The Pennsylvania Trailrider

The Pennsylvania
Trailrider
The Official Newsletter of the
Pennsylvania Off Highway Vehicle Association
PAOHV Newsletter
Summer 2011
Building the Access Army
By Dick Lepley
Executive Director
Have you ever had someone ask who is PaOHV, and
what does it have to do with the success of off-road riding in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania Off-Highway
Vehicle Association is the recognized voice of motorized
recreation in the Keystone State. We’ve spent the last decade leading the struggle for responsible access to public
and private lands in Pennsylvania, and we’ve enjoyed
many successes.
Our membership includes individuals like you, ATV
and dirt-bike clubs, and a diverse group of corporate
and national members. Together, they are the combined
strength of our PaOHV Access Army, and they are your
voice in Harrisburg and beyond. Our uniforms are a
rainbow of individual preferences. Honda Red, Polaris
Camo, and Kawasaki Green. Yamaha Blue, KTM Orange,
Suzuki Yellow, and a plethora of other allegiant shades.
But, PaOHV’s common thread is our passion for the
essence of Red, White, and Blue, which when mixed together represents the freedom we know is our common
birthright.
PaOHV exists because it understands that individually
none of us can accomplish the goal of expanding riding
opportunities in Pennsylvania. That requires all of us
working together. We call it the PaOHV Power Pyramid,
and here’s how it works. It begins with enthusiasts like
you who are a part of our growing legion of members.
They are the base of the pyramid and are the definition
of the term “squeaky wheel”. Their individual efforts are
concentrated through friends, clubs, dealers, and other
organizations and are ultimately directed through the
resources of PaOHV. Our professional lobbyist, legislative relationships, and national contacts turn thousands
of voices into a singular message. In short, a power that
can’t be ignored…an Access Army. The color of your
uniform, or the number of wheels beneath the saddle
you straddle doesn’t matter. Your commitment…your
passion…your understanding of what is right is what
makes a difference, and PaOHV’s ability to deliver the
message is what makes it work.
Have your friends log on to www.paohv.org. Have
them read our story and join our PaOHV Access Army
by becoming an individual member. Have them join a
PaOHV club near you or become a corporate member.
Then, all of you reach out and enlist others.
Alone, none of us can expand motorized recreation in
Pennsylvania, but together we can reach a place where
the view is endless and the future is bright. And, I hope
you’ll saddle up and ride into the future with PaOHV.
Join the Access Army, and do it today.
Why Join a Club or an Association?
By Dr. Jack Clark,
Legislative Director, PAOHV
PaOHV Introduces
“Frontline 67”
By Dick Lepley
Executive Director
Snowmobilers learned early in the sport that it was important to be
organized to protect their right to ride. This attitude has paid dividends for them in terms of gaining and retaining riding areas. ATVers
are faced with the same difficulties in obtaining and keeping riding
areas. As a motorized recreationist, it is important for you to cast your
vote by joining and supporting a club or an association. By joining you
are helping strengthen the motorized trail user groups in the pursuit of
legal, safe and fun places to ride.
67…count ‘em…sixty-seven counties in Pennsylvania, and we’re looking for access advocates in fifty-nine
of them.
The Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association (PaOHV) has introduced a program unlike anything else
in America. It is “Frontline 67”, and it
is the vanguard of our Access Army.
We’re looking for an access advocate
in every county in the Keystone State.
All Frontline members must believe in
the viability of motorized recreation
and must be able to communicate
their passion for the sport to others
who are not only for us but against us.
