This is a motorcycle forum. Many members are not happy with ATVs based on the trail damage done by ATV users. Then there are the problems with quads that have very loud mufflers and the operators that act like hooligans. Not much wonder motorized offroad users have trouble with forest access. Please go to an ATV forum to organize ATV rides.
I do both. I use the ATV more up at the cottage due to the inconvenience of taking the bike in the boat to get to the cottage - the ATV's stay at the cottage all summer. Neil, The bad ATV group sounds exactly the same as the bad motorcycle group (except motorcycles tend to find digging up mud holes less appealing). Maybe just a few more of them due to the popularity of ATV's.
There are a few members here that have both 2 and 4 wheeled machines. They may speak up if interested, granted it's not a common request here.
4 wheel drive with bigger footprint does less damage to trails than high horsepower dirt bikes. While I know there are bad apples in the atv crowd there are way worse bikers out there since a single skinny wheel with more power rips up dirt easier. I'm also a dual sport rider, and I'm posting for people who share both interests, you don't then feel free not to post
You've only been a Limited User here for about three months and perhaps haven't noticed that we do not want Limited Users to be organizing motorcycle rides. Or ATV rides or bicycle rides or truck rodeos etc. Ride organizing is a membership benefit, please note that we focus on motorcycle riding. You are correct that there are bad apples in every bunch. Idiots on dirtbikes are just as bad as idiots on or in any other vehicle. Please spend the few dollars necessary to join an organization that promotes forest or offroad activity. There are lots to choose from OFTR, OFATV, IMBA, OEF etc. There is an organization for anything you are interested in and I'm sure they would welcome your support.
While I agree that there are better places to drum up guys for an atv ride, pointing fingers at all the bad atv users out there, isn't a great way to drum up support for your own cause. As said, there are baddies on both sides, and I am one of those who has been on both sides. Nothing roosts a trail like a 2 stroke, 2 wheeler! Instead of pointing fingers at the atvs, I just can't understand why we don't join forces. Alot more voices, to open up more riding. There are far more dirt bikes out there with loud pipes, than atv's. Sending a potential member off to another forum, isn't great for business either. I have no idea who the original poster is, and he may stick around, but regardless, getting treated like crap, surely won't help. My 2.5 cents anyhow. This attitude is part of the reason I haven't popped a donation yet. I'm also a forestry technologist, and a certified arborist. It really doesn't take a genius to figure out which toy chews up the most ground, one vs one. They just have more riders.
I've often wondered this myself for YEARS... I really don't get the hate between the two groups. I love ORV's of all shapes and sizes, sometimes I prefer to ride 2 wheels, sometimes 3, sometimes 4. My respect for nature and others doesn't change once I hop off my bike and onto an ATV, and like others have said if you ride with respect one machine does not "tear up the ground" more than another if you ask me. Sometimes I think I must be one of the only people with a sled, bike, trike and quad - variety is the spice of life my friends!! :mrgreen:
If you want atv rides, check out mudhole.ca as they are a great bunch of folks there. They orgsnize rides and can be very informative about the sport
Barn yard find clapped out bikes that are unlicensed and insured, motocross riders coming off a closed course track, and ORV users in general that honestly believe loud after market pipes represent higher skill levels are the forest users that harm our image the most. ATV's and dirt bikes can equally damage a trail if they're wet enough, trouble is more ATV's enjoy wet conditions then do a majority dirt bikers. I've often seen a caravan of ATV's slowly following each other down the trail enjoy the forest as they have every right to, while a couple of bikes come by at a considerable higher speed, but are designed to do so, within reason, without any danger to anyone. They get to speed quickly, can maintain that speed safely with today's suspension, are nibble and manoeuvre obstacles quickly and can stop within a few meters. We like the tight, technical, twisty single track trails and are challenged to maintain 36 kph. Our resentment with ATV's begin when they find our trails and turn a barely meter wide trail into a 6 foot wide highway. If one doesn't understand and respect the other, we'll always be at odds.
Groups will always be at odds. Most people think that their group is the one that should be allowed to use the woods - or whatever it is. If people weren't so petty and inconsiderate we could all get along, but it will never happen. Some think that electric bikes are the answer, and will open up new riding areas. I have news for you. It's not the noise, it's not the erosion, it's not litter from tear-offs. It's pathetic people with miserable lives that have nothing better to do than try and enforce their will on others. No matter what you're doing out there, somebody will have a problem with it, and try to stop you from doing it.
So true. Nothing worse than someone being happy! As far as ebikes are concerned, like you said, nothing will change. Anyone out walking, hiking, or 'birding' will be startled by an ebike. The bike's advantage (quiet), is also it's downfall. People won't be able to hear you coming. Just another reason for 'The Cranky's' to complain.
