Yes this is a rant.

[1Scorpion]

I hear a lot of complaining about Ocala and how we are losing riding areas. And I agree. Now for the rant. If we do not stop the morons who keep littering in the forest along the trails we are only giving the powers to be more reasons to shut us out! I've seen beer bottles, water bottles, and just about every kind of bottle and can made. If you bring it in bring it out.

[exrider]

I can't agree more. It isn't just in the woods. I think everyone who buys something from walmart and owns a boat, saves it until they get out on the water!

[MadMudder]

Yeah what we need to do is everyone that rides needs to bring a trash bag. Espically with people that own utes that can carry something like that. If we can clean it up then things might change.

[Jeepin']

When I get a quad, ill help with the cleanup if you guys organize one.  I plan on buying one of those ATV trailers that act like a dumpbed, are those allowed? 

[MedicMudder]

HI Guys, when me and my buddies ride we normally come out of the woods with 1or2 bags of trash.Some one picks up litter in the woods when we
stop for a break.If evey one did this it would be nice .I know it sounds
like we should hold hands and chant together!! But if more folks would
do this the woods would look a lot better. Maybe some one could
set up a clean up ride that would be cool

[1Scorpion]

Ok here is an idea. I am going to set up a clean up ride. I'm trying to arange a few things I'll post up soon on where and and when it will be. How many are serious and how many know their way around the trail system well enough to lead. Only reason I ask for leaders is every time I'm out there someone is lost and needs help even with the marked trail system. I'm thinking if we get enough people we can each take a different trail. We will also need someone on a motorcycle for the motorcycle only trail. More details to follow soon.

[honda guy250]

well i know my way around pretty well so let me know what we gotta do.

[indianjoe]

1Scorpion, You bring up some great points. By far the majority of ATV riders ride responsibly, but unfortunately just like anything else there is always the ones who don't, and that is what we all pay for. It has caused closures all over this state.

"We are our own worst enemy"

This comes to mind with alot of things, even on this site especially the Ocala thread. We have the Ocala Forest Assoc., they want to work with the forest service and try to improve things. Maybe we all don't see what they are doing are don't agree with who is on their board, but they are doing something. I know when I was working a while back with the committee in St. Lucie County to try and get an ATV Park, there were two members from the local Dept. of Environmental Protection on the Comm. This will occur I'm sure with any project or committee this is a sign of the times, that they are a part of any project. Does it mean I agree with it, "No".  But it means we have to deal with it. Then there is Stewards of the land they also want to keep land open by working with people, and organizations. Then there is Lisa and Viper on there they say they want to work with keeping land open for folks to use.  We don't have to agree with how the other is trying to work towards the common goal. But why in the world do we have to argue with each other when we all have a common goal. What kind of message is it sending when we can't even get along amongst ourselves.  Don't waste energy by worrying about what another person is doing or not doing. If you have a better idea or program then do it.

We have many folks on here that are very active in their area of the state, Thrumud, lswjth2, Miamigirlrider, Muddygirlatthehump, Dreth,  and others get in touch with them and see what can be done to help.

As far as Ocala this was a nation wide plan that was implemented by the U.S. Forest Service, not the State of Florida. Just as many have seen the trash and improper riding, that is what has caused them to go to a designated trail system. No it doesn't seem fair to us that ride responsibly but we have to deal with it.

The other problem we have the vast majority of us work and making meetings is difficult. But we all need to get involved in some way.

It is easy to cast stones everywhere, but more success can be had by working together.

[1Scorpion]

Very well said. Too many keep asking what is being done by others So I say let's just do this on our own.  I am going to go up to Oacla March 3rd it's a Sat.  I'll bring some trash bags and will haul out as mant full bags as I can fit in my truck. I'll post this up as a ride. Soon as we agree where to meet. I think the parking area at the trailhead directly across from the new OHV Center. Free parking . Please post up if you have any ideas.

[Chuck_Norris]

Here is my concern, Let me first state that those who know me and my family know that I ride with consideration of those around me and the elements. That being said My concern is as follows.
There has been nothing given back the ATV community thus far, we pay sale tax on our quads and it is used for what purpose? I no longer Buy my Quads in Florida for this reason.  We do clean up rides State wide and all we get is a pat on the back, We carry our hearts on our sleeves and the government turns their back on us. What do they focus on?  The small 10% or so that are the bad apples and the ATV injury statistics. "Oh ATV's are dangerous" Was a comment stated to me by the doctor when I broke my collar bone. I responded" have you ever tripped in the parking lot while walking to your car. It is no more dangerous than that. accidents happen."  My family and I are reluctant to go to  Ocala with the imposed fee's, lack of riding areas and harassment from officers. We have had more fun riding in places like Durhamtown, Houston Valley, Coal Creek, and other ATV Friendly areas that Florida should take a clue from. I commend the efforts that allot of stand up people on this site and others who are in touch and tugging on the right ears. We will participate at the events  when available to show support but I refuse to give the state anymore money until something is given back. This statement is strictly my opinion and not that of other around me.

[1Scorpion]

Well Chuck_Norris I won't argue and you are correct the state needs to do more!!! However the Ocala National forest is not state run neither are a few other areas.  There will always be riders who trash our riding areas. And I thank you for helping out when you can. Please lets not turn this into a debate. I'm just looking for a few volunteers. This is NOT an offical ride , meeting, or anything. I'm tired of looking at the trash and want to try to keep Ocala open. We need to stop shouting I've paid enough let someone else do it. If you want something done do it yourself . Is what I've heard all my life. Remember the key word is VOLUNTEER if you have time great if not oh well. All anyone will get is my Thanks and the chance to meet a few people with like interest and a chance to ride. As of now I know of 3 VOLUNTEERS including myself ready for March 3rd. Post up if you think you can make it.

[runfox]

1Scorpion , Im new to all this, just got me Kowie BF 750, I have only had the chance to ride around my woods so far. I havnt been to ONF yet but want to and I'm off that March 3 sat also , so I would be glad to tag a long if you dont mind me following anyone since I have never been ther before.My BF is a big utilty quad so I could carry a lot of bags out.

Its funny I just cut a trail out my back 5 scres to this open areas behind my houes where most of the local quads ride. And as I road around I see lots of trash and junk too. Looks like a lot of young kids on dirt bikes and quads that like to ride but wont bother to even cut a tree out of the wat, they just ride around it. So I took my chainsaw out there and cut some trees out of the way trying to at least make it a little safer. I will have to do some cleaning up back there too!

So count me in , Ill plan on loading my BF up in the back of my truck and if you give me real good directions I think I can meet up with you where ever and ride along.I know ONF fairly well and have looked at the maps to big scrub and all. Im guessing your talking about big scrub area right?

[1Scorpion]

Ride posted in group ride section.