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You can start by joining organizations like USA-All Utah Shared Access Alliance and The Blue Ribbon Coalition that fight for your right to ride and work to preserve these recreation areas for all users.
There are many things you can do while out on the trail to help the cause, mainly TREAD LIGHTLY.
- Stay on designated roads and trails or other areas open for use. Not doing this is the number one way to get areas closed. Avoid “spooking” livestock you encounter.
- Cross streams at fording points only.
- Remember, designated wilderness areas are reserved for the most primitive outdoor adventure. Yield the right of way to non motorized users, mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders. Its a good idea to shut off your bike or ATV to let them pass. If you can't shut it off don't pass them "on the pipe"
When on the trail and negotiating terrain these are some tips to minimize damage to terrain.
- On slick trails, moderate the throttle and use the clutch to gain maximum traction with minimum wheelspin.
- On switchbacks, avoid roosting around the apex of the turn when climbing or brake –sliding while heading down which gouges the trail.
- When negotiating ruts, stay loose over the bike to allow for sudden direction changes.
- Ride loose rocks with your rear end slightly off the seat, looking ahead, easy on the throttle and in one-higher gear than you would normally use.
- Cross streams slowly, at a 90-degree angle to the stream. Walking may be preferable as stream bottoms are often slippery.
- ATV riding is a very enjoyable activity but please ATV users stay off the single track not only is it inherently dangerous and it ruins the trail for those of us on two wheels.
Minimum impact camping:
- Select lightweight equipment, possibly in earth-tone colors that will blend with the surroundings.
- Use existing campsites whenever possible.
- Avoid building fires, if necessary use a fire pit and always make sure its all the way out, douse the ashes with water.
- Respect the environment and the rights of others.
- Plan and prepare before you go.
Preparation:
- Obtain a map of the area you wish to explore and determine which areas are open for use.
- Contact the land manager for area restrictions and if crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowners.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Prepare for the unexpected by packing a small backpack full of emergency items.
Safety on the road or trail:
- Wear a helmet, eye protection and other safety gear.
- Buddy up with two or three riders as riding solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown.
- Drinking and riding don’t mix.
- Allow for future use of the outdoors, by leaving it better than you found it
Discover the rewards of responsible recreation. Riding provides the opportunity to get away from it all and builds family traditions. If you abuse it, you’ll probably lose it. Careless operation of your off-highway vehicle can cause damage and may result in closing of areas to OHV enthusiasts. Respect the environment and other trail users. By using common sense and common courtesy, what is available today will be here to enjoy tomorrow.
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