ATV Florida Forum

We need to get some attention to our problem of no place to go riding . Have any ideas for a peaceful protest ? I say we line up down the side of 95 with quads and signs. Slow traffic and make the news . Stuff like this worked in the 60's , It seems it is about time to do it again . Something has to give .If the state would just limit the liability of land owners our problems would be all but a thing of the past .Because we are quiet peacefull people , noone hears us and our problem only gets worse !

I set up a petition over a year ago online... I believe it is still floating around somewhere. As for protests, sounds good to me.. this is getting rediculous. Places get shut down, more people start riding, then we get fined for riding. UGH.. enough is enough.

IAM IN ;D

maybe let Tallahasee know of a date and do an ATV Chain where everyone sits on their atv on the side of the road on a certain day of the year all day. Kinda like the abortion chain that happens every year. Maybe that would get the message across. They have hempfest in public and noone gets arrested for smoking pot in public during that so if it was organized and a permit gotten, I don't know if anything could be done. It would at least show people how many atvs are being ridden.

I am in for a protest

Sounds like a good idea to bring attention to the plight, although Im not sure doing it along side of 95 would be safe.  Im sure some rubbernecking driver would cause a crash, and then guess who who end up taking the blame and looking bad.  

ATV's are getting a bad rap so closing down places is OK with the general public. I think Americans would have to be convinced that we want safety for our riders above all to be on our side. People ATV'n thru residential neighborhoods is not helping. The news reporting ATV related deaths on the rise is not helping. If we want to have more control over the places to ride we need to show we are responsible and safe to the public. Maybe it may be tags, a sticker or something to claim ourselves the right to ride in more places like they do in Croom. I understand the state forestry is trying to open more riding areas so we can pay a yearly fee or so and ride. It needs to happen fast before the only place to ride is our backyards. The sad reality is that protesting is a joke. It didn't help for the Iraq war and it won't help us. The protesting of today is influence and voting power like the Christians have. How about a club called "Christians for ATV Riding" than Bush can sign a bill giving us riding areas.

Anyone live in Tallahassee so we could all park at YOUR HOUSE LOL?  Then we can parade down in front of Jeb's office....need to make sure he is there  ;D

Can I tailgate? ;D

BBQ grill, keg, kitty pool ......

were do I sign up?

Only the squeaky wheel gets greased.

state riding area are a joke! ride a trail that is lay out in the forest. sound to me like a ride on tracks in disney world. I want to ride freely on trails on our free land. we pay fees, but less riding areas  >:(  enough b/s

I agree with you Big-Daddy about State run parks being a joke to a point, but I don't see any other feasible solution. We need something or we may see the end of riding. The problem I see with private land is that it has to many loopholes in the laws which allows the owner to be sued. I don't want to see it come to having insurance on the bike/owner just so we can ride. If anyone has any ideas on how we can save ATV'n please feel free to post. I think we've all seen too many times were something seems fine and than the next thing you know your breaking the law. We need to shape the laws that govern our sport so we are protected, because when it comes down to it the Police only care about the law when they are writing you a ticket, hauling you to jail and confiscating your ATV.

Were in Just tell us a date and place

And thats the Gospel Truth!
Protesting is okay. Not along I-95.
An organized protest after petitions,phone calls and letters would be appropriate.
If everyone here would use the links to the State and email them again and again. That becomes a squeak. Before the protest, notify the news. Not one agency, all of them. Tell/show them all the things done to lead up to the protest. Then Protest. Not one day, but two. Then no one can say I couldn't be there on THAT day. If you want it bad enough and believe in it you will go. I know that this weekend showed a lot of ATV'ers in FL at L-cross. The #'s are there to cause a squeak.
Make a story out of it and it will get played.
I will be there.
Will you?

We could have a gathering in 3 or 4 places around the state , riders could go to the gathering closest to them . I know that the NEWS people know about this site but they have not volunteered any assistance yet . We could consider it a timed protest so all of our group would be giving it hell right at the same time . We just need to make shure our protests are close to the local NEWS buildings and where people can see us .  Timing it to happen at the same time all over the state would be pretty cool . Maybe in front of local courthouses .I am in like flint  I think the timing thing would show a large amount of cooperation , and with nextel it is just to easy .

How about an event to show the public how much fun ATV'n is. I've taken out so many people who never have been before and loved it and usually bought one or more ATV's. Get the ATV Dealers Rick Case, Motorsports of Fort Lauderdale, Riva Powersports, etc. to help or sponsor this event. We can protest, I just hope it sends the right message. I can just image someone hurting themselves or someone and making it worse for us in the long run.

Does anyone know the legalities of getting a permit for a protest like this. Remember when farmers went on strike and drove their tractors up to the Capital and made a show of force. We could all unload at a certain spot and ride them up to the Capital. Maybe every State could get involved and every state do it all at the same time.

right on yunt, lets go

I think the permits are at the discression of who your asking. $$$$. About a protest im all for it . Go infront of jebs house and let him know that all we want to do is ride ! DAMN IT ! We should start slow letters here letters there. THEN one day BAMM just show up and put our AZZEZ in thier face so that they willl have to listen to them. SH*T we buy ins. for uor bikes maybe the ins. companies can help.

me to

Would'nt you say that our RIGHT as AMERICANS our RIGHTS to FREE and PEACEFULL ASSEMBLY as ATV riders are being infringed ? Everytime we go somewhere as a group arent we ASSEMBLING. Why Is the state taking away this right. Maybe we should sue them like someone can just sue you for saying a curse word in there presence. It may not go anywwhere but i'd love to see what it smells like when we start to stir it up ! I'm calling all the attorneys in this site to start a thread and lets all get together. Hell 10 dollars a member cant hurt.

THEY WANT MY A.T.V. THERE GONNA HAVE TO PRY IT FROM MY DEAD COLD CLAMMY DECOMPOSING HANDS !!!!!

 ;D Sounds good to me...The all state thing kinda sounds like an alien attack off of MIB  :-/ But it's a good idea they have all kinds of walk a thons and things they do for all kinds of other causes what about waiting till there is a big deal going on somewhere (parades, voting, Gov Bush coming around and go there. You know them Bush boys all ride atv's at the Texas Ranch)  :D I'm in (when I finally get a quad!)

Hey! We had 80,939 visitors last month. Thanks for your support and always tell your friends about ATVFlorida.com. Lets make this site even better!

If all these 80,939 visitors would go  to Myflorida.com and send the govenor of this state an email. Please give us more places to ride. Its the least you could do since we as AMERICANS put you and your family where they are today. Thank you Sir.
It may just start something.

I just sent this email to Jeb Bush. Jeb.bush@myflorida .com

Dear Mr. Bush I've been riding ATV's for about 1 year now and every where I turn I see that more and more places are being shut down for me and my family to rida our atvs and spend quality time together. I am asking you as a citizen of this great state and country that you intervene in this matter and help us out. If you'd like we are members of a website called ATVFLORIDA.com maybe you should check it out so you could see for yourself how many people love to ride and enjoy this beautiful state. I personally don't mind if you make us pay a registration fee for my ATV so that we can ride . Please Mr. Bush Myself and ny children are depending on your time and effort into this matter. Thank You in advance for your attention into this matter. Sincerely Manuel J. Orol. (miami,Fl)

I sent one to that address too 8):

Dear Governor Bush,

 I am writing in regards to the rise in ATV use and sales in the state of Florida. Myself and other riders know that ATV sales are now at an all time high. It seems we are allowed fewer and fewer legal places to ride. With the rise in sales and depletion of riding areas it is no wonder the media is full of negative stories involving illegal riding and accidents.
 My family and MANY others in this great state enjoy riding legally and safely with our children. It may not be everyone's family pastime, but it is ours. If you visit ATVFlorida.com you will see we have a number of riders in this state that advocate safe and legal riding. As well we have had organized rides dedicated to trash pick up in the Ocala National Forest.
 With all the sales, title and fuel taxes collected by ATVer's alone there should be more than enough money to allocate to more riding areas. On top of the funds I just listed many of us are more than willing to pay annual fees to access public riding land. As of right now the only area of this sort is Croom in Brooksville FL. If you look at the number of ATV's registered to ride there you will see that it is more than profitable to purchase and open up more areas of that sort.
 There are many families hoping to see more time and effort on this subject from our elected officials. thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
 Sincerely,
Melissa Walker

Maybe if they receive 400 emails from members of this site alone we can get attention...



BTW when and where are we unloading? I'm in.

Thank You miss Walker. I think we can do much,much better. over 80,000 people visited this site alone. I am soo surprised that not much more is being done for us. I think if we would allsend him emails and letters one a day it would drive J.B. bannanas. then he would get off his ass and do something. Like someone said before im sure they ride atv in the ranch in TEXAS. I wonder what the ATV laws like in Texas. Is Florida just where J.B. works and he goes somewhere else to play at our expense ?

Manny, that Mrs Walker. Mikes wife from ATP. Melissa, great letter we all need to send him a letter like that. Thanks  [smiley=Approve.gif] But it time to fight back, [smiley=pirate.gif] we need to show numbers. numbers count on relection

OHH Nice to meat you maam. Ricky ama call ya tomm about those radios hey when are we going to the hump again. we should do a group ride there.

Yoy want to hear something funny ? I sent Gov Bush a letter that was dated and everything . My wife typed it up for me " she's smarter than me " 8) Any way , I sent it like 5 times even though I never changed the date " seeing how it was a masterpiece and all " . Well to say the least ,I was very proud to get a signed response from gov bush and I hung it up on the wall for all to see "I was verrry PROUD ". Well , I got 3 more letters  :-[ . That is why I feel we need to do something else ! Our second ammendment says something about a well organized mallitia , it is for our protection . We need to take this very seriously , Florida development is responsible for our little tea party ! All the biologists listening " If you cant figure out a way for me to use the land I am entitled to please resign in the hope that we will get one who can ! WE PAY THESE PEOPLE ! FOR WHAT ?

i will walk on my hands from here to tallahassee if i thought it would do us good. so im in for anytime anywhere ;)

We know people are watching .... its time .It cant get any worse !

I don't think that by what we are doing things can get any worse. People please help us out this land is your land this land is my land is land was made for riding on by you and me !!! Cacthie song HUH   ;D

I'm sorry about the humor but this is very serious to me. I dont have a lot so the little i got i really want to take care of it.

Are we officially backed into a corner yet ? When can we come out fighting .......when it's too late ?

It is true, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  We all have to figure out a smart, responsible way to get out plight more noticed.  As many members have said, there were over 80,000 visitors to this site last month.  If we could get even half of them to write letters or call their local representatives, our wheels will start to squeak.  

 ;DTry to protest  on news stations  on  cnn and  fox news
and  try to  protest  on the  local  news stations  in tallahasee

channel 27 http://www.wtxl.com (http://www.wtxl.com) and  channel 6 http://www.wctv6.com/ (http://www.wctv6.com/)  and channel 49 http://www.fox49.com/ (http://www.fox49.com/)

I do get these  channel under  my locals on my direct tv sat system :).

contact numbers
 [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif]
WCTV
4000 County Road 12    this channel 6
Tallahassee, FL 32312
This where all email addresses at
http://www.wctv6.com/station/contact
850-893-6666



WTXL Channel 27/DT 22
8440 Deerlake S
Tallahassee, Fl 32312
Phone: (850)893-4140
Newsroom Fax: (850)668-1460


WTLH-TV
WFXU-TV/WTLF -DT     this channel 49
 P.O. Box 949
Midway, Florida 32343
(850) 576-4990 FAX: (850) 576-0200




here's national news stations  this might get alots atvers alot people  come.   ;D
http://www.foxnews.com/ (http://www.foxnews.com/)   http://www.cnn.com/ (http://www.cnn.com/)

here's contact for cnn

you might have send  feedback email.

here's web site
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/cnntv/ (http://www.cnn.com/feedback/cnntv/)



Well this stuff  i gave to  you  it should  help  you  out.And Pass  this  along for  you  atv clubs and your friends.So fight for your atv rights allow  riding. [smiley=EvilSmile.gif]


thanks,
amhighlander

Ps:I hope you guy-gals make  it   on dirtwheel magzine and I like some forums  sites  like  atvflorida.com,floridaatv.com,and northfloridaatv.org and atvoutdoors.net thoses are coolest  forums  topics  I read all time. ;D :) :D 8)

I don't think there was 80,000 different visitors on this site. Every time someone clicks on, it counts as a visitor I think.

We have to be part of the  same law that protects equestrian people ! Think about it , These events for ponies are held at what we would call mansions . The owners of the land have alot to lose as far as the value of their property , and through their connections they are protected by a special law ....do we at least deserve to be treated like horses under the eyes of the law ? Does $ always win ! I want my 30 sum dollars back ...It seems to be used for posted signs . I dont want to be any part of that . 1 more Drink  [smiley=abduct2.gif]

 [smiley=pirate.gif]I wish they  have FL atvers protesters in washtion DC  in front captiol  hill  and  white house.That be something for you all. ;D :D :)

I think this is a great thread.  It's on the right track with some great ideas.  I also say the time to act on these ideas is now.  ATVing, or to be more specific, off road use, is being discussed by lawmakers as we speak.  It's much easier to sway or influence a topic that's currently being discussed than to try to bring it to the table again...sometime in the future when we find out too little, too late.

I'm all in for well thought out plans to support the sport and open more riding areas.  I think we should use every resource at our disposal to influence change.  The more methods and the more people involved the better the chances.

Remember it's not just us on this website, we have all kinds of off-road friends of the two, three and four wheel variety with the same problem.  Some of them are already organized, and some of them are already doing things...and it make sense for atver's to tag along and increase their numbers...why reinvent the wheel if they've already done their homework?

