Another ATV issue.

[Trailhead00]

I just read a couple of articles about how Barnegat Townships residents have complained about a race that was held in a gravel pit a couple weeks ago. They complained about the noise and the dust etc etc. The promoter was only expecting 150 racers but ended up with approximately 300, which shows how bad an ATV park is needed in NJ. The crowd was also around 900 after expecting 500. The race helped raise $10,000 for the local fire department. Now township officials are getting together to see if they want the race to return next year. Now that the politicians have gotten their hands on it you can kiss it goodbye. I guess I got my hopes up and it will be one more place where you can't ride. Chatsworth is closing in 2 years then its no riding at all. Legally anyway. Factor in the price of gas, less people want to take that trip to PA to ride. Oh well, just another ATV rant I guess. Anyway I did race in the event and finished 7th in my class (out of 12) and right in the middle overall. First time I ever raced and it was a blast. Note: This race did have Pinelands approval.

 

[Ben Ruset]

One of the guys from my California office says that almost every town has some form of ATV park, and that the ATV community is very well supported by local and state govt.

I wonder if the people who lived near the place that the race was held would contribute $10k to the FD.

The only thing that I can suggest is that people keep writing to the EPA, their local media, etc. and just explain the situation without sounding too overly impassioned. It's important that people get the idea that there are sensible, mature riders who will ride with respect.

I have a feeling that something has to happen in the 2 years before Chatsworth closes. I can't see them closing the ONLY legal place to ride and getting away with it.

By the way, people may wonder why I am such an adent supporter of ATV riders and such when I don't ride and I don't own an ATV. Well, I see it as the first prong on an attack to get *all* motorized vehicles off State Land. Just imagine getting a $1000 fine while you're driving down the road to Nash's Cabin or something. It may sound implausible, but it could happen and that's why I want to try to nip it in the bud.