A letter to the A.M.A.

muddyrabbit · Mini rider Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 26

Let me preface this by letting everyone know that yes I do support the AMA and believe in their mission. I strongly believe they can be, and should be, our best advocates at the National level. But I also believe that when an organization that speaks for us is not doing the best they can, it is our responsibility to speak up and let them know how high a standard we hold them to, because to keep our right to ride, we all need to do the best we can. I do not share this letter to bash them, or toot the horn of my other organization(s), and that is not why I wrote it. I wrote it and share it, so we may all be better informed, constantly learning from both successes and mistakes, and better united. My letter:

I have not always been a poster child for responsible riding, but a few years ago that changed dramatically when I started to get involved with riding issues in my home state of Ohio. I am very happy to see the renewed commitment at the AMA to riders rights. The efforts of the AMA on issues this year, particularly the lead ban, are to be applauded. I want to send a big thank you to everyone who worked so hard on that effort, as well as everyone at the AMA, I know first hand how hard everyone works on those issues.
While the AMA keeps up the fight on major issues like that in Washington (an expensive and far reaching task) it often fall to state level organizations to deal with state issues. This is due to the simple fact that the AMA can't be everywhere at once, the budget to have a dedicated staff for each state would be huge. Often those state level issues can be something that has national implications by setting a precedent, good or bad. When the task falls to a state organization, you can bet a lot of the work is done by volunteers who ride and love the sport.
Here in Ohio we do the best we can at Ohio Motorized Trails Association, and we always try to seek input from, and keep the AMA and ATVA up to speed on our efforts. That is why I took it as a real slap in the face when I read the March 20th online article about public forum meetings held around Ohio for riders to communicate with officials at ODNR. The series of meetings was the direct result of a concerted effort over the last few years by OMTA members, including motorcycle, ATV, and jeep owners. The meetings were a way for riders to speak out and give direct input to Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials, as well as inform riders about plans for the future and victories over the last few years. Those victories include not only bringing about the series of meetings, but three legislative victories, the development of a state wide motorized trails plan, increased trail funding, and creation of a new Motorized Trails Advisory Board. Member volunteers from OMTA, as well as the Ohio State Snowmobile Association were at the heart of these efforts. After the hundreds of volunteer hours by all those folks, all that was mentioned in the online article was one line: "Bill Kaeppner of the Ohio Motorized Trails Association was among the riders and activists who attended the meeting." I will admit that part of the reason for writing this is I feel personally offended. Both Bill and myself have gotten a lot of comments from folks we know who read the article. While I appreciate the AMA's efforts, you need to give credit where credit is due. Not because we want a pat on the back, but because if the AMA is truly committed to a renewed focus on rider's rights it is a disservice to riders to not keep them informed of other groups keeping up the fight. Better yet would be expanding efforts to work with those groups. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the groups that have worked so hard to help with the effort here in Ohio these last few years, including N.O.H.V.C.C., Ohio State Snowmobile Association, East Coast 4WD, Lake County Off Road, and of course, our frineds at the A.M.A. and A.T.V.A., as well as every volunteer in every state. Atta Boy all!
_________________
Matthew T. Mesarchik
OMTA Legislative Affairs Liaison (A.K.A. Director of Clandestine Ops)
National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council Associate State Partner
United we ride.
Divided we piss and moan about trail closures.

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