Frontline members will be our eyes
and ears and will give us the means
to proactively and responsibly react
The Lehigh Valley ATV Association works closely with the Pennto issues that affect off-road riding
sylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to deacross Pennsylvania.
velop new trails and maintain existing ones. We have worked with the Frontline 67 was launched only
National Park Service in developing the Northeast Regional Trails Plan. months ago, and we already have
Club members follow legislation and funding issues relating to recrequalified, eager representatives in five
ational trails and take action when it is warranted. We have testified
counties with three more applications
before Congress on the National Recreational Trails Act and frequently pending, meaning we should have
every county in Pennsylvania covered
contact state and federal legislators to support issues favorable to our
within a year. Frontline 67 is a revolucause. Our organization is well known in the Northeast. We have a
reputation for safe and responsible ATVing and have occasionally been tionary program designed to inform,
educate, illuminate, and advocate,
called upon to assist local law enforcement agencies.
and it is absolutely paramount to the
Our club learned early that successful advocacy to retain and exgrowth of responsible motorized recpand motorized recreational opportunities in Pennsylvania required
reation in Pennsylvania.
a much higher level of coordination than was possible through our
If you’re ready to lead off-road
single club. We were instrumental in the formation of the Pennsylvania
riding into the future in your county,
Off-Highway Vehicle Association (PAOHV), pushed to have it recognized by the state legislature, and continue to support it actively to this I want to talk to you. E-mail me at
day. We are proud that PAOHV has become a responsible and forceful [email protected], or call me at
814-573-3090, and tell me why you’re
voice for our sport.
the person equipped to lead the
Snowmobilers, ATVers and other trail riders have learned that
Frontline 67 charge in your special
support of their sport through clubs and associations is essential. Do
you belong to a club or association that aggressively promotes ATVing, part of Pennsylvania. Alone…well, we
are just alone…but together we are an
and are you an active member? Take the time to find a local club and
become an active promoter of your sport. Then get your club involved Access Army, and we can make a difference. Contact me today.
with PAOHV to make a real difference.
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PATRA Redoubles Efforts on DCNR Trails
by Ted Ballenger
PATRA
PATRA has been active for nearly 40 years. The founders spearheaded the relationship with the State Foresters to have Motorcycle trail riding recognized as a legitimate use of PA State Forest land. This was all under the
guidance of Don Rohrbaugh and his energetic group.
PATRA has recently reorganized with new officers residing closer to the trails. This new group has once
again has been building its relationship with the DCNR foresters responsible for the land where the trails live. It
is clear there is a new environment in this state agency. Manpower shortages and new leadership in Bald Eagle
State Forest appears to be at the heart of new thinking. Where once they promoted the 7 Mountains and Shade
riding trails, local forestry officials are quick now to point out the problems of aging trails and potential environmental impact. To DCNR’s credit, when trail sections were deemed unsustainable, alternative routes have been
proposed allowing continuity in the trail system. Still, some trails have been excluded from motorcycle use or
shut altogether
There is a clear increase in the workload recommended by DCNR. PATRA has stepped up to meet the
call. Numerous energetic workdays have already occurred on the 7 Mountains loop, and multiple days have
been invested in the Shade Mountain system to try to meet DCNR’s new maintenance expectations. A loyal
PATRA few have done this work under the guidance of veteran Steve Bottiger and valuable newcomers like
Tony Rosselli.
The maintenance burden is costing PATRA money. Equipment rental and daily crew care isn’t free. Thus far
PATRA member dues and individual contributions have met the need. PATRA continues to serve as the recognized stewards of the legal trails we love. More shovels and more rented horsepower are clearly the way forward
to preserve the recognized legitimate use of Pennsylvania forest land for recreational motorcycle riding.
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3
7/12/2010 3:35:29 PM
Central Mountains ATV to Host Cancer
Research & Support Fundraiser
Fetterman,
Others Elected
to PaOHV Board
PaOHV celebrates the successful June 11 Ride for a Cure. This first of
its kind ride was sponsored by Central Mountains ATV Association. Club
President Wayne Yahn sent the following message of thanks to his members.
George Fetterman of CatawisPaOHV has reprinted it below. Congratulations to all for a job well done.
sa was elected this spring to his
Well, the Renovo ATV Cruise for a Cure is now behind us. As most of you
first term on PaOHV’s Board of Diare well aware it took place on Saturday, and departed from Heritage Park in
rectors. Mr. Fetterman is an avid
Renovo, PA. I would like to personally thank each of you that answered our
dirt bike rider and is a member
call and participated in this ride. We started the early morning hours with
of Valley Forge Trail Riders. Mr.
a night of rain, but it all cleared and the rest of the day> couldn’t have been
more perfect. A lot of us started our early morning with an all you could
Fetterman will serve as PaOHV’s
eat Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, Fresh Cut Fruit, Juice and Coffee, at the
Public Information Director.