Maybe a sticky post with the following types of information so it's at everyones fingertips:

What can we do (i.e. letters, calls, group events, etc)?
Who do we know (i.e. two wheel friends, other websites/organizations), what are they doing, and how can we work together?
What are the government organizations that are involved in making the decision, and who are the contact people?

Possible even a calendar of event dates, letter writing campaign dates, etc.

Most, if not all of this information I'm sure I've read here in atvflorida.

To quote TRX350:

"We need to shape the laws that govern our sport."  After all, isn't that what freedom and democracy are founded on?

I like the idea about a group protest ride to the capital, maybe  we all unload down the street and make a slow run up to the steps?

Id@

Thats what I'm talking about. Maybe we can unload at the National Forest in Tallahassee and ride from there.

We need to do what any group does to get things done. Start at the community level. Writing letters like Mrs. Walker (Mrs. Nightbreed) did is an excellent start. Let's create a petition based on that letter and get as many signatures as we can. We need to throw in some snail mail letters as well from different age groups and genders from all walks of life and religion. Politicians fear only one thing.....not getting the vote so we need to cover our bases and show the politicians that they need us if they want to stay in office. Now I know realistically the ATV community may not be able to swing the vote, but if we get other important groups behind our cause than we have something.

J.D. to answer your question: Money does make the world go round and we are the horses, but even horses kick back once and a while.

BackintheSaddle you have definetly got it right. So what's the next move?

I just wrote a letter to the same address someone else already did on this thread. Nothin special, just trying to add support ;D. I am glad you like my letter though. Anyone is welcome to copy/ paste it and use parts or all of it for a "form" letter if you have a hard time thinking of what to say.

SkyhighT100 already had a petition started a while ago. Many of us signed it. PM her and get her to repost the link to it. She has been trying to get this ball rolling for a long time [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif] (without  much support [smiley=Disapprove.gif](.

Let's make a standard letter for people to send and a petition. I got a lot of people who will participate and sign the petition. We need something that we can print and show people. Anyone here ever do a petition? What are the steps to creating, number of signatures, wording and where to send the finished form? Does it need to be certified and by whom? I'll investigate what I can, but any help wil be great.

We are not alone in this. I went on a google search and found countless articles of people all over the country getting banned from riding. Maybe we can find out a few of the local riders names and try to get them to join a country wide protest. Anything should help a little.

I found a sight I think everone needs to sign up for and try to get our voices heard through them!


ATVAonline.com

Good, but let's start on a smaller scale and build. Go to far too fast and it can easily backfire. We can talk to these other groups and see what they are doing to help our cause. I know up in the Northwest they have a lot more respect and freedom for the riders. Granted they have more forest than town/cities. This needs more investigating. Any extra volunteers?

you should get a permit, or find someone that has a business near i95. have a tailgate party, with signs and BBQ. Make a party out of it.

If you do a BBQ or something like that go to local business' like Winn Dixie or Mc Donalds they will donate some things. You just have to tell them you are having a fundraiser or a group ride for a cause and most of the time they will gladly donate cups, napkins, juice, buns, plates stuff like that. I had a friend who got into an accident and we did a fundraiser for stuff for his daughter. He was a single parent and was on life support. It's just a tax write off for the business...Let me know and I will help  ;D

The problem is that the drunk ass hillbillys screw every thing up. thier were like 5 or 6 place to ride by were i live but now thier all closed down becuase of some stuiped drunk hillbillys. they start fires throw beer bottles all over the place start fights and bring trash to the riding places like bombed out cars messed up campers trashed out boats. those are the people who are messing every thing up for us.

There is a Mc Donalds in South Florida somewhere that has race cars hanging from the ceiling. Maybe they can help. I think there is one in Orlando as well. It's a good opportunity to see who is involved, that and I love a BBQ.

Ghandi had it right , PASSIVE AGRESSION . We need to cause some kind of commotion passively . It has to get alot of attention . A little gathering on the side of the highway would clog things up a bit . Passive Agression and a couple slurpees we could get some attention . I have never seen any no atv signs on the side of  95 or 75

Sounds good. Where is the question. I-75 doesn't have as much traffic which may be better. Since this site supports members throughout Florida than we should setup more than one. Have them at different spots at the same time. That should get some attention. The first step is to be heard and seen and let the lawmakers know we are willing to fight for our right to ride. We will need to make signs, hand out pamphlets, etc. We still need help with petitions and letters also.

Going along side of 95 would be unsafe.  Either one of us would get hurt by a distracted driver in a sideswipe crash, or a rubbernecker would hit another car.  Then we take the blame and look bad.  

There was a post a few before this mentioning that riders are being banned in many places across the nation.  Maybe its timewe take this one step further, and creat a nationwide base.  ATVUSA.com.  The squeaky wheel will get the grease.  

We need a famous leader  [smiley=lecture.gif]  Anyone know Jessie Jackson?  [smiley=dunno.gif] (http://fool.exler.ru/sm/gy.gif)

This is just one more of those freedoms we are on the verge of losing in the land of the free. I agree that the only way we will ever have a future to be free to ride is if we take action. If not then one more unnoticed bill will be passed through the wheels of the political machine, that strips us of freedom. I can see it now, "Best way to handle this is to ban them from riding everywhere in the state. That way we are not fighting with the manufacturers, over a ban on there product. Instead just saying its legal to buy, sell and own an ATV. Its just not legal to ride one in Florida." Scares me, a person who has already had a civil rights violation this year.

We could form a group and call it NAATV     National Association for All Terrain Vehicles


An interstate would be a bad place. The best way to do it is get as many people that can to show up at the Capital of every state, and for the ones that could not show up could all gather at their local courthouse to show support, all on a certain day.

What about setting up on all the exit's for the places being closed down? Ya know 75 and 50 Croom exit and 75 on the ONF exit maybe a couple other major places like wildwood and somewhere else in Ocala.. I'm with Kaw on trying to find someone famous but instead of Jessie Jackson ( don't wanna mess up his do) lol what about some of these pro racers? they more than likely have ATV's at home that they DON"T race. It's affecting them too.

Good point, get professional ATV racers in on it. Also The Honda Riders Club of America. website http://atv.hrca.honda.com

How about Ozzie, there's even video of him riding (and crashing) ::)

That's just wrong. :) Next we'll be trying to get Brett Favre to help out.

Ted nugent is all for the outdoors ;)

Why dont we arrange a caravan with all our bikes and drive 55 on the highway all the way to tallahassee. Then when we get there we all try to book the same hotels and just make them see us. Nothing illegal just us coming through. We make banners and put them on out cars and trucks letting capitol hill know who we are and what we are doing there. Once we get there everyone there calls the capital on this day and asked to speak to the governor and leaves messages that we would like to speak to him about a concern that we have about giving us more places to ride thoughout the state. In addition to that we send him letters and pictures showing him how much we enjoy our hobby and that we want to be heard and that we want something done about this. We are Americans and its the least they can do for us. If we do this a couple times a year I'm SURE that we will start to get the attention of state reps. and to legislators and congresspersons. Something might just work. We just all have to stick together on this and do it. Its not going to be easy but if you want something bad enough you have to fight for it tooth and nail. I wrote my letter to Mr. Jeb Bush allready today expressing my concern over the atv issues of this state and that it is not fair that in other states people ride in abundant areas but that in south Florida and in Florida all together people are buying ATV's and the roads to ride them on are closing. We pay taxes just like every one else and we should be afforded the right to enjoy the products that we pay taxes on to use them and to run them meaning the gas we buy and the oil we use. Also added to that all the revenue that is collected when we do group rides and we have to pay for extra gas and lodging. Just so that we can spend quality time with friends and family. I also invited him to visit out website and maybe join us on our next ride so the he could see for him self how we spend our time enjoying the beutiful land scape of this state.

I like the idea of caravaning up there at a certain slow speed,,,,that might just get some attention.

I'm for it.

Id@

Out of everyone on here, do we not have a lawyer in the group that could steer this in the right direction. Maybe even someone that works at the Capital with the Governor.

This must be thought out and the repercusions examined, otherwise it may backfire and give us a bad image. Then they sit back and say "I told you they were bad news"


or we could overthrow the white house get Bush out and run the country how we see fit. jk  :)

one or the other....

So here is the response I got from the Governor's office:

Governor Bush has received your e-mail and has asked me to respond on his behalf.

To better assist you, I am forwarding your concerns to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for review and response.  You should hear from someone in that office.

Thank you for writing and do not hesitate to write again on matters of concern or interest to you.

Sincerely,

Rex T. Newman
Citizens' Services

I like the slow train idea . Good one Manny ..

man, he dont even know who is father is!

 We do need a spokesperson . Maybe an athlete from one of our Florida teams . Anybody got any famous cuzzins ? [smiley=groupies.gif]

i heard that tony sevalis is available.

Fred Savage might be up for it.

Id@

I got a response letter too from the person that respondended to the letter.

we also need the get the manufactures involved. they are also effected and have a staff of lawyers on hand. maybe we should start contacting them as well. they may
have paid lobbyest in tallahassee and if they dont they should.
as much as i love to get on a quad and go where ever i want, i know those days are numbered. there is too little land and too much pressure on it. i could live with a trail system in ocala as long as it was a good well maintained 100+ mile system. there are just too many people riding to crowd them into a 35 mile lame azz trail.

jeff


jeff

Protest, protest, protest!  lol

I am in for whatever...don't have any famous people in my family so I can't help there, but I am willing to do whatever, just let me know (with exceptions of course [smiley=Wacko.gif])!

Mike

OLN and MENS Channel networks may be able to help. They must realize the importance of this or they will be one show short.

http://www.olntv.com/showviewer.asp?sid=90

www.fishersatvworld.com

We have posted a number of good ideas, but if we just chat and never go to bat, we wont resolve anything. Someone should contact the manufacturers, and OLN,ect... Someone that is good with words. Also today would be a good day to start, not after two weeks of chating on the board. Hope I dont sound like a jerk, but action speaks.

So, Bush is too good to respond to your letter, Mrs Nightbreed?  I guess he is too busy with other certain taxpayers.  Unbelievable.  

I like the idea of a slow caravan to the capital steps. We could start in South Fl up 75 to 10 also from Jacksonville on 10 and from West Fl on 10. Only go the min. speed of 40 MPH all the way. ATV loaded on trailers and trucks with banners and such. This would be leagel and would get someones att. As long as we did not ride on the streets all would be OK. ???

I LOVE that idea. With the right coordiation we could all meet up at certain exits at certain times so by the end of it (Tallahassee) we would all be in a line together. It would be totally legal (just be sure to have as my quads in your truck/trailer as possible). WE could even get with local shops to post flyers on the date/times so there would be TONS of people... maybe even advertise with radio stations, tv, newspaper, banners, etc.. It would definately have to be HUGE! to get enough attention of the right kind.

oh yeah,,,,,45mph all the way to the capital,,,,,,thats what I like.

Id@

I'am down for a protest , as long as I dont get arrested .  ;D



I mean , I dunno how you look at this but if the president can get involved with the taking a feeding tube out of a lady who is basically lifeless and has no feeling .. I'am sure we can get out poitn across .. I know that probably not a good  way to look at it but aren't there more important things in the world going on beside the death of a single person ? I mean people die everyday !


ED

Ya'll make me proud ! [smiley=Cry.gif] I love it when a plan comes together . We should do it when Tallahassee is getting alot of attention for whatever reason. Put on all our gear and steal the spotlight .

Sounds like a plan  [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif]
A group can start in Miami on 95 and one in Naples on 75 and start heading north, and at each exit more merge with the group all the way to I-10 then to Tallahassee

I'm up for taking a vacation day for this,,,,gotta be done on a week day.

Id@

I can just see Bush and Cheney laughing all the way to the bank after a caravan across state trip with today's gas prices.

Nothing great was ever done without sacrafice.  :o

I don't know how far I can get with it but my Uncle sells Racing insurance to Dragsters and Motorcylce racers he might know someone. I'll give him a call this weekend and see what comes of it. Another thing is Bush is already getting alot of attention b/c of this Terri Savio stuff. Let someone at a news channel ask him some questions to see about his "legal tactics"  And how he's helping the "other floridians". I'll get some info and see what else can be done. Let's do what's got to be done to keep everyones rights!

well, another good thing about going slow is you get better gas mileage than doing 70,,,,at least in most vehicles.

Id@

I take it you guys like my caravan idea  ::)

I am definately up for the caravan idea and will take as many days out of work as needed, lol. I also think that it needs to be set up AT LEAST a month ahead of time so that there is no room for error (legally wise anyway) and that way we can post flyers at local ATV shops. It will definately take  ALOT of people to make our voices heard... the more the better (Nothing says attention like 1000 pickup trucks doing 45mph all the way up I95)

dang skippy.

Id@

media attention, and a senator or two wouldn't hurt.

I'll see what I can do about talking to a senator, or congressman.

Id@

im glad everyone else is as mad now as i have been for a while!

it will take more than a thousand vehicles to make a difference. there are over 15 million people in this state so we will have to come atlest 2500 strong. if we head to tallahassee and flood the whole legal area with trucks and trailors full of quads we will get some attention.

i had another idea that would be a good warm up and publicity stunt leading up to this main protest.............i say we pick 6 locations in florida and everyone meet at 1 of the locations closest to you on a set date so that the media would be there for  the event( no riding but bring quads) ! this would get some exposure going and reach those of us that dont watch our site, this could make our numbers larger and give us an idea as to who or how many care enough to help our cause. then we set a date atleast a month later for preperation and head to tallahassee ;D

6 meeting places are as follows
jacksonville
tallahassee area
gainsville
orlando
tampa
ft.lauderdale

lets say april the 30th 2005!

we one need volunteer in each area to contact their local news station and get them there
we also need one volunteer in each area to find a suitable place to meet at that will attract attention, have enough parking and no laws are broken.

