Very early in the 70’s I got interested in Motocross. A new growing sport in Minnesota and across America. Along with it came modern dirt bike technologies. But once again there was the problem of where to ride and practice for my newfound sport. Once again it was back to the same Minnesota trails I had enjoyed for so long. On occasion other motorcycles would show up in these areas and new friendships would develop. Then some property owner would shout, “Hey, get out of here and take your loud pipes with you!” “And don’t come back!” Now what? Find new places to trailride or practice motocross.

Thirty years went by, the motorcycles got better, but the same trail riding problems still exist. There has developed a larger following of motocross riders. But to tell you the truth, many of them are trail riders at heart. Enduro riders, trail riders, and motocross riders still share the same trails for their enjoyment. With the welcome addition of quads our numbers grow even more. But the trails remain the same. Many of the local motocross tracks offer public riding for a fee. But the DNR, and private property sources still kick riders out of many areas.

As a riding brotherhood I urge all of you to do the following: (a) pick up your trash, (b) keep your silencers and mufflers in tact, (c) don’t smart off to the guy kicking you out. By doing these simple tasks we at Dist.23 have an easier job fighting for off road riding privileges. By combining our efforts as a motorcycle brotherhood we show the public and government bodies that we are responsible people who deserve riding areas to enjoy our sports. We also show large numbers of involvement that means more government dollars being made available for trail development.

I’ve never been one for dirt bike registration. In Minnesota it is now a mandatory law on public lands. The one thing I can say is to register your bikes where you get your license plates. Get your off road sticker, and be counted as part of the brotherhood I’m speaking about. Numbers count when it comes to legislators and being counted is crucial to our survival. So riders, if you want places to trail ride and off road parks built you will joyfully fulfill these requirements.

Register your bikes, stand up and be counted, and become part of the brotherhood. If you don’t there may not be places for our grandchildren to ride.

Most important is to ride safe and quiet with numbers reflecting your wishes. Be part of the good statistics and not the bad statistics. Our legislators look at both!