else. We all should embrace our freedom of choice.

I enjoy hunting.  I also enjoy photography and music.  And hey, give me a fishing pole and I'm ready to rock. It really is not important what you do outside that you love; it's that you DO it, and you respect the right of others to choose.  Heck, many of us and those before us have fought for that very right --- that freedom.  Hold it tight and let no one take it from us.


We should drag our kids outside for the same sports and outdoor activities that you enjoy...or that they might enjoy.  Please don't overly contribute to this generation of thumb-living-video-gamers.  Get them outside when you can.  Yes, I know; some of this video game world is just inevitable.  But when the opportunity is there; take a kid outside.


Go to a beach for a picnic; drag out the old boat and take it for a spin; go to a gun range and teach a kid to shoot; take pictures of the sunrise/sunset; or just drive the countryside enjoying the freedom of access we have to many areas of this great country.  And then figure out what MORE you can do to make sure we have these places in the future.

Be sure to keep up your memberships in your favorite organizations that are fighting for your access and your freedoms.  I suggest you start with the outfit that represents all trails; all sports -- BlueRibbon Coalition.
Visit here to join and donate:  http://www.blueribboncoalition.org

Del
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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

REMEMBERING 9-1-1; TREASURING FREEDOM

NEVER FORGET; AND PRAY WE NEVER LET OUR GUARD DOWN; EVER.

By Del Albright on September 11, 2013

12 years ago the world stop turning for many of us; and the world saw the face of terrorism like never before - for what it really is -- criminal, barbaric, unjustified deployment of violence to scare people into submission or some form of behavioral change, with no concern for the consequences or damage.

Terrorists have no morality or conscientious.  To them, the end justifies the means.  They must have a different God than me, because I can't imagine facing mine in light of what terrorists do to other people.  

Bullies in high school use a form of terrorism on the less fortunate or less physical class mates -- scaring people; threatening violence; and showing their bankrupt morality.  No form of terrorism should be tolerated.

All people should take a stand against terrorism, and teach kids early on how NOT to be a victim of any type.

It is my wish on this day of remembrance that no one, no race, no culture, no country should ever be subjected to terrorism. God Bless America!
##
Del




Friday, September 6, 2013

CONFESSIONS OF A RED JEEP


RED JEEP SPEAKS OUT; ADMITS "ENHANCEMENTS."
By Jeep Albright, the Land Use War Machine

Ok, I admit it; I will say it out loud.  I have "enhanced" body parts and I love my bolt-on's.  I know; you're shocked.  But it's true and I have to confess it before another trail goes by.

It all started when I was a young pup, full of stock parts, factory suspension, no add-on's, and just plain worthless on the trail.  That was about 15 years ago.  So "Dad" added some tube bumpers, a Warn winch, and one tire size up, but at least there were good ones -- BFGoodrich All Terrains -- and figured I was "built." Yea, right.

Then "he" started taking me places where the really big boys play, and wow, it scared me!  I had a hard time keeping up, and sometimes I couldn't.  Well, instead of finding easier trails, no, not him; he figured to "build" me up some more, and "enhance" my body. 

Bolt-on's were popular, as well as upgraded (bigger) body parts.  So we started doing that -- spending money, finding bigger parts, and fixing other parts that broke because of the newer, bigger parts.  The never ending cycle of owning an off-road rig!

People finally started to notice me.  I was asked out (on trips, not dates).  I was in magazines.  I was in car shows.  I stood out in parades. I used my "beauty" to help save more trails and help clubs get better organized.  I was getting pretty well known.   Then it happened..."Dad's" lovely wife, Stacie, flipped me sideways on the famous Rubicon Trail and caused me to nearly succumb.

So what did we do?  We started building and enhancing even MORE.  WyoTech (automotive technical training school) took me on as a build project -- talk about steroid enhancement!  More businesses and supporters also kicked in to get me back on the trail-saving circuit. I grew up more.

We were saving trails and keeping the sport alive at the same time; so many, many helpful and supportive off-road businesses started jumping in to help the "enhancements" and body part upgrades.  Soon, I was a big boy in the sand box (and the rocks, and the hills, and the mountains,; and the beach, and you name it).

So today, you ask, where are you?  Well, the simple answer is: thinking about more enhancements like all good 4x4’s!!!




That’s my story.

JA, the LUWM









Wednesday, September 4, 2013

TRAIL ETHICS AND COMMON COURTESY

BUILD YOUR CLUB A TRAIL ETHICS/COMMON COURTESY LIST AND HELP SAVE OUR SPORTS!