WHOS IN?

That will be cool.I will see you guys-gals on tv maybe when protest is happen.I might record it on tvio.lol ;D

well if  your riding  at nat forests  in FL  where atvs  at
you should have people go there and past out flyers to riders
at main enterace at park.And have people to  do past flyers out to people at Mx tracks and local race track and local mx tracks.They have local dirt race track here in lake city.And another thing try pasting out flyers  at bikes shops and biker people  like bikefest and that might help alot. :)

Also We need doug gust  helping flighting this atv support.. 8)

Thanks  :D

From:amhighlander

I think the highway rest ares are goin to be best.

i was thinking more like a mall parking lot so lots of people will ask whats going on

Even if we do the smaller get-togethers before the big Tallahassee thing, flyers need to be posted at local shops so that we get more attention. No offense, but it would be a waste of our time if only the members of AtvFl showed up.

And April 30th? Now that's a little soon, I doubt we would get the word out to enough people to even make a small impact in that amount of time, the fine details would have to be set up a few months in advance so that more people will be able to attend (The more the better, remember??).

What would be helpful is if someone could get in contact with anyone who has done a protest like this before. We need to know the legalities, work on all details of the event, advertise so we get AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, and do anything else we can do. There's got to be a lot of behind the scenes stuff. If Id@ can talk to a senator then we could find out more of what we can do. Also, why not try having some of the BIG companies help with the event.... someone could call Honda, Yamaha etc... and maybe even some large shops and other companies Ex: Seminole Powersports, Elka, Dirt Rider Mag, etc. The big wigs at these companies would definately be able to help us out (at least if they are willing to). They have the money, they have the knowledge and resources, and they should be able to realize the problem we're having and what it could mean to them.

There is defiantely a lot more planning that needs to be done before we start setting dates, lol. We dont want to waste our time and hurt our cause more then we help it.

I'm gonna email ATV mag. about this who is going to be the contact person that we should relate the info to ? I know some folks at Broward Motor Sports and some one in the Spanish TV Univision. I'll get a hld of these folks to see what they say.

Well we may have a good chance of being heard. Jeb is on the ropes with this Shiavo case. Brother George has the lowest approval rating of his Presidency (45%). They need votes and we are the voters, or at least some of us are. Just remember timing is everything.

I agree TRX The window of opportunity is small but It can be very efficient if taken advantage of.

i'll make some inquiries on the manufacturer front.

jeff

I hear a rumor that the manufacturers are having a little get together also . It is getting to the boiling point .I still like the NAATV .

If it's true that the manufacturers are getting together, then maybe we should try to get in contact with them and join together! Seriously, we're at our breaking points and they may be also (or they will be eventually). We should team up with them and find a way to end this once and for all.

By getting as much attention as we can get I think we would be helping the cause alot .

A signed petition is a great start. Send it to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Forestry and the politicians. I sent letters to OLN and ATVFisher Networks.

Anyways TGIF! I will be going out to the Holey Lands Sunday. You' re all invited. You can check out the thread below. There is a pic of me and my friend's bikes. My bike is the Red Rancher with the Yellow Bag on the back. Below it is a pic of what happens when you try to cross a lake without a snorkel.

http://www.atvflorida.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=grouprides;action=display;num=1111448744

Here's TRX350's submarined Rancher, really he was dredging a channel for the boaters

http://dandonato.com/atv/Submarined_rancher.jpg

right sky, follow the money. the manufacturers have deep pockets

jeff

 ;D

Here's  local atv dealers  near  mcalpin FL
so  theses are  about   10-miles up 65miles away.

Here's  contact numbers and local cities.

Honda dealers

Interstate Honda
580 Sw Florida Gateway Dr
Lake City, FL 32024-3856
(386)758-2453
Internet Manager:
Gail Osburn  

Streit's Honda
4820 Nw 13th St
Gainesville, FL 32609-1796
(352)376-2637
Internet Manager:
Frank Curtis  

POLARIS Dealers

MCDUFFIE MARINE & SPORT GOODS
1866 US HWY 90 WEST
LAKE CITY, FL 32055
Phone: 386-752-2500


JACK'S BOATS AND TRAILERS INC
449 US 19 NORTH
PERRY, FL 32347
Phone: 850-584-2162






POLARIS OF GAINESVILLE
9420 NW 13TH ST
GAINESVILLE, FL 32653
Phone: 352-373-5983

Suzuki Dealers

Mott Suzuki
US 90 West, Live Oak, FL, 32064-0800  
Phone Number: 386/362-1042  

Website: www.mottsuzuki.com  
 

 
Interstate Suzuki
580 SW Florida Gateway Dr
Lake City, FL, 32024-7701  
Phone Number: 386/758-2453  

kawasaki dealers

HUDSONS DISCOUNT KAWASAKI
Distance: 19.03
2975 E US HIGHWAY 90
LAKE CITY, FL 32055-1425
USA
(386) 758-0057 Phone
(386) 758-0066 Fax

STREIT'S KAWASAKI
Distance: 48.69
4820 NW 13TH ST
GAINESVILLE, FL 32609-4142
USA
(352) 376-2637 Phone
(352) 376-3360 Fax


OCALA MOTORSPORTS KAWASAKI
Distance: 80.09
3920 N US HIGHWAY 441
OCALA, FL 34475-8707
USA
(352) 732-8531 Phone
(352) 732-4929 Fax

Local atv's dirt bikes shops

MIKE'S BIKES  
(386) 758-4778  
90 EAST & 100
lake city FL 32087

AL'S MOTORCYCLE SHOP
(386) 758-5824  
1326 E DUVAL ST
LAKE CITY, FL 32055      
---->this on hwy 90 east of downtown lake city FL  and almost out by airport.





This should  help you out. 8)

thanks, [smiley=Approve.gif]
amhighlander :) :D ;D 8)

im in, just let me know a time and date

You can take off the Polaris dealer in Chiefland. That guy will be trying to make money off the petition instead of spending any. They are probably the sorryest dealer in Florida.

we better start soon ! if not you better learn how to ride a track cause thats all that will be left!

NOW IS THE TIME! I HAVE ATVFLORIDA.COM  IN 6 inch letters down the side of my van window with shoe polish in hopes to get more eyes in our site to help with stuff like this

Well I'm sure we all had a pleasant Easter weekend. Now it's time to get back to work. There are a lot of great ideas for doing this so far. We have the list of dealers thanks to Americanhighlander. We have the well written letter from Mrs. Nightbreed. The Caravan idea seems to be a popular idea from CAOSPOP. Flyers posted at the local shops I like by SkyhighT100 and so on.

It's important to not let this post go away like our land is.

i wish everyone was as adamit about the GAS PRICES we all have to pay to ride our ATV'S

i HAVE A GOOD IDEA, there are soooo many clubs around, Im a member of EXTREME JEEPS OF NORTH FLORIDA, there is also the JACKSONVILLE MUSTANG CLUB and the CORVETTE CLUB and the TOYOTA SCION CLUB and the RICE BURNERS CLUB and this club and that club. How about a HUGE SHOW of the power of the people on hwy 17 across the bridge towards Eagle Harber area. There are sooo many clubs that could line the side of the road and support there cause, be it GAS PRICES or RIDEING PLACES. We can break out the BBQ grill and weiner waggon's and the music man and have a big car and atv show right on the side of 17. And while we are there place your sigh on the ride of your choice supporting your cause. There are 2 VERY big issues haunting all of us today. I know most of us have ties to these clubs. Lets do this

We should consider Florida Trail Riders also .

Land closure affects a lot of people and groups. What about the Hunters and affliated groups? The NRA? These are the people who ride ATV's and are usually friends with our politicians. Bill Smith the Senator trying to pass the Bill on ATV's says in his bio says he fishes and hunts.

I agree, ALL CLUBS should join, we all have a voice. National Club Protest Day, Its kinda got a lil ring to it. Get the NRA, NHRA, DUCKS UNLIMITED, BASS MASTERS, ATV DEALERSHIPS BOAT DEALERS, 4 WHEEL PARTS, AUTO CLUBS, AMERICAN RACEING, ADVANCED AUTO PARTS, AUTO ZONE. Get the point, THERE IS POWER IN NUMBERS PEOPLE. Lets start right now, I wiould say it would probably take at least 2 months to get this kinda mass gathering together. I will make flyers and pass them out, ill also post a copy of it on here for others to print and pass out. Who ever has ties with the clubs, get with them and we can set a date to do this thing. I say 1st weekend in june, saturday can be anual MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY!!!!!!!

Yes let's get this rolling.

Let's not let this become redundant.

http://www.atvflorida.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=wheretoride;action=display;num=1096396188

 [smiley=Question.gif]

Oh when are  going have protest?
I know you guys said apr30.I hope you be on tv  :) :D 8) ;D

Good Question. Now there is going to be a DOF meeting at the Fishing Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Dania for OHV riding on April 26th from 1-7pm. I'll be there, don't think I'll be protesting though.

Allright LISTEN UP here the skinny there is going to be a meeting with all these fool on April 29th,2005. TIME TO CARAVAN heres the info :

Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee Meeting:
April the 26th from 1 pm to 7 pm
International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame and Museum
300 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, FL 33004

26th right? You wrote 29th and 26th???

Attending this meeting and letting them know how fustrated you are is good. just so you know it was mentioned in this thread about the Florida Trail Riders. Jack Terrell, one of the main players for the Florida Trail Riders is on this advisory Comm. along with other people who want to open more sites. I encourage you to attend and ask them what else can be done to assit them and expedite the cause.

 [smiley=box.gif]Well i hope you guys gals try fight this losing atv trails or closeing down trails.I know it's very sick doing that and I know why people need  to ride more [smiley=drive.gif].I hope it won't happen closing riding places[smiley=Cry.gif].I understand [smiley=Heart.gif].I wish this was in dirtwheels  magzine to see whats going in Florida and I know alot atvers read this magzine.;D :) 8)Oh in letters area i saw photo somebody riding in north port FL and it's in may iuess in dirtwheels.


thanks,
amhighlander

so where do we stand and do we have a date yet

How a bout this date?

http://www.atvflorida.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=opendiscussion;action=display;num=1112817363

Speaking of DirtWheels (or any other ATV magazine), I wonder if a campaign with them would help our position?  I wouldnt say that we should bombard them with letters, but somehow maybe they can help us get the problem noticed on a larger scale.  

We need to go to this meeting people!!!!!


I assume you are referring to the OHV Advisory Committee meeting in Dania Beach on the 26th of this month.  This meeting is a public meeting and your input is desired.  These meetings are held about every three months in a different region of the state.  Typical discussions include: OHV titling update, grant program update (where is title money being spent), status of potential new OHV sites, public outreach, and public input.  Discussions may also touch on various agencies discussing their land management policies and what they are doing to offer any OHV opportunities.  



If this is something that interests you, let me know and I will send an agenda once it is finalized.



Chris

 [smiley=Clap.gif]   [smiley=ThumbsUp.gif]

Send me an agenda!

That meeting is a door wide open for all of us... letting this thread grow as large as it has become and not taking action on any scale is useless, showing up to that meeting WILL accomplish somthing. There is enough of us in South Palm Beach/Broward/Dade county, NO EXCUSES... I'll be there!!!!!!

 :) ;D 8)
here's links on  on atv tv  on there  web site.http://www.atvtv.com/action.html



Have you try http://www.hbombfilms.com   and maybe wes miller can help you out all his atv supporters or racers.That be good idea.Well have try contact other people in other states  like your friends atv buddies.That might help alot supporters.And  have you try past out flyers at local churchers  and like softball events and high school football  events and etc?

[smiley=pirate.gif]I wish you people did some protests at local walmart  supercenters in gainesville,jacksonville,lake city,live oak out by I10.A good place to protest in lake city  right out on hwy 90 out in officemax parking lot or try out by foodloin on hwy 90 out by old k-mart parking lot and it hads alot room for atvs and toy hualers and rvs and etc and maybe you people be in lake city  reporter   newpaper and gainesville sun. :o ;D :D :) 8)  


thanks,
amhighlander

We should get those kids in San Diego who are protesting the Cookie Monster limiting his cookie intake. :D

Are you serious? [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif]

The kids were chanting "No Cookies, No Peace" It was the cutiest thing :)

Was it on the news?

Headline News

I must have missed that!  [smiley=baby.gif]

Back on topic.


Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee Meeting:  
April the 26th from 1 pm to 7 pm  
International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame and Museum  
300 Gulf Stream Way  
Dania Beach, FL 33004  
 

http://www.fl-dof.com/forest_recreation/ohv_index.html

Mark your calenders!

This is 1 week from today!  Tuesday 4/26/05

I WILL BE THERE TAKE YOUR SIGNS
MAKE SOME NOISE LET THEM KNOW WE ARE
VERY [smiley=angry2.gif] HOW THEY ARE PLAYING US

I can't believe that 1704 people have view this subject and only 140 people have reply.Is there places to ride that you guys know about that you don't need to protest. [smiley=Unhappy.gif]

True... Let's start a line-up along 95! When should we do it?

Its probably the same people replying. There may be 140 replys but they are from the smae people. Then every time someone click on the page it counts as a veiw. That all should say veiwed instead of people.

Oh I see. well I'm down to protest. let's do it not talk about it
when,where,time list of people

I 'll be there just name the meeting place and count me in  :)

I am planning on going to the meeting on the 26th if any one wants to car pool I'm in PSL. Let me know? I'll drive.