Renovo Fire Hall.
Lee Williamson of Johnstown
There was an excited staff of workers on hand at Heritage Park Parking Lot
was elected to a full term as Fiwhen we arrived and everyone got unloaded and checked in very efficiently and nance Director. Mr. Williamson
then received their Check In Packet, which included among other things, a nice
was elected to the position last
Tee Shirt with the ride’s logo and name on it. One person had lost their ATV’s
spring filling an unexpired term.
Registration Plate on their way to the ride, and that also was successfully re Bob Connor of Glen Lyon and
solved. Our first relay departed at 9:00 AM as scheduled, under the green starter Jack Clark of Bethlehem were reflag of Lee Walker, following the opening ceremony and invocation.
elected to full terms as Research
The entire ride totaled 53 miles according to my odometer, which was
Director and Legislative Director,
very close to what we had predicted. None of us had ever actually ridden
respectively.
the entire trail previous to the event. The majority of the ride was on State
Forestry Roads, a small amount of black top and approximately 1/2 mile of
wooded trail used as a connector between Pete’s Run Road and the Beech Creek Mountain Road to avoid using
a dangerous section of Rte. 144 on top of the mountain. As a result of the timely rain, we had absolutely no dust
during the ride and not a drop of water fell. The first half of the ride was slightly cool, but after our 1/2 hour break at
the Bloody Skillet Trailhead, the sun had warmed things up very nicely for the return trip. When we arrived back at
the Heritage Park Parking Lot, a free, delicious and more than adequate ½ of a Barbeque Chicken Dinner (including baked beans, hobo beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, cup cakes and drinks) was waiting. They even had 3
choices of seasoned chicken to choose from.
Everyone that participated in the event, both riders and volunteer workers alike (including the Bucktail Medical
Center Relay Team), felt that it was a very successful event and when quizzed, every one sitting
at the tables under the big shelter eating their dinner, said they had a wonderful time, that it was a beautiful ride
and they would be back to attend the next ride in 2012. They all seemed happy to be there.
This was the first ever ride of this type and there was a lot of learning to be done by all of us, since we had no
previous experience to rely on in putting it together. We are having a Post Event Meeting on Wednesday, June 15th,
at the Medical Center, to critique what we did, what we should have done differently and how to make it better for
next year. This first ride was so very important to the future of making this an Annual Event because we had a lot
to prove to a lot of people including ourselves. I think that we have done that very successfully and will now look
forward to a bigger and better time next year. The whole event had been a work in process over a period of months
and required the input, time, resources, planning, participation, and outright hard work from a lot of people. Then
of course, the best thing of all, it not only benefited the Bucktail Medical Center’s Relay Team in their fight against
cancer in their support of the American Cancer Society, but it was good for businesses in the area, supported the
local fire company, got Renovo and South Renovo working together, brought some
excitement into the area and promises good things in the future. Some of the out of town folks were already planning to stay over and ride some of the State Trails on Sunday.
Again, a big THANKS to all of you that were part of this special day, you helped to make it a success, and I am
proud of you.
Sincerely,
Wayne Yahn, President
Central Mountains ATV Association Inc.
4
Huge Turnout For PATRA’s Shade Mt Rehab
By Steve Bottiger
PaTRA’s DCNR Volunteer and Crew Chief
The May 1 turnout for PATRA’s Shade Mountain rehab day was the largest ever. Sixteen people volunteered their
time fully ready to work on completing Tram Trail and the Snowmobile Trail crossing at the Shade Mtn Rd. Mike
Pool took charge of the Tram Trail crew, and Tony Zaccaria handled the work on the snowmobile trail. Attendees
came from Williamsport, State College, Danville and Carlisle representing literally the four points of the compass.
They paid their own way and as a trained team showed real commitment to rehabilitating the Shade Mountain trail
system for everyone.
PATRA thanks all of who gave of their time.