By Del Albright

One primary way to save our sports and keep our trails open is to always set a good example for others...especially for those who are not members of organized recreation and might not know the rules of the road.  Your club or group should have a list of rules/ethics to play by.  It's not a hard thing to build (the list) and it just takes education to get folks to follow along.  Well, some folks might never get it and they just need to be busted by the law if needed.

But for most of us, given a simple set of common sense rules (trail ethics), we will follow them.  If you don't want to build your own, use something like these samples.  If you want to build your own and adapt it to your specific area, just sift and sort through these and pick the ones that make the most sense to your club.

Let's bring in the kids too!  Don't expect public schools, for the most part, to teach your kid common sense or even common courtesy....let alone manners.  It's just not happening in most places.  Seems like a lot of schools would rather indoctrinate your kid into hugging a tree or loving liberalism. Be that as it may, include your kids in the ethics you use for your club/group. Teach them young.

A lot of what folks think about us comes from our "image."  And image is perception sometimes....what people perceive; they believe.  So be careful when it comes to our image.  The minute we get lazy and don't stop for some trail trash, there will be someone who wants to blame that trash on us!

Here are some links to great Trail Ethics and some common courtesy stuff that will help you find the best list for you and your club/group.

Some Basic Training Rules for Life:

More on common sense and courtesy:

BRC Recreation Code of Ethics:

About the Image of Recreationists:


Set the example; help save our sports and trails.
Del




Thursday, August 29, 2013

LABOR DAY IS MORE THAN A BBQ

LABOR DAY IS ABOUT WORKERS AND BUILDING AMERICA

By Del Albright

Labor Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers; but nowadays with the decline in union memberships, it is more of an "end of summer" time to BBQ and hang out with friends. 

Oh, and let's not forget if you're being fashionable, it's the last day of the year to wear white. But while we're at it, let's tip our hats to the workers who made America strong and are still out there pounding steel, shaping wood, generating power, making stuff, fixing stuff, and taking care of the US economy.

My Dad, Elmer Ward Albright (1917 - 2013) was a union man after he finished diesel engineering school after WWII. He became a master mechanic and worked for the shipyards of southern CA when I was growing up in LA and San Diego areas.  The unions were good to him and our family.  It was a time that was right for labor to be organized. 

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Del




Sunday, August 25, 2013

WHO TO BELIEVE IN LANDUSE AND ORGANIZED RECREATION?

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHAT AND WHO TO BELIEVE IN LANDUSE AND POLITICS, FORUMS, THREADS, BLOGS, SOCIALS?

By Del Albright

So with all the access threats, lawsuits, complicated politics, who do we trust and believe when it comes to social networks, organizations and forums?

I will start this blog by saying, you have got to find someone you can believe in and support, or this ROAD CLOSED sign is about all we'll see the future.  Roads and trails are being closed at an alarming rate, inspite of the best efforts of some of our biggest OHV groups.  That is not to say we don't win a few.

However, I am convinced, based on my decades of doing this landuse stuff, that we must join and support organized recreation groups if we expect to have a sport in the future.  We must support groups like the NRA if we expect to have guns in our possession as well.  So who do we join?

If you read my stuff, you know I always say, JOIN everything you can afford to join.  Spend $100 a year on memberships (at least).  And make at least one good donation a year if you can swing it.

JOIN your local club, or at least your local/regional virtual club.  Learn from them; wheel with them; support landuse with them; and have some fun for sure.

JOIN your state/regional associations -- good or bad -- join them.  At least read their junk; know what is going on; see for yourself what makes the political world turn in your sport.

JOIN national groups that make sense to you -- and start with the BlueRibbon Coalition which represents ALL sports and ALL trails. JOIN your sport-specific group so you know what they are doing nationally, where we all need to have a say (but can't afford to travel to DC to make a speech).  Let your national group speak for you in DC.  But help them with letters.  Write letters when asked.

There you have it -- JOIN everything you can afford to join.  It's about membership; its about us; because big business like Exxon Oil, Google, and IBM sure aren't saving your trails.
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Del



CLOSED TRAIL/RIDING AREA PICS NEEDED FOR CAMPAIGN



PICS NEEDED OF CLOSED AREAS FOR NATIONAL VISUAL CAMPAIGN FOR ALL OFF-ROADERS TO USE AND SEE

By Del Albright and Olaf Kilthau, AreaBFE

Olaf Kilthau, Owner/Managing Member of Area BFE Adventure Park in Moab, UT, is asking for pics from us – of CLOSED trails/areas from all over the country!  Yes, trails and riding areas that have been closed to us (no matter how far back), with signs showing the closure or a gate or other barrier showing the trail/road/riding area CLOSED.