Nena go to the OHV meeting thread

As a start, everyone needs to show up to the meeting and show them that we actually care!  [smiley=deal.gif]

[smiley=angel.gif] Im comming dressed like this

Well, maybe you can scare them into giving us more land and riding areas?   [smiley=dunno.gif]

MY FRIEND  [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif]
[smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif]
[smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif]
[smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif]
[smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif]
[smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif] [smiley=angel.gif]
AND I WILL BE THERE [smiley=pirate.gif]

you definately need a permit to protest,I was in miami last year for the f.t.a.a. all the iron workers had permits and were'nt messed with until the (radicals)  >:( started rioting.

Just a reminder.  This is tomorrow.

Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee Meeting:    
April the 26th from 1 pm to 7 pm    
International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame and Museum    
300 Gulf Stream Way    
Dania Beach, FL 33004    
 
http://www.fl-dof.com/forest_recreation/ohv_index.html
 
1:00 pm Welcome and Introductions   Jack Terrell  
 
1:15 pm Approval of the Minutes   Jack Terrell  
 
1:30 pm  OHV Titling Update    Stan Kirkland  
 
1:45 pm Update of Potential OHV    Chris Reed  
Recreation Areas    
 
2:15 pm  National OHV Conservation Council  Chris Reed  
 Annual Conference Summary  
   
WORKING GROUP UPDATES  
 
2:45 pm Legislative Issues    Winn Peeples  
 
3:15 pm  break  
 
 
3:30 pm Grant Program     Chris Reed/John Waldron  
Overview of funded projects  
 and status    
 
3:45 pm  Public Outreach    Jack Terrell  
 
4:15 pm Site ID/Resources    Vernon Compton/  
 Regional Working Groups   Chris Reed  
   
4:30 pm Strategic Plan     Chris Reed  
 
4:45 pm Term Expiration    John Waldron  
 
5:00 pm New Business     Jack Terrell  
 
5:30 pm break  
 
5:45 pm Public Input     Jack Terrell  
 
6:45 pm Establish Next Meeting   Jack Terrell  

Finally how many people are going, maybe we can all meet outside like 5 minutes before the meeting? lets start a list

im there.... when we get a consensus on what time to show up

I cannot go but it may be good to haul your atvs there to have an outside showing of how many people has them.

I AGREEE !

I'm going to try to be there early to catch the "potential OHV area" portion.  I will probably be wearing my RODMAN 4 shirt.  See you there!

let's do it [smiley=Angry.gif]

C ya @ 1PM  ;)

[smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif]

 ;D (bump) keep this  tocpic going on.Lets talk more about this subject.Keep flooding this topic to other atv forums web sites out there.Alot people need know

So what happened?

Sorry, but why in the world should we flood this post to other forums? We have been talking so much on here and doing nothing. By flooding other forum it will just make a lot more people do nothing.

Now, if we actually start taking action then by all means open the flood gates!! Something needs to be done ASAP because we are losing areas FAST and we as riders can not afford to lose anymore. It's basically speak now or deal with the concequices of staying silent.

All I know, is that if we can get the major manufacturers, the dealers, and the riders involved we could definately make an impact. The dealers and the manufacturers are fixing to lose a bunch of money and they need to realize that ASAP.

There are probably more riding areas in florida than any other state....you just have to be in a GOLF Cart.All the land available is being developed...the critters need their share what is left ?  In 50 years we will big one big city from daytona to the keys , with a preserve called the EverGlades and a few small woody patches . I'll tell my great grandkids " hopefully " about these thing we used to ride called ATV's....The good'ole days .

It sucks.... But sooo true!

ill go.

Alright people are we just going to talk or are we going to do something????? ??? I am just a poor hard working stiff, I am not a lawyer and do not know any important people, but there are over 2000 members of this site. Surely among that number there is at least one lawyer that would donate some time to this or some one that is a good organizer to step up and get this going. There have been 2269 hits on this subject and 175 replies the topic was started Mar,22 that is a long time and still nothing. If only 1/2 of the hits show up to a protest it is still a good number. We need to plan something for the opening day of the next legeslation session. There have been some very good ideas, lets start a poll and pick one idea and run with it. I for one like the caravan to capital at 50 MPH on the interstate. I am in and will take time off to be there. I know I have gone on but we need to do something.

When is the start of the next legistlation session? Maybe we can pull some permits to all stand up and down the sides of a road near the state capital with bikes and all.

OK, here I go again!!

The Florida State Legislature session starts on the 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in March and last for 60 days. If I have looked at the calender right that means that the session starts on March 7, 2006. The first day of the session always gets alot of attion from the media all over the state. As I said in an earler post this has been going on since March of this year and longer in some cases, if we set a date of March 7, 2006 for a protest at the capital then it should get some attention.

That date will be almost a year since this was started.

This needs to include not only quads but the motercycles also. Get FTR involved, and any and all clubs in the state.

Someone that has the time and the ability to set this up PLEASE step up.

I'm in. But we all need to pitch in setting it up!

I agree we all need to pitch in to get this started. We need someone with the ability, time and knowlage to head this thing. I will be happy to do what I can, but my job requires that I travel often and sometimes on very short notice. Maybe someone from diff. parts of the state could step up and then one person to be somewhat in charge.

I for one want to have more places to ride than just ONF, and the way that is going in will not last much longer.

I am sure J.D. will pitch in and I will help. If we get one person from every county to be the "spokesperson" from that county, than it will work better. The person can "recruit" local riders and pitch in to put it all together.

I will take Broward!

Just my .02 cents, but....It sounds like a clean up ride...all talk and a few participants...typing on a bulletin board is easy. Showing up takes a commitment. Even if you had a protest, you would still have the wheelies, and speeders, right in front of the cameras. Face it, we can't get good press. Maybe if you got dealers involved, after all, they have a stake in our sport, something would happen. but I doubt that even they have that much commitment.

Hold on. The person who started this post is a dealer. J.D. owns All Terrain of Florida and he is working harder than anyone to do something about this!

Mods, can this be put @ the top of this section or just keep on bumping it on up. This is very important and we need to get something going before next March 7th.

   Jim

As far as I understand ....the big manufacturers are beginning to take steps on a national level that may benefit alot of the country , but here in Florida we have a very special situation . Considering the amount of land available , the value of the land , and the and the willingness of Florida Biologists to consider every other piece sensitive , WE have a very long row to Hoe......Being a dealer I am hopefull but when I close my eyes and try to envision our Sunshine state in another 20 years I cant see Florida being known as an ATV freindly state . We are at the mercy of the Sprawl....with no population control or the desire of the legislators to somewhat slow the development of our state We are destined to be a huge Metropolis ...maybe by then we can get them tagged for HWY use ...probably the only way atvs will ever be a success in the future . It is a shame soo many cold shoulders are turned on such a fantastic family activity . But you never know . ???

Well J.D. I was wondering when we would hear from you on this very important subject. I do realize that we are at the mercy of the sprawl in this state. But there are alot of forrest in this stat that are state run and only one that we can ride in. Here in the north East area is a real nice one called Jennings Forrest that you can not ride OHV's in but you can ride horses. The croos Florida trail is another example of our tax money being spent for only the loud few. WE NEED TO BE THE LOUD FEW. WE NEED TO BE VERY LOUD.

I agree with both of you but you have to realize sometimes we can be the loudest ones and still not get anything we want!

Passive agression . It will take alot of people getting in trouble on the same day to really bring attention to our situation .Bad news is well broadcasted news . You have to ask yourself if you are willing to go the extra mile . I can hear the news now ........Today head lines from Florida...7000 people were either ticketed or arrested for illeagally ridin OHV on the streets of florida the perpetrators were found riding the streets  in every city from Pensacola to Key West .When many of the criminals were asked why they were operating  their ATV's on public roadways the over whelming response was " We dont have any where else to operate them " It is rumored that a well know L.A . attourney is contacting those who were arrested for a possible class action case against the state . Taxation without representation .The crowds seemed to be chanting the phrase " I want my 35 dollars back ." ;D   
    Talk about getting some attention . It's not how loud you are it's your level of committment .

I don't know about the rest of you, and I do know that only one voice will not make a diff. I would ride my ATV from my home to the Orange Park Mall to get att. like this. I still think that an organized caravan to the steps of the capital (like the bikes did over the helment law) would get us some much needed att. and no one would go to jail or lose their ATV.

   Jim,

Than lets load up the bikes and head out!

Oops...not directed at JD...I meant the dealers here in the DEEP south... ;D

Budman: I agree with that one!

We might have to wait on this ride. People and the Media in Florida are only interested in Hurricanes right now :(

If we plan, talk about and do all that can be done to set this up for March 7, 2006 the att. should be off of the hurricanes.

   Jim,

Lets do it!

What with the rain and wind that we will be having today alot of people will be on the site dreaming and talking about being out rideing. So today would be a good day to read all the post in this thread and maybe if you fell strong enough about this make a commitment to do this.  ::)

A big long line of ATV,s from all over the state being pulled to the steps of the capital bulding. ???

Don't let this die. ::)

This problem is not going away and has been the song that we ATV'rs sing every day. I think we need to buy our own land. it's gonna be tough getting the state or anyone to just give us land. We are a large force in Florida and together we can make it happen.

The link below is a site set up for all who are interested in taking control of this problem. It may ultimately cost a few thousand for the purchase of lands around Florida but it'll be ours.

www.Fl-atv.com (http://www.Fl-atv.com)  is still actively receiving sign ups for those who are interested in purchasing our own riding land. We're getting close to having the numbers and commitment from many riders for opening the first facility. We still need many more though. We have riders who have signed up over a year ago - committed riders to this cause. We can make this happen but we need everyone to PLEASE spread the word. The more riders we have signed up the less it'll cost everyone and the more facilities we can open.

nuf said - thanks

There acres and acres of land that is owned by the state and federal goverment that you can not ride on. In my aera ther is the Jennings State Forest and Camp Blanding that I know of and in west Florida there is the Eglin AFB reservation one of the largest miletary installation in the workd all that you can not ride on. I am sure that others know of more. Some of this federal and state land allows hunters in in there trucks but will not allow ATV's. All of this land is paid for and maintained by our tax dollers. So why should we not have access to this land, that is what I for one would like. I am not asking the state or federal goverment to buy land just let us use what they have. Yes I know that the tree huggers will not want us to use the land because it MIGHT ??? endanger the green tree rat of which there are only 2 left in the world and they MIGHT ??? want to move 300 miles across the state.

Just let me use what I pay for. Most of this land just sits there and nobody uses it for anything.

Lower or get rid of the land owners liability so he will let us ride on his land without fear that someone will get hurt and then some lawyer that has a TV ad will sue him.

Some years ago ther was a very good place to ride here in Clay County, it is now closed off with no tresspassing signs, the reason. A young boy riding a ATV to big for him with no helment got hurt after his parents had taken him thereto ride. They sued the land owner and won because the land owner did not have signs and a fence around the property. This is the kind of thing that has runied it and has the owners sceared to let people ride on there property.

OK time to stop as I am bored and do tend to go on.

   Jim,

Oh we are not alone for atv people.

go get dirt wheels magzine for july iuess 2005

check out page 28  in dirt wheels


title:Quit trashing our ride areas

something said in ariticel  about on some
 news reports of the forest service  closing trails
some riding areas were sheer with trash.

go read it in dirt wheels  so you will understand
it's saying  in there.

I feel so sorry for that  atv rider.

Always the same battle always the same response.  I agree to get anything done there must be organization.  Set up a comittee and create a goal and plan.  Ask for mentors that understand more about how politics actually work so that the right avenues are taken.

We can all show up in Tallahassee and get publicity, but it won't get anything changed.  In order for them to make laws there has to be a working bill on the floor.  We can send letters to all the people we want but we need to be organized and know what bills we are asking them to stand for.

I know of the T. Mark Schmidt law that was passed.  Did it fizzle out or is it still active.  What I'm basically saying is in order to get organized there needs to be alot of research.

Bottom line is what budman said.  Many talk, very few if any ever commit.  That would require them reading boring legislative stuff and studying like they were in school.   Let's be honest, how many people really enjoyed school?  (I'm a sick one, I did and spent 9 years in college for my 2 degrees.)  For the majority of us this is  family sport.  Lets really get honest.  We want to enjoy the hobby w/ our family but we can't create time in our busy lives (work, kids, practices, etc).  Essentially we are too busy w/ our lives to work on preserving or creating new options for this sport.

It takes money and time and getting dealers and magazines involved is a great start.  No place to ride no quad sales.  No quad sales no shops.  It's all about the benjamin's any way you look at it. 

Some other considerations are doing research on other states parks and how they keep their riding areas maintained and financed.  Asking for land or anything else w/o anything in clear writing would be like going to the bank for a business loan with out doing a business plan or showing how your are going to provide proof that you can pay the loan.  They will laugh at us.

I'm willing to commit to creating a plan over the next year and working towards our goals.  Just let me know when and where.  Of the 2K on here I'm sure there will only be 5 that actually put up.

FYI:  I have been to Washington and met w/ most of the senators and congress ppl to politic chiropractic laws and bills.  I'm not just some idiot w/o a clue.

I have Friday's off and I would be more than happy to make donate that day of my time to researching and putting together information for the cause.

Did someone call you an idiot ???

No one called me an idiot.  I was just sharing a little info about myself that would let everyone know that I have done some work in this area.  So that if anyone wanted to use my experience to help the cause they know 'I've been there done that.' 

Good, because it sounds like you know what your talking about to me. Appreciate any help you can give :)

As I remember from the OHV meeting in April, several state officials made it known that money was there.  But it is not just handed out to anyone.  We have to press our local officials, and get them to request the money.  State or Fed money does us no good if it isn't requested.  Our fight needs to start on local levels.

JBBJ220, I think there was mention of opening the area surrounding one of the military bases, but I'm not sure which one.  I do remember it being a nice chunk of land, but there are also rules that will regulate how close to the base we can ride.  There has to be a buffer zone.