•
Eric and Richard Allen: Father/Son team with tools and trailer....third volunteer day for both....thanks again.
•
Scott Blue: Scott helped out loading material onto Steve’s Chevy dually for the projects.
•
Jen and Andy Eldred: Husband/Wife team with unbelievable energy levels. It’s the second trip for them.
•
Tom Fridirici: This is Tom’s second trip up to help out...thanks Tom.
•
George Fetterman: George from PAOHV came up from Harrisburg to get more photos and help out again.
•
Rob Hunsinger: Rob put his third day in on the mountain traveling all the way from Mill Hall.
•
Tony Lobato: Tony L. and Steve B. put in a full morning on 4-21 (because they are both retired and can do that)
•
Dale Ovelman: Dale turnout to be the “block master” and made the whole block tread thing come together.
•
Mike Pool: Contractor and leader of the Tram Trail Team, they went to work on the wet stuff, but now it’s not wet
anymore.
•
Bill and Miles Seachrist: The Seachrist brothers Bill and Miles are new to the workforce and very much appreciated. •
Tony and Joe Zaccaria: Father/Son team. Joe is really getting to learn what hand tools can do....especially his
dad’s pick/hoe.
Many of the volunteers brought bikes to ride after the work and did so after filling up on Steve›s Famous Ham
and Bean Soup. The rain held off until mid afternoon, and everyone was gone or riding by then anyway.
Rausch Creek
Recognized
Rausch Creek Motorsports
was recognized as the American
Motorcyclist Association’s Racing Off-Road Organizer of the
Year. The award was given during
the AMA Racing Championship
Banquet November 20th, 2010 in
Las Vegas, Nevada. The gala was
presented by World of Powersports.
5
PAOHV Board of Directors
Dick Lepley
Executive Director
Roeg Williamson
Administrative Director
Bob Connor
Research Director
George Fetterman
Public Information
Director
Jack Clark
Legislative Director
Mike Babusci
Assistant Executive
Director
Lee Williamson
Finance Director
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
P A I D
Permit No. 762
Harrisburg, PA
P.O. Box 61741
Harrisburg, PA 17106-1741
LVATVA Announces 2011
Event Schedule
PaOHV Loses Fred Bauerle
Following Surgery
Lehigh Valley ATV Association held its annual Rider Roundup Meeting at the Quakertown
Moose in April. The meeting featured dealership
representatives discussing the latest product
offerings and programs from manufacturers. Attendees heard a presentation on ATV insurance
requirements from a local insurance agent. The club will kick off its 2011 riding season
with the traditional trail clean-up ride at the
Whiskey Springs Trail System in Sproul State
Forest from May 25-28, 2011. Members have
been clearing winter’s debris from the Whiskey
Springs trails since the mid 1980s. Other ride dates for this season follow. Contact www.lvatva.com for more information.
PaOHV lost a great friend on March 21 when Fred Bauerle
died of complications following lung surgery.
Fred was the Vice President of the Lehigh Valley ATV Association and was an avid supporter of motorized recreation
and the PaOHV mission. Fred served as the Lehigh Valley club
representative to PaOHV’s Board and was PaOHV alternative
representative on SAAC. He had an active voice with PAOHV
continuing the fight to expand legal ATV riding areas and
help support ATV riding as a family oriented sport. Fred was
involved in LVATVA for over 16 years and donated countless
hours in promoting the sport of ATV riding throughout PA.
“I met Fred at the first PaOHV meeting I attended several
years ago, and I was immediately struck by his willingness to
jump in and provide support for virtually any PaOHV activity
that was within his reach. I could always count on a smile, an
eagerness to move the association forward, an open mind, and
a genuine passion for the ATV sport,” said PaOHV Executive
Director Dick Lepley in his memo to the Association’s membership. “I will miss Fred, and I know I will not be alone. On
behalf of all PaOHV members I want to extend our combined
condolences to Fred’s family, “ Lepley added.
June 15-19: Father’s Day in Tug Hill, NY
July 21-23: Allegheny National Forest
August 11-14: Tug Hill, NY
September 22-24: Season Closer at Sproul State
Forest
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