The center contends the Forest Service isn’t following its own rules. It complains the  agency failed to designate motorized trails within an allotted three-year period when the dunes NRA management plan was passed in 1994; a section of the land the trail would pass through is designated MA 10C, which is closed to motorized use; and that the trail violates the Forest Service’s 2001 Roadless Rule.

But a Biological Diversity attorney bluntly said these points of contention are just a means to an end. The group opposes ATV access into what it considers to a be a fragile and unique habitat, and will do anything it can to throw a wrench in the works.

“It’s a way to be heard,” said lawyer Andrew Orahoske, who’s heading up the group’s anti-Riley Ranch campaign. “The primary concern is that the Forest Service has done a poor job in managing offroad vehicles in the dunes since the dunes NRA was created. …

Sounds like the environmentalists won’t be happy until they’ve ruined everyone’s fun.

[Source: The World]

Specs:

Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke V-twin, SOHC, four valves per cylinder with wet sump lubrication
Displacement: 697cc
Bore x stroke: 82 x 66mm
Carburetion: Dual Keihin CVKR-D32
Starting: Electric
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission with forward, reverse and neutral
Final drive: Shaft
Frame type: Double cradle, racing type, high-tensile tubular steel
Front suspension / wheel travel: Dual A-arms, coil-over shocks / 9.3 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Linkless swingarm, piggy-back reservoir shock, dual-rate spring / 7.9 in.
Front tires: ITP® Holeshot® AT22×7-10
Rear tires: ITP® Holeshot® AT22×11-10
Front brakes: Dual discs with two-piston calipers
Rear brake: Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
Overall length: 78.1 in.
Overall width: 47.0 in.
Overall height: 46.1 in.
Seat height: 33.5 in.
Wheelbase: 50.6 in.
Ground clearance: At center of chassis – 