By the way, there was another dealer present at the meeting, just not as vocal as our friend JD.  He was the owner of Palmetto Motorsports

If we could start by getting a list of ppl that are willing to accept the idea of committing to doing some research.  That would get us going.  My suggestions are as follows:

Research and put together numbers and info on other states that have riding parks.  Road blocks that we keep running against.  Such as insurance, destruction of land, environmental impact issues and reports.  Other states I'm sure have run into some of these show stoppers that we are up against.  So why recreate the wheel.

We have the T. Mark Schmidt law that was passed by Busch in 2002.  There was a committee that was doing work on finding land.  We need to contact the committee members that did this work and see what info we can get from them on this issue.  Things such as the environmental and insurance issues that are specific to this state and our particular road block.

It would be useful to contact the owners of the atv shops in our counties.  Find out what if any information they have.  Also, find out their stand point and if they would be willing to help the cause when we get one organized. 

It may be useful to contact all ATV and off road magazines for any information they have that could be useful.  Also, ask them if they would be interrested in backing our cause.

Create a database of ATV shops, attorney's, riders, and anyone else interrested in truely helping the cause. 

Find out how to get the T. Mark Schmidt law back into the political eye so we can use it to our benefit.  Find out if we need to go about creating any bills to support this law.

These are just a few suggestions.  I may be recreating the wheel because I haven't gone through and read the whole thread.  If we can get organized, create a plan, and delegate this research in small bits to ppl that are truely willing to offer their time we can get some numbers and statistics.  The government responds to numbers.  They also can't vote or speak on behalf of or against our issues because there is nothing on the table with regards to our issues that is currently open.

We need to open up some of these things.  Find out how to get the T. Mark Schmidt law on the roll again.

I know there is alot of talk about how we do impact the environment where we ride.  And let's be honest the trails through ONF were created by ATV's.  I also know that Florida with it's rainfall has an amazing way of regenerating itself when left alone.  A simple solution for ONF or other riding areas would be to open the Northern half of the riding area for half the year and the Southern half the other 6 months.  In the 6 month down time w/o riders on the land it should have enough time to rejuvenate itself.

Just my .02 if anyone has anything different to add please do.

QT314Nfla: I agree with your posts.  There are many ways to get our concerns and issues in the public eye and addressed, many of which have been discussed in this forum, in this thread and others, and certainly on many forums on other websites.  It's also discussed among other outdoor powersport users - i.e dirtbikes, trucks/jeeps, water sports, etc. 

I subscribe to, or go to the bookstore and buy, pretty much every atv magazine that's published every month.  Most of them talk about land use issues regularly.  This is not a new issue, it's been happening here and in other states for a lot of years.  My parents talk about the same issues they had 30 years ago riding snowmobiles out in the country in the middle of nowhere, where you wouldn't expect to have problems.

Success lies in cooporation and working with all the parties that have a vested interest (i.e. gov't, homeowners, environmentalists, etc.).  The most effective way to do that is through organization.  This is not a fast process.  It takes years of patience, and more importantly commitment.  The good news, however, is lots of other people have already done it, and there's lots of information available for the gathering. 

Your idea makes sense to me to start doing research on the topic and gathering information and see how that helps and what can be done with the information that is found.  One step at a time.  At some point this group would have to begin thinking about a formal organization with a board of directors, regular meetings with minutes, etc. etc.  While this is not required, we probably won't get serious acceptance as an organization by the gov't, environmentalist, etc. until doing so.  Another purpose doing so would have is to more formally commit members to contribute, show up to meetings, etc.

Having said all of that, I would be willing talk to Jack Terrell at Florida Trail Riders (http://www.floridatrailriders.org).  To quote their website: "Jack...currently serves as chairman of the OHV Recreation Program Advisory Committee that advises Florida Division of Forestry on the management of the Florida OHV Recreation Program."  I think he would be a great source of info that can give a lot of direction.  This is a group that has already taken the above steps, and is THE group that is currently working with the state and all other parties regarding off road use in development of a plan for the future.  If someone elso on this website already has a relationship with Jack and would like to make an introduction for me, that would be great.

I would also be willing to research and assemble the following:



If I were to do so, my next question would be, what do we do with all this info?  Way to much to publish and discuss on a website forum.  It took long enough just typing this thread.  I can't imagine how long it would take to summarize volumes of information into digestible bits, and then try to make next step decisions.  Other people need to start committing, and before very long, I think we would need to start having regularly scheduled meetings of some sort.

One last thing to think about - as mentioned, there are power in numbers.  There are a lot of people with the same issue outside of this website forum and within Florida.  We should start thinking about very early on how to work with the other groups out there, such as FTR, or FL-ATV.com (to name 2 of many), and figure out how to leverage into a combined effort.

While I am hopeful we can do something as a group, I think you best stated the reality:


...we'll see.

Let's do it QT314Nfla! I'm willing to help.

So am I.

The friendliest people are quad people

Ok, here it is: 
I am starting a list of anyone who is interresting in donating their time to doing some research. 

We need to make a list of all the parks we can find in the US.  Once the list is compiled we can delegate different parks to the ppl that have comitted to do the research.

It would be useful for someone to come up with a list of standard questions and concerns for the owners of these parks.  So that who ever does the calling knows what to ask.

Bellman in KY has offered some information on his park that I have saved in a file.

I agree that having a committee and meeting is a great idea but it is not practical with all of us spread over the state.  I think the best way to communicate will be to get an email and phone list.  In effect w/o actually having a meeting delegate a committee.  Each committee will handle, delegate, and compile information received from it's list of ppl.  Use the email list and phone list to contact one another.

Let me know how I can be of help with the commitee, research, organization and I will take on the job.  I will try to put together an outline in a more organized fashion of what needs to be done and who's doing what. 

Ok, after many hours of work today I have put together the list of people that have said they'd be interrested in committing some time to this research.  Please be aware that you don't have to be an adult to get involved.  You kids on summer break are welcome to pitch in, too.  There are things that you could help us with.  The list is as follows:

QT314Nfla
backinsaddle
- Palmetto Motorsports
TRX350_0n_The_Rack
   -ATV Dealers Rick Case, Motorsports of Fort Lauderdale, Riva Powersports
Muddygurl101
Zilla954
Jbbj220
JD (dealer) all terrain of florida
Bellman
Dreth
YFZ450AndyH
HondaBeaterSFL –comment on making this well thought out
MotoMike

I used this thread to get the names listed.  I need further contact information like phone numbers, actual names, and email addresses to complete a data base.

I have also read this entire thread and have created an outline of action.  For anyone interrested I will email or post it.  First we need to look at the outline and finish organizing it.  Create committee's w/ subcommittee members.  Each of the sub members will be delegated a project.  When done with the project they will e-mail their report to the committee head.  The committee heads will compile all of the information received into an over view report.

Any other suggestions or am I going over board?

Sounds perfect...count me in.

 ;D puting  more flyers on clipboard wall out next week.

to get people come this site.for  people atv that ride atvs.

 

I'll PM you my info QT314Nfla :)

"Committee’s" need to be by county

QT314Nfla, I PM'ed you. Let me know what you need.

   Jim,

;D i have done  some  flyers i put in lake city.next couple weeks I will past  some more flyers out to some other cities when i go visting or shopping at mall or somewhere. 8)

For those of you that have been getting emails, we were talking about using a chat room to hold a e-meeting. The website for the chat room is http://www.chatzy.com/758697970999.

The room name is ATV Chat
Password is Muddy

Check it out! And let me know what you all think. Does anybody have an idea on a date. I was thinking the beginning to the middle of next month. What time of the day and day is good for everyone?

The good thing about this chat is that I can save what is written and anyone that misses it will get a copy. Please get your ideas together and we will get these meetings on the road.

E-meeting with chat sounds good to me.  I wasn't able to access the website from work, hopefully I can from home.

That's weird I am at work and I can get to it. I was thinking Saturday, July 9th around 11:30? Does that sound good to everyone?

I think our internet blocker software at work isn't letting me in.  I'll try from home.  I'll have to check the calendar for July 9th.  Unless my wife has something important planned, it will probably work for me.

Ok everyone that plans to come needs to give me there email address so I can send you an invite and it will be easier to get in.

MuddyGurl101, I sent you a pm with my e-mail address.

    jim,

Toys for tots seems to be a way to generate some good news.

Sorry guys, chat is not going to work for me. A private forum would be fine or something along those lines.

Why can't you do chat?

No chat programs allowed at work. Anything else is fine :)

It will be on a weekend. Like a Saturday afternoon.

Who chats on a Saturday? Honestly :) (Austin Powers)

Seriously though I'm too busy on the weekends with my business and side jobs. My only free time on the weekend I ride or fish. The week during work is best for me.

I can't do it at work and I know there are alot others that can't either. We will have to send you the notes if you can't make it.

let's do it were and when?

We are currently in the process of putting together an outline of business to accomplish.  I am compiling a list of anyone interresting in donating their time to helping w/ the research that will be necessary to educate our cause.  If you are interrested send me your personal contact information.
Doc B

Saturday July 9 at 11:00 am. How does that sound to everyone?

11 am July 9. Good deal. You'll need to remind me.

How am I supposed to do that?

Just post here the day before I'll see it.

Okay. I am going to try to get a locked post about the meeting. Look for it today or tommorow.

Muddygurl, is there a way to get a list of chatting members in the room.  I think it may help us to conduct business.  Thanks.
Doc B

List when the sign in, or how many people are supposed to come?

I think chat meeting will be easier if we can view who is in the room during the chat so we know who is left to talk before subject matter is moved on.

At this time I will be there July 9th 1100 is that right.

   Jim,

Yes that is right. Keep update on the chat room because it may change. We will email you to let you know.

With the land acquisition in northern Florida we need to reassess where to spend our time.  I think that rather than spending all the other time doing work we should focus on who got the land up there.  How they got it?  And on getting hold of their information and research to work on something somewhere else in the state.

Seems to me that if we go about things as posted in my original outline we will be wasting time.  Any thoughts on this?
Doc B

I agree. The current schedule includes openiing a trail system. It would seem the Shmidt law is still around.

Suggestions on where to do our primary research w/ contact information would be helpful.  I have gotten very busy and will put some time into this in the next few weeks before the meeting.

i would like to be involved in this, but it has seem to conflicted with a date that will also requiere the presence of members on here and that is the benefit race for Nightbreed at the race track........is there a better date to do it?

I will also be at the benefit race. I think notes will be taken but I would like to attend. Hey Doc & Muddygirl could we reschedule to the next morning or evening as I will be riding during the day?
                         Jon

Fine w/ me to reschedule when ever.  We need to reconsider our outline of business before having the meeting.  Everyone on my list should have my updated outline.  I have heard no responses yet on how to handle the meeting or on the direction we are heading.  Have fun at the benefit.  I wish I could go but it's a bit far and expensive for me.

Well it's obvious that we need to reschedule this meeting and no one is coming up w/ any times.  We also need to figure out a plan of action.  I've emailed the updated outline to everyone and had no response.  So I figure we ought to wait on a meeting till after we start getting more feed back.  Let me know when a new meeting date is set.

As soon as we start getting some responses back, I will reschedule the meeting. I am hoping for early August.

Hey, I know I'm jumping in a little late here but I think I can help...

I can whip up a bulliten board like this one that is private i.e. not listed anywhere and moderate it as we please.  Since there seems to be so many scheduling conflicts, this may be the way to handle it as opposed to live chat.  I actually already have one that I was throwing together for a local atv club I was trying to start up.  I can do websites also.  I have webspace I get through my university that I can direct twards this effort.  Oh yeah, I can do databases too.  BTW I am a computer engineering student if you were wondering.

Just to throw another idea in the ring(because y'all don't seem to have enough.)  Down here in Davie, FL there is a weekly car show with lots of traffic in a parking lot every friday night.  This may be a good place for a show and shine.  Maybe there are events like this elsewhere?  Maybe a good place to recruit support?

QT314, I'll PM you my contact info.

Bump  ;D

Find a very big field, get alot of people and their bikes together and put all the bikes in the formation of "we protest we have no where to ride" and take a pic of it from a helicopter, and then have everyone sign a piece of paper saying why we protest. Send that to the GOVERNMENT! It would be alot of hassle, but it might help out a little. All we need is a really big field and alot of people and their bikes!

~400~

Visual Impact, I like it. 8)

That's a cool idea. The problem is finding a place to do it!

I know that Im very late on this thread. And haven't read all pages. IMO, I would say that a protest would get some publicity for our cause. But an organized group to represent atv's and motocycles in Talahassie would get a things going. I've seen how other groups get attention and respect by lobbing to the proper officials in Tallahassie. Eventually they get there way and change a few laws. The state has plenty of areas that are undeveloped that would be perfect for offroaders.

I've seen how organized fishing clubs have changed bag limits, reduced commercial fishing. All because they did it the proper way.

To get land it's gonna take everyone together to form a single club and go to the capital and lobby to use YOUR  land  for offroading.

I would help any way I can.
Frank

(bump) If anybody wanna post your comments here thats okay.



You need get one those  bluebrothers PA speaker to ride down to tallahadsee and do it at atv shops in tallahadsee. ;D

We need someone sing on it too. :) how fourwheelers can be fun. ;D


Get lots of farm land and try open your own atv park and alot farmers like atvs when do there work all time  up here.