Olaf plans to initiate a visual campaign (hopefully with enough pics to post daily messages and closed trail signs) for all of us to see what has really happened to our outdoor backcountry access.   This will also give us a database/inventory of at least some of the losses we have incurred.

Pics should be internet sized (less than 1 meg; preferably jpeg).
Pics can be emailed directly to Olaf, using olaf@areabfe.com

Please add a short description of the pics you send.  Your note to Olaf might look like this:
“This pic is of the closure sign at the mouth of Surprise Canyon in Panamint Valley, near Death Valley, CA, closed in May 2001.  Before that we used to winch up 5 waterfalls to get to Panamint City, about 10 miles away.  Now we have to walk to see this part of our desert history.”

There is no immediate deadline for submitting pics, but we’d like to get this database/project underway as soon as possible.  However, if you come across a closed sign in the future, send it along as well.  Olaf will keep a list of the closures and pics that go with them, for our future use.

Thanks for any help,
Del (and Olaf)

 Questions may be addressed to Olaf using email: olaf@areabfe.com

Del Albright
Ambassador, BlueRibbon Coalition www.sharetrails.org
Founding Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon www.rubiconfriends.com
Environmental Affairs, CA4WDC www.cal4wheel.com
Find us on Facebook here

Website: www.delalbright.com

Friday, August 23, 2013

RAM MOUNTING SYSTEM ROD HOLDER FOR BOATS

RAM-ROD LIGHT SPEED ROD HOLDER VIDEO ON LAKE WITH DEL ALBRIGHT



I use RAM Mounting Systems products in my boat, RV, Jeep and other vehicles.  They make a bracket and mount for about anything you can think of, and the reason I use them is that they work, they're tough, and they do what is promised in their marketing.


This pic shows the Ram-Rod Light Speed holder that is in my video below.  Wow, this baby is sweet and works great -- trolling, stationary fishing, or just temporary set your rod down where it's secure, yet easy to grab.

Also pictured (besides the leaf litter in my boat) are the RAM cell phone/Spot holder and the RAM GPS holder for my Garmin.   And yes, that is a custom, Del-Built, Roll Bar over the console -- smile -- not really a roll bar, but it's a great grab handle and brace (leaning post).

Now enjoy my short video of the Ram-Rod Light Speed Rod Holder.



Tuesday, August 13, 2013

KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE IN OHV RECREATION

OHV RECREATION DEPENDS ON WHAT WE GIVE TO AND LEAVE BEHIND FOR OUR KIDS
By Del Albright

Allow them to run freely forever by giving our kids the tools, education, opportunities and good examples they need in their growth.   Don't let unnecessary and silly bureaucratic baloney mess up their chances for fun in life.

Yes, some rules are always necessary, but this society of ours has gotten screwy in some areas when it comes to trying to regulate us and our children.  I've seen freedom of choice battered down to near nothing in some cases.  We should always be able to choose and allow (choose our way of life and allow what we want to happen to us, within reason).

America is founded in freedom.  Freedom means having choices and reasonable decision-making chances.  Our military is strong because individuals are able to act decisively, improvise, adapt and overcome. They got that way from a freedom-based upbringing. Let's keep it that way.

Mis-guided politicians, influenced by well-funded exclusionary elitist groups are taking away chunks of our land, piece by piece (Wilderness, etc.), and chopping away at our freedoms (guns, helmets, choice of schools, riding gear, etc.).  We have to talk to, teach, and guide our kids to grow up to be sensible, thinking adults.  Don't expect your public schools to do that.

What can we do to help our kids maintain our OHV way of life?  First off, make sure you are a member of those groups that are involved in your form of recreation.  Read their literature and share it with your kids.  Get involved in kids programs in your state or regional association.  Be active in getting them involved early.

Secondly, always set a good example.  That means to show the "right way" in driving, camping, attitude, trail ethics, gun use, drinking, campfires, you name it.  Be the example that will help save the future.

And third, correct bad situations on the spot!  Don't let things get worse by hoping they'll go away.  Fix it!

OHV recreation should always be a "kids zone" where they have fun, learn to experience the great outdoors, and grow up doing something besides couch activities.

##  Del