Maybe a convoy to Marion County courthouse for their meeting on banning atv on your own property

We need bring this topic back online.
Bump ;D

this post has been read almost 4000 times.  If only 3000 would do
something....that would be quite a feat.
    One person standing up is a weirdo.  3000 is a 'force'.
  Me? I write and e-mail officials from Gov Bush on down through
the forestry division.  I get cordial replies back.....but because I am
only one person, I don't expect much.  But at least I do something.
   As far as riding ATVs into Tallahassee........the farmers rode
tractors into Wash DC a few years ago...but I bet we couldn't get a
handful into Tallahassee. Of that handful, how many would have illegal exhaust and how many 'popping wheelies'?
     Good idea though.

I wrote a email  to wes miller at hbombfilms.com.
About that  atv riding place in jasper florida.

Here's email I wrote:


Dear,wes miller
I do enjoy your videos on your huevos videos
i watch on my dvd player.
I have huevos 4,5,6.
I'm person loves 4x4 atvs.

I did made on dirtwheelmagzine in
nov 2005 on letters area on the last page.
I do like those dirtwheels fans showing
off pics of atvs in letters area.


This a topic you have see
I know this very sad for all people
that live in that area losing one best kept sercets
in florida riding in that area.
It was number 1 in state for all atvriders
go there and atv dealers go riding there.
I hope one day more people get
chance to  make more riding places in near future.
I know it's bunch of goverment bull crap
trying to make us atvriders look
bad on alot of our good riders and trying
make us to extinct from atv world,
and our glory is fading like desert and gone with wind.
We need atv fans help us in near future.


click here see this topic.
http://www.atvflorida.com/forum/index.php/topic,8716.0.html


Thanks,
Ps:I'm  a true 4x4 atv huevos fan  :-)

 ;D  feel free  talk on this topic.
Make things happen and don't let people try
to take your riding atv days away.

 :lecture.gif :gh 
This is USA and make your freedom happen
and don't put up people's  :foot.gif bull crap.Let your
freedom rise and let atvs ride free in USA. :king.gif

 :star.gif :ThumbsUp.gif
So make your ideas happen and make them come true.

thanks,
amhighlander  8)

Ps: keep this topic open up to new atvriders out there.
They might have some very good ideas out there.

If anyone is interested, Susuki in Sarasota on Clark rd. is trying to start a group club. Meetings are held every first wednesday of the month @ 7:P.M.. Discussions like this and possible remedies to our problems can be talked about in meetings. If anyone thinks they have any good idea's, please attend.

 :drive.gif My best ideal go to main monthly events in all  over florida
where the big cityies first and get our message out there
to  atv people we need stop people from taking our good riding places
away. :'( Well look what happen riverbed in jasper people riding  up on river banks and bad riders took it away.We  need tell all to atv riders how importan how we like ride and stay on our trails. ;D


I hope in near future we don't lose more any riding places. :-\

thanks,
amhighlander 8)

I hope in the near future you finally pass 2nd grade. :-\

>>I hope in the near future you finally pass 2nd grade.<<

And what have you done to help our sport lately, o4250?
  Sometimes spelling counts more than other times.......but I got the point
American Highlander was making.
  The point is we need more people to get off their butts and let our
legislatures know we are a force....
  We ATVrs are not organized, and to read your comment......well, we have a long ways to go.
   It's not like we have enough trouble keeping areas to ride OPEN, let alone taken away.  We don't need to tear ourselves up along the way.

    Chuck 'roast

lately... nothing really, haven't ridden anywhere out of Naples really, just been around the yard, and sometimes seminole. BUT, I helped as much as I could when badluck-praire closed. Attended ALL the meetings, rallys, wrote letters to ole' jeb (like he read them) and even handed out flyers around school (flyers about the meetings and such).

cool  o4250....you are in there then!
    and as far as writing to Gov. Bush...I can almost bet he doesn't read EVERY e-mail or letter sent to him. I can't imagine anyone in His position
doing that.  That is where the Interns come in. They read e-mails (and regular mail, telephone calls, etc.)...and forward the stuff that needs forwarding to the proper departments.
  The more we ask for more areas to ride, the more we get heard.  The more good stuff we do and get good publicity...the better for us.
  I have recently tried to get our websites name on a highway sign.....'adopting' it and being able to get recognition for litter removal.
  I am kind of shocked not to see some kind of effort as far as collecting 'toys-for-tots' from ATVrs.  I am new to ATVs.....so I don't have
as much background as to what has happened in the past.....
     but imagine next year this time.......having a Banner behind you saying
 "ATV Florida.COM"....having several barrels for people to deposit toys in......and in front of the banner.....having a couple local ATVrs quads on display.  Get a couple ATV/motorcycle shops involved (they could pay for the banner and display a couple quads?), ask for free space on radio stations......
  Our group gets recognition! ATVrs are seen as good people!  Kids get toys!   WIN-WIN situation, right?!
  I can't do it on my own........we have allot of talent here in this group.
  Just need to get our stuff together.
   Just some ideas........

    Chuck 'roast

Well..lets organize a form letter...make it a sticky, so everyone can sign it and press send to send it to Gov. Bush.  Then lets get together and ride to the capital.  Come on..we can do this.  Lets try to do it every 4 months or so.

Any ideas?   Lets really do something to secure our place, and our childrens places in the future!!!!!!!

Just like the sign we have all seen in the Dentist office:

If you ignore it, it will go away.


I will help in any way possible!!!!!


FLMEDIC911

(copy and paste....add to if you want?)

     Gov. Bush,
  Thank you for your time
  I am a member of an on-line all terrain vehicle group named ATV Florida (www.atvflorida.com).  We are a many faceted group of people, both young and old...affluent and no so.
  We represent all terrain vehicle riders throughout Florida and we take our sport seriously. 
  Florida has recently been ranked fourth (4th) in the United States in ATV sales and as a member of ATV Florida, I am concerned with the available land on which to ride and enjoy.
   I send this e-mail to you, hoping to encourage your help in aquiring more land in Florida for ATVrs to ride legally. I feel this can be done with little or no impact to sensitive areas.
  ATVrs are a diverse group, and we want to ask for your help moving our sport forward.
  Thank you.



Send that or something similar to

jeb.bush@myflorida.com

(or call area code 850-488-7146)

       Chuck

I guess it is fine to remain  anonymous, but when writing a letter or e-mail to someone requesting help, I include my full name and phone number.
  In the situation of e-mailing Gov Bush (or some other official) in regards to
ATV rights.......why be anonymous?
      Yes.....some people are affraid of the Gov't......but in the context
I am speaking, I think I am safe from the "black helicopters".
  If you want to e-mail threats and be a jerk.....I bet that 'anonymous e-mail site' could be cracked. Think what you would do if you got an anonymous letter at your house.....
trash it?  Delete it? Probably.
    Just write an e-mail, be sincere and put a positive light on ATVing. Ask
for more areas to ride. Let the legislature know we can ride without
causing a mess. We need to get our point accross and show our good side!
   All I can do is try, but as I said before:  It is not a one person job.

                    Chuck

Chuck, just a quick FYI.  JW Scroll did a Toys for Tots ride just a few months ago.    You might want to get with him and plan another.

Okay. I do reg email way.

Here's my voice message i made today.
Please  listen to them.they are only 700kb long.

message 1
http://www.geocities.com/warman58x/atv1.mp3 (http://www.geocities.com/warman58x/atv1.mp3)

message2
http://www.geocities.com/warman58x/atv2.mp3 (http://www.geocities.com/warman58x/atv2.mp3)




let me know it works or not.

thanks,
amhighlander 8)

bump  :)

worked just fine ;)

Florida OHV Recreation Management Workshop
May 1- 4, 2006
Hilton-Ocala
Ocala, Florida

Registration is required and limited to 100. Registration packets will be available in February, 2006.

http://www.fl-dof.com/calendar/2006_ohv_may_wkshop.html

I did put my name and i put name city i'm from.Thats one of nearest
town i live near by.

Hey, I got email from jeb bush today.

here's what it says.

Governor Bush has received your e-mail and has asked me to respond on his behalf.

 

To better assist you with this concern, I am forwarding your correspondence to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson for review and response.  You should hear from someone in his office.

 

Thank you for writing and do not hesitate to write again on matters of concern or interest to you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Rex T. Newman

Citizens’ Services

>>Hey, I got email from jeb bush today.<<



    Now imagine........a thousand e-mails going there!!!!  Heck.....this group could easily send 2ooo!  You think someone would notice?
   And if we all do it ("you all" because I already do) every other week or so
someone up-high might say "Lets get them some land to ride on."
   Thanks for sending that, Rex(and you too Highlander. LOL).....don't stop now! 

    Chuck

I hope all members on this site email jeb bush.Just remail them every 6months or less. :)

If any new atv members wanna join in this topic,Feel freely and talk about it.
And join in county meetings once month or talk about your atv riding rights.People shouldn't  be blame on atvriders and useing the cops as babysiter for people down on  dirt road making calls and  lies on telphone on atv riders that rides on dirt roads and other riding places
in the near future.


thanks,
amhighlander 8)

After Highlander posted his reply he received....I got this one:
(So.....the chain of command seems to go from Gov Jeb Bush, down to commisioner Charles Bronson, then to the person who sent me this...
Chris Reed, OHV Coordinator)


   December 19, 2005

 

Dear Chuck,

    The Commissioner has asked me to respond to your email.  I appreciate you taking the time to express your concerns.  I assure you that the Division of Forestry (DOF) is doing everything in its power to increase the number of legal riding opportunities for OHVs on public lands in a sustainable and responsible manner.  Additionally, the Commissioner of Agriculture, Governor, and Legislature are well aware that OHV operation has become increasingly popular as an outdoor recreational activity and is in fact, one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country.  They also realize that there are limited sites available on public lands here in the state of Florida.  This need was the basis for the T. Mark Schmidt OHV Safety and Recreation Act being passed in 2002 (Chapter 261, Florida Statutes). 

    We understand your frustration and the DOF is working diligently to provide further OHV opportunities in the state.  Our agency has been working with federal, state, county, and other municipal entities to try and provide these opportunities.  The DOF is also working internally to designate OHV areas on State Forest lands where appropriate.  In fact, the division recently opened the first new OHV area on public lands since the inception of the OHV Safety and Recreation Act.  This new OHV trail system contains approximately 150 miles of designated trails on Tate’s Hell State Forest in Franklin County.  Additionally, the Suwannee River Water Management District has designated 38 miles of trails for ATV recreation, on a seasonal basis, on its Mallory Swamp unit in Lafayette County.   

   To better promote the OHV program and the DOF’s efforts to other governmental entities, the DOF is cosponsoring an OHV recreation workshop through the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council in May 2006.  The goal of this workshop is to conduct an educational forum on off-highway vehicle recreation management for local, county, state and federal land management decision makers, recreation planners, resource specialists, and leadership representatives from OHV recreation and other stakeholder communities.  We anticipate that this workshop will help to further break down barriers and ultimately result in increased opportunities.

   To assist in increasing the quality and quantity of OHV recreational areas and trails, the DOF is administering the OHV Safety and Recreation Grant Program.  This program, paid for by your titling fees, recently completed its second round of grant awards.  In all, approximately $650,000 has been allocated to nine projects.  These projects are intended to: improve existing trails; provide new facilities, trails, or recreational areas; provide education and outreach to OHV users; provide equipment and staffing; and further the opportunities for OHV recreation in the state.  I have attached a summary of projects awarded funding through this year’s funding cycle.  This document should provide a reasonable background of the types of projects being funded by our OHV Safety and Recreation Program.

  Finally, I realize that things are not happening as quickly as you and many other enthusiasts feel to be reasonable, but it is important that things are now happening.  In order to keep the public informed of changes in the OHV program and possible new recreation areas, we have a link on the Division of Forestry webpage, www.fl-dof.com.  Should you have future questions, comments, or concerns feel free to contact me directly.

 Sincerely,
   Chris Reed, OHV Coordinator
    Division of Forestry
   Reedj1@doacs.state.fl.us

Btw guys you can send an email to Chris Reed @ reedj1@doacs.state.fl.us  He is the OHV coordinator and he will put you on his email list for any updates. Just email him something like this:


Dear Mr Reed,

Please place me on your email list for updates or information pertaining to off-road (atv) vehicle usage and land opening or closures.

Thank You

We should get as many people together at big scrub and protest. We should do this without the forest management knowing, but let all the local newspapers know. Somehow get Chris Reed there, and whatever other political forces we can, and have a peaceful demonstation, let them know how we feel, about the government taking away our land to ride.

Look what happen in cape coral FL this week and they tooked another riding place way I saw post forum on here.We need send one of our members out there  in the area to get our web site posted on radio or blast it on your car radio tapes or cd's to repeat alot times and have the speakers on truck bed or car trunk and drive around neigborhoods and get the word out. :) >:( :'(

thanks,
amhighlander 8)

Ps:I'm sorry about the bad riders tooked it away,and 40,000 people with dirtbikes,atvs,and I feel sorry for thoses
kid riders, and other riding people
and stuck for noting to ride their
atvs,dirtbikes and no place to go offroading no more.  :'(

It's sounds like alot good atvriders in the state of florida are having bad week :'( to riding out in there good riding areas and it was last week they banned atvs riding on the alapha river bed in jasper.And We need do somthing soon before all good riding places goes up in smoke and no more people never ride atvs again :'(.I guest They started more hornet nests out of the bottle :gh :F :gr :deal.gif
for last few weeks and this week so far. >:(     

If the ATV's keep getting bad press, everywhere is going to close. I see Ocala National Forest closing in a couple of years. My guess is they will probably get the trail system going and within a year, you will be required to buy a sticker, and only so many stickers will be available. If that doesn't keep everyone on the trails, I see them closing the forest. It will probably be that simple.

I hope you get message out there to media and write books about it and
get word out, there to rap singers groups in miami night clubs out there. 8)

And i know the last few months on atv shows they said repect your riding areas
and don't tear up trails to ruild it for us. :)

Have you people try get word out on cb radios.I use have base station long time ago down in south fla and hollywood area and my base station burn up back few years ago.They use to call me mr,weatherman.

Well Try channel 17 at during evening hours and late nights and they called it the redneck channel. And  i know channel 19 is all truck drivers channels all over usa. :)
So try that out...

thanks,
amhighlander 8)

Well we need email the media stations all over in florida and out of state to tell do a research on atvs which is the good side of it and tell them how the  bad riders like ruin it for people and getting riding places closing down so quickly,and you should put it on abc 20/20.I saw news post on the cape coral Fl riding place.Those 3 atv riders that crash into that person house they should been charge to repair the house and no other  atv riders shouldn't be blame on one thing to cuase the whole screw up.It's like kid in a classroom that did somthing wrong and whole class hads to write 200times.Now you know what i'm saying about that. :'(

I think you people should put a tv ad or send vhs tape to all news
stations all over florida and get our message out there.
I think that be good idea to do that. ;)

 :) hmm you should started a atvflorida.com newpaper or magzine
and have topics and storyies and classfields.And sell at bp
gas stations and s&s stores all over northern fla and even
at wine dixe food stores and even at walmarts. ;D ;)

And if you get money coming in and donate it to build more
backyard offroad riding parks and your own atvflorida.com land
to ride.And have people charge $ one year fee membership
or more years to enter your offroad riding parks
 all over state of florida.It sounds
like very good ideal to me. :-\  ::)  ;)

If have better sugestions on here feel free talk about on here.

thanks,
amhighlander  8)

what we need to do is something good for the forest or croom, and get the media involved. When there is another clean up see if we can get the media involved. Maybe write your own story and send it to the papers.

if someone could get certified on the atv's to instruct, a good media attention would be to instruct the kids on proper riding techniques. the only thing on doing something like that is being sued if something happen to the person.

sorry, but this site is not organized enough to stage a
protest on a pimple on my butt.
  I don't think it is as simple as towing our quads to Tallahassee
...and saying to the media "duh, we want land ta ride."
  Most lawmakers are going to say "We never heard of your group
before. You should have let us know."
  If we do show up....we will be directed to park somewhere out of the way. 
  Someone (a flunky) will show up...ask us why we are there and take notes to pass to someone else.  The notes will get filed, we go home thinking something was done. 
   Before a protest is considered....we (not just ME) have to send letters, phone calls..e-mail to our representatives. Let them know we are here!
   Get names, find out who says they are on our side.....but to just all of a sudden show up in the Capital...nah.
   Need to be more organized.  We need goals. We have to have ideas and solutions.  Where will this land be?  Cost, etc.    Someone is going to ask us........and we will stand there.......saying "duh."
   We are not ready for a major media protest frenzy.
   Just my opinion.

At least we can try get our ideas out there to protest.

There is gotta be another way keep our sport alive.

Keep posting on this topic and talk about some more ideas
we can do better. 8)

Hey guys,  just want to put my 2 cents in this post....   I think all motorcycle dealerships should get involved.  Ask to speak to the owner and express your concerns regarding limited riding areas for OHV, getting their support will not only help, but give them some publicity.

Things we can do:  ( some ideas )

1. Contact your local dealer - Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, etc. for support
2. Clean ups ( notify the media where clean ups are held ) e-mail the editor, the same one that has bashed us in the past.
3. Fundraiser / Charity -  Example - Children's Hospital - Breat Cancer
4. Local club meetings once a month at dealerships,  Haul yourbike to the location ( don't ride it )
5. Share your concerns with other OHVs enthusiast like jeep clubs / buggies and meet together, they are on the same boat as us.
6. And most of all ...  stop talking about it, make the time to support your sport.  If you don't, then place your quad on ebay and quit the crying.


ANY IDEAS ???  I just moved from south Broward to Ft Myers and know about 60 ATV enthusiast that will stand behind all of us if we do something.   Lets do something this year !

 ;D

If  this is true and there are about 60 people behind you willing to do something, we should start to organize a club, with bi-laws etc, and have a few people that will represent the club. Then get the dealers on your side, and do fund raisers, to raise money for the club, then send those people to various functions held by OHV florida to gather the information and voice ones opionion. A simple protest is going to give ATV's a bad name, especially if it gets out of hand. There is a club called friends of the forest, maybe friends of Off highway viechles.

Not a bad idea,   we need more input guys, don't let this thread desolve.   

I know he is right about that.

I make some  more print outs to hang on clip
boards.I know you have cassfelids on atvs here.
I try hang them out next month. :)

We have to be organized before anything or anyone will listen to us. Which means time to start thinking about bi-laws. Someone can probably talk to lisa or JW regarding there bi-laws, we may be able to copy theirs. Once the bi-laws of the club are established, think of a name for the club. You want to incorporate all members not just ATV members, maybe something like Friends of OHV of Florida, at that time there should at least be a president, whomever starts this should probably be president. Setup a bank account for the club, and start charging people to join. If you got 60 members behind you now and charge 5.00 per person to join that is 300.00 dollars right there. Someone can talk to anyone of the clubs around there area and see exactlywhat was involved with setting the club up. Now you are organized, the more people you recruit perhaps someone who has some polictal take, now start to make our voice heard.

Start planning how the club will earn money. Perhaps do two branches one North and one South. Use the internet to communicate, or telephone. Let the press know who you are, when you plan something that involves the public let them know that is important. Let all the dealers in the area know who you are, maybe charge 2.00 to lead a ride in ONF, post it on local dealers bulletin boards.

If the club gets enough extra money and the OHV of florida is xxxx amount of dollars short to buy another place to ride, the club can kick in some money. Now you are on good terms with everyone. This won't happen overnight, but it has been done before. Or make a donation to OHV Florida, or to the ONF for trail maintenacne, now you are on the good side of the forest and OHV Florida. Once you are on the good side, things may start to happen.

If you want to do a simple but quit protest, the best time to do it would be at the OHV meeting in May, you have everyone there, protest in front of the lobby with signs or whatever.

There is enough ATV people around there should be no problem getting started with a club.

Yikes........you may want to start another thread about 'forming' a REAL club!
     Bi-laws kind of suck! LOL.........
  1. who can join.
  2. who can disolve the 'club'.
  3. dues (what are the dues used for and who decides?)
  4....there are many more...............LOL
  I agree that we as ATV'rs should get on the 'good side' of people.
As a motorcyclist, I have participated in many 'poker runs' and rides for charity.  As a  new ATV'r I don't know is that is the case for us?
  I can picture a Ocala ride to raise money for certain charities  (who doesn't love a PUPPY.  Donate to your local animal shelter).....
How about a 'toy' ride to gather toys for children........for those with GPS', maybe a ride where only GPS co-ordinances are given. The rider must get to every co-ordinance to complete the 'ride'?  The cost?  A canned Ham or maybe four canned goods to donate to a food shelter.
    HEY! These are just ideas to get us together as a functioning group.
  I also agree that we should come together....by-laws may be a start, but I don't think ATVrs as a group, have the drive yet.
   Just my observation.

                       Chuck 

 :) print out flyers with our web site
and go to your  local atv dealers and wait when people buy atvs
and hang them on cars,trucks on windwipers in parking lots
at walmarts.I have seen people do that all time when they hang church flyers on peoples cars. 8)


So keep flighting your rights to ride. ;)  :)

 

 :) I think other offroad clubs or hunting clubs
should buy out more land all over state of florida
and turn them into atv riding parks for trailriders,dirt bikers,go karters,dune buggers,even turn them for hunters love to hunt and trail ride
in there own atv backyard parks.

Well people who have  private clubs
should make donate money and buy out more land
all over state of florida and charge people a membership to join
or have them paid them at main gate.And some of money should going
into main trails and make more new trails or build more atv riding parks
in the near future.

thanks,
amhiglander  8)

   before I could see a 'club' purchasing land for riding.......
I would more imagine a company or business doing it.
  They could go into a small town in central Florida (where ever)
buy a bunch of land...set up a parts/repair shop/etc.......
before you know it, an industry could spring up? Rides on a trail
from one town to another......places to eat could pop up along
the trail?  HEY! It  COULD happen (search on hatfield-mcoy trail)!!!!
   LOL
   Takes BUCKS though........

             Chuck

 8) They do need more  used atv sale places up here.

I can understand I they are no atv clubs
in our area up in lake city.But the nearest one
is about 65miles away thats over in gainesville.

I know they should open more private own atv parks
all over northern florida and even in northwest florida.
I have seen places on tv people do that.I understand
people have the right to ride their atvs somewhere
around here.


Well try some my tips and ideas i posted on here in this topic
so far.And for all members out there keep topic open up
to other new riders and new members that join in this site
out there.I hope alot riding areas
in the near future will never shut down.At least follow the rules right.

So keep posting on here.
I hope you people do the  protest thing sometime this year
or later down road if they are trying wipe out our sport
off the face earth and thats when you want start doing alot
posting on here.lol ;)


thanks,
amhighlander 8)

Ps:Let your freedom ride hard and keep on riding  :)

this site has over 4200 members.  Lets say a quarter of them read the sire weekly.
     That would be a thousand folks.    Lets say only 1/2 read this topic  (500!!! YES! that is correct!)
  Less than 50 respond.
   One of the areas I ride locally near my house is going to become a doctors complex.  It will block access to the other area I ride.......
   Hope you all are doing better.

      Chuck 'roast
   

I hope alot riding areas are get expanding in the near future.I hope
alot people are reading this topic and learning something from it.
I hope alot  people trying doing their protest to support their atv sport
and keeping our riding areas alive out there through out of state florida
and keeping our riding rights alive out there. :)

I hope alot good atv shops be bulit through out lake city and whole
north florida areas and even over near northwest florida.I would
love see alot good atv backyard tracks out there and even more atv and
offroad clubs would help alot out  here.I know they are not much  offroad riding clubs out where i live at. :'(

as of right now, when I read this.....
this topic has been read 5248 times.
   I fail to see the need to keep bumping it.  If out of 5248 reads, this topic is not kept at the top of the list....nobody cares for the most part.
   Sad as it may be.
  We wonder why land is taken away.
             

           Chuck 'roast

If we put pressure on these people they will have to do something. If we gather a big group and trailer our bikes to areas that are suppose to be open and are not (bad luck) and drive on in with potentially 50 trucks and over 100 bikes, I serioulsy think they can't stop us. At least we can get a news crew out there and start to stir things up. Especially if people are coming on the back side of the squares at the same time. We try the nice way (sending letters and what have you) now we demand it and we can only resort to brute force. I wish this could work but I doubt it.

What do you guys think?

 "We try the nice way (sending letters and what have you) now we demand it and we can only resort to brute force. "

   Hard to tell if anyone actually has "tried the nice way". 
  Me? I have sent an received e-mail back. Most of it sounds positive......
sometimes appologetic.
    The thing I see with getting a bunch of quads and riding into tallahassee is once the cameras is on a few people...you will see "Duh! We want land and stuff."    Then the next camera  will show some guy popping a wheelie in the street......then some guy flashing some unknown hand sign.....
and as the camera cuts out, somebody runs past the camera screaming
"POLARIS rules!!!!!"
  It would be pittiful.

I don't think it would be that bad. Even some kind of air time as to why we're protesting would at least let it be known that some of us do care about riding. We just need to initiat it and let everyone on here know when we're gonna do it. I for one will tell everyone I ride with to go.

Dude, that is funny chit right there, LOL. You have a point but I doubt it will that bad. And if we organize it, we can have speakers (DRETH and MYSELF and OTHERS) and make sure noone does anything stupid. There are ways, we just need to find them!!!

"And if we organize it, we can have speakers (DRETH and MYSELF and OTHERS) and make sure noone does anything stupid."

OK , but it better be  "invitation only".   LOL


  I need to be home so I can watch the "NEWS".

   Chuck 'roast

I know they have a flea market there in tallahadsee over by woodyville area.
Well that will be good parking spot to let people see you to protest.

And I know if loaded alot of quads on pickup trucks and long beds
and make riding flat wooden trailer  patform on wheels and have alot signs
on it. :) And find a place where you can meet at.The best bet go to captial stop on side of the road and have it jammed with pickup trucks with atvs in them and other trailers with atvs on them and somebody sit on atv with picking signs on the atv.Then you will have media news out there.
At least we need to  soming about it to get our word out there to other
 atv riders and clubs that live in florida and to get more nat forests open up more new trails in the near future and lessing alot harsh rules on riding atvs on unpaved  dirt roads.


Well I think more great ideas are good on here on this topic.

But i will keep passing out more flyers next week.

Thanks,
amhighlander  8)

I still say, unless you let people know ahead of time what you want......
and then all of a sudden you show up at a 'flea market' with 50 un-organized quads, you are just going to cause a 'scene'.
     Who ever you wanted to actually pay attention to you, will say
"We didn't know anything about the protest. If they would have called us we could have helped."
  You will have the 'wheelie popping" bunch at the flea market........making noise, reving the engines (same type of people that get bad press at bike week here in Daytona).
   Before anyone protests.....you have to ghave a goal. Before you have a goal, you have to have a plan to get to the goal.
  This site has no goal.......and no plan. 
  There will just be 50 quads...at a flea market.......on the news.   
   And it may not turn out the way you want to.
   Just my opinion.......but I think it is realistic.


                      Chuck

Well we need get other atv riders out there and
have a plan to go to captial in tallahadsee.My best bet is have
a plan a date time and where.But We  need get our word out
before this sport will be gone forever and another thing talk with
big pro riders out there or talk to your atv clubs about it and to atv dealers.

I know fea market is not good idea.My best bet if have a friend that live near  by tallahasee that knows where parked all trucks and quads at nearby
a meeting waypoint somewhere outside of city limts
a place somewhere out in country or somewhere inside city
at parking alot such as walmarts off I10 old exit27 on tenn st
over by westmarine store Or try another place or somewhere.
Then have your driving protest to captail and parked
for several hours and make sure your quads is on trailers or trucks.
Or if that idea don't work then go to captial hill in  washington D.C
and parked all
over in that area and have it say:florida atv protest for riding
rights and keeping our nat forests trails opened. :-\  ;)

Anying good suggests you have on here.. ???

thanks,
amhighlander  8)

 :) one more thing we need get our butts
off to do soming about it and have a plan
to do it. ;) And we don't want to lose our
sport and keep riding trails alive out there
in years to come. ;)

Well If anybody is still doing protest?
What date? Are still doing it in 2006?


I know alot ideas are great on here.The rest areas on I10
are good meeting waypoints to meet at or at parking lot in city is good idea.
 :)

Feel freely to post more good ideas to plan on protest
to captial in tallahadsee. :lecture.gif :pirate.gif :drive.gif :H :king.gif

Im down with whatever we decide !!!!

But we have to stop talking BS and do something !!!

I have a couple hook ups in the Media feild....

I can get WSVN & Univision on any location when we are ready
thats both English and Spanish stations !!
Also have hook ups for Radio Station as i used to work in one!! My brother is the head producer for Salsa 98.3 in Miami Also got hook ups in
El ZOl 95.7
Dj Laz Power 96.5

I know theres many ATV Sites... we may have different point of views but at the End we are all Still ONE !!!

Lets pick a date and get everyone on the same page !!! And do a peaceful protest !!!!

You can reach me at AtvMiaXtreme@gmail.com

Thanks
Leo

hey i am ready to sign up and get riding spots back!!!!!

I know who is WSVN channel 7 It's very good news reporter station i saw while back 1998 when i was living down in hollywood, i know ehco deco drive is good show i haven't seen it in long time.Go with wfor station thats one best weather man down there in miami brian norcross he is the best tracker for hurricianes and they have good news reporters down there.I  wish brian norcross was on the weather channel to save more peoples lives during hurricaine seasons. :)


Well I agree with you DjLeOo
about getting our butts off and do somting  about it.
If anybody wants give us anymore ideas of the protest to tallahadsee
to captial I hope you get on the roads soon out there in 2006 to do somting to save our sport in florida to get our rights to ride back again. :)

I know other states like alabama they can ride the atvs everywhere and they can't ride in the cityies and they don't have offroad laws in alabama i went pull up the search engine  about 4months ago.I wish we had laws like alabama to ride all right of ways in the state and even public dirt roads in the middle nowhere
where cops don't mess with you only if somebody was hurt.I know riding on people's land is wrong way to do.I know that...



thanks,
amhighlander  8)

We should learn from a recent protest that the boaters of the state of florida have been pretty successful with. They organized with the help of Florida Sportsman magazine. This gave the boaters a forum and a regular source of information. It also gave them a spokesperson, Karl Wickstrom,editor and publisher of the magazine. The boaters were fighting the Save the Manatee Club and its purposed closing of large areas of state waters to boating activities. The SMC was spreading proproganda that the manatee deaths were primarly caused by boaters and that their numbers were at dangerously low numbers. The boaters movement was able over time to prove these allegations false. The boaters were supported by every industry affected by such widespread closures. We need to address the complaints that the Sierra Club, Friends of the Forest etc. have been trying to blame on OHV usage. We recently won a small victory when the U.S. Wildlife Service refused to declare the Scrub Jay endangered speicies status. This takes some of their ammunition away. These groups will try to use any tactic they can to discredit OHV users,trash,destroying habitat,injuries to users etc. They are not above falsifying numbers in their favor. Also we need to pick our battle, the ONF is a federal level protest and would probably best be fought by e-mailing congressmen and the federal offices pertaining to the ONF. Attending meetings that these agencies may have pertaining to OHV usage is a MUST. Continued polite pressure on state agencies through e-mail,phone calls,letterwriting etc. is a effective way to get our point across. Also these state agencies will have meetings that must be attended by as many people as possible. The groups that are against us will be there and we need to outnumber them. If we do our homework and get the schedules of these meetings, we can organize groups to attend these meetings. Another effective tool are petitions signed by registered voters. We need to find a champion for our cause and create a mission statement so to speak for our cause. Sorry for being longwinded, but I needed to put my two cents in while it was fresh in head.

Your right about that...

 >:( I know those qucks love to try use us as
play toys and use us and try to making lies to blame into our
sport.I know they like use every detail to make us look bad
on tv and in the media and one day people will understand us we
are good riders to them. :)

I hope you people out there  rasing some money to
buy land make your owned atvflorida.com land where some members
that go riding their atvs and go there every 4months to ride or have one those
big jambr's there.Thats good start to make your own
nat forest and make your own rules there.

And thats one way get people to help you to
get to protest to tallahadsee once every year to do it.
But thats one way to expand yourself..

I saw oln channel on atv magzine tv about two weeks ago
and looked what they do at windtop mt tn
they have their own atv club and they have there own atv riding
park and they used money to expand their own atv trails.
Thats what they do charging to pay in to ride there and
thats where money goes  into maintaining atv riding trails there.

It sounds like great ideal out there. :)

Another thing we need get bigger acres land
to do that.

k.

Check out newpapers
web sites in our area
and over near tallahassee area.

I hope this helps you out.

(Newpapers web sites in tallahassee)

tallahassee democrat
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

(Newpapers web sites in north florida areas)

Florida Times-Union
http://www.jacksonville.com/

The Gainesville Sun
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=news

High Springs Herald
http://www.highspringsherald.com/

Ocala Star Banner
http://www.ocala.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

Jasper News
http://www.suwanneedemocrat.com/jasper

This covers live oak,branford,mayo areas.
http://www.suwanneedemocrat.com

Lake City Reporter

http://www.lakecityreporter.com/




Thanks,
amhighlander  8)

 ;)
If wanna send emails on atv protest to channel 6 news station
in tallahassee.So follow my (tip),


here's way you can send feedback emails to
tv station channel six in tallahasee.

Just put your email address and send to:liveatfive@wctv6.com


1: Go to web site.
2: Click on (email this) on top middle bar.

http://www.wctv6.com/station/contact

Thanks,
amhighlander  8)

Ok I understand the importance of keeping a topic fresh, but how annoying is it to see a new comment posted on a thread, going to the last page to read this new opinion/comment about that thread and all you get for your trouble is "bump  :))

Well i try keep the topic refresh once every two days
or day so if topic gets off next page.
I must been over refreshing too much on here..


I have pass few flyers last weekend in lake city.I'm trying
get some local riders to join your web site.


I hope alot atv riders are planing to protest
in tallahassee some time this year or next year.

But keep emailing jeb bush and  media and newpapers out there.

I know one day all atv riders will be free to ride again,
and i know planning takes time to do it get it right on track.

So keep on doing and keep on trying.  :)


thanks,
amhighlander  8)

http://www.atvflorida.com/forum/index.php/topic,11717.0.html

 8) Keep this print  out b card
to hang on clipboards at every super walmart supercenters
through out florida.  8)



[attachment deleted by admin]

Guys dont forget about our rallye on 3/11 at the entrance to the picayune forest. we will meet there and drive thru town and eventuall y end at the  collier county government center..see ya there..if you need more info go to "where to ride" promised 640 acres posting...

To bad i won't be there. i'll be in orlando at unviseral studios
and island of adventures and i'm using up my  1 year passes tickets
expired during end of march.I'll be going to disney world all summer
long and trying out the new everists roller coast i heard it's very good.

Well to all ohv riders that live in collier county
I hope you win this fight get what you needed to win.But
we need other offroad riders getting into other atv protests meetings
for everybody in state of florida.So post this on this topic here if get any ohv rallys protests meetings in florida in near future.(Please post them on here)


I'll keep this topic bump on here once every two or three days on here.
If i'm on  road trip i'll keep bump it untill next week,if i'm on long road trip
i'll keep it bump untill i'll back here at home.

If got any atv protests links in florida please post them on here..  :)

Thanks,
amhighlander  8)

Ps: I might see it on local news down there in orlando stations.
Plus i have been reading topic on your forum on  collier county  ohv protest to promise 640 acers. ;) But it's been going on for while on here...

I got confirmation today that foxnews 4 tv(Naples/Ft.Myers) will be at the rallye this Saturday..

 :) (Thanks, Keep us updated on it.)

Link does not work Higlander

I found cool hosting place i can host
wmv audio N' video files,Even mpg files and alot of gif,jpg files.
Try it out  right now!!
I just record, this right off eye toy web cam using usb port inside pc
with micphone inside of it.

http://uploadingit.com/files/706_srved/amhighlander-vm.wma

And check out, these two voice messages i did posted
about year ago on this topic here.

http://uploadingit.com/files/707_oxwaq/atv1.mp3


http://uploadingit.com/files/708_ewlxx/atv2.mp3


Let me know if they do work?

Thanks,
amhighlander  :)

One more voice message to post on here.
I just record this right off my mom's cellphone
and record it to pc on here just 15mins ago i did.


http://uploadingit.com/files/710_fvibl/onemorevm.wma

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8358/03bansheered30py.jpg" border="0" width="425" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

Channel 7 will be speaking to us on Friday April 14, 2006 at 3:00pm at the (Bird Rd & 162ave) thats a dead end street there, be there about 15-20 minutes earlier. She is considering doing a story on how ATV enthusiast have lost all there riding areas.

Please be there to show support and they can see we are a large group, that way we can get Television Media Coverage. In addition, they will be shooting coverage, so be smart on how you ride.

VERY IMPORTANT:

PLEASE TRAILER YOUR BIKES TO THE LOCATION
BE THERE ABOUt 15-20 MINUTES EALIER
NO RIDING IN THE STREETS
WEAR YOUR HELMETS
NO STUNT RIDING, (that means: no wheelies, racing, doughnuts)
COME WITH HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU WANT JUST BE CIVIL AND BEHAVE
WEAR YOUR CLUB SHIRTS, Example: ATVMIAXTREME.COM


EVERYONE, PLEASE BE CIVIL AND BEHAVE, lets show them we are not bandits like the home owners that complain that we are

REMEMBER WE ARE TRYING TO SHOW THEM WE ARE RESPECTABLE CITIZENS THAT PROMOTE SAFETY AND NEED LEGAL RIDING LAND.

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE

Thxs for info miamigirl.  :)

It takes a true commitment...just look at what the WetBack's did over the past few days  ;D not too mention all the Spanish Americans  .....

That was not cool JD, Not cool at all !

Wow, seriously..

I thought it was funny.

Then you and JD should not mind if I called you guys ignorant f%^*$.  One thing is to speak your mind which we have the right in this great country, and another is to insult others.  I think you should keep your racist comments to yourself.  By the way ..I am an American.

Thank you sir.  8)

LOL..oh boy here we go

I,m not againest color people and my voice message was saying
live oak didn't want black people to come into town places to shop at.
But my friend down street from here before i bought land here in mcalpin
back in 1996 and she had signs hanging in front of live oak courthouse
and she wanna color people live inside of town and let them go to
places to shop at inside  live oak area.
But, she did made it on front cover of suwwnnee demcrat newpaper back in
1996 and it did pass votes. :)

Sorry about that guys,
my message i had made very good point of my own review
on here to get what point i'm saying on here. 

Thanks,
amhighlander  :) 

Oh yeah, and by the way, how would you know if I was spanish or not? It is not smart to try and make enemys that you might see sometime outside of the internet. It would appear as if we were neighbors too, I am in Cape Coral and you are in Fort Myers...Howdy neighbor.

Just do some of us a favor, keep your racist comments to yourself and we'll get along just fine.  If I see you around I promise to stop by and say Hi.  See ya neighbor.

We need to stay on topic here!! I thought, this topic pose to be about
finding  out ohv protest meetings to show up, on what dates
that they are having meetings on what days they are having on.

 ???

It's pretty easy to distract people and lead us away from the battle we intend to fight..we have to be committed. ViVa de revolution . ;)

Hello everyone I will be glad to protest any where any time please someone let me in I'll bring 6 atv's with me!

no more bump.

We need  start racing to capitial soon for a atv and  high gas price to protest a rally in tallahadsee florida (area).How long, would you going take this bull crap people shutting down our riding areas through out state of florida and we need start flighting sooner becuase alot people in world we be piss if they can't ride here in florida.But what i'm saying how long you  going make clock to run out for all riders out there before there riding places are up for good. >:(

My best bet,keep on fighting for your riding areas and to keep them opened for years to come by.

And we, need wake up and smell coffee in front our faces!!! >:(

So anying good suggestions?  :-\

Anying, new Ohv protest rallys going on in state of florida?

It wanna post them just, post them on here so everybody will get info out there
on this site here.

Thanks,
amhighlander  :)

 

we need more places to ride all this land in florida we can't ride on it
they take all the land and build more and more houses every were there are more new communities and if we get caught ridin on some empty land w/o permision they wanna take our quads to we need to take a stand i'll go to any protest for the good of quad riding every were

Please man... The thing is 15 pages long....... Besides, they already made a section called "atv activists" if anything is posted, it will go in there.

Unreal!!!

BUMP BUMP!!!

Bump....

We need to do somthing to make sure our counties do not opt out of the new law. This is our chance...Im in WPB and I want to ride!

Print some flyers and give it to atv dealers
down in west palm beach and all redneck riders such as super walmart centers where clipboards are at to hang on wall,or redneck hunters clubs or old biker dudes might help you guys out and i heard they like dirt bikes
too.  Well just print out some protest meeting plan for WPB voters to Vote yes to make all atv riders
to ride on all unpaved roads and get fox29 involed in this iuess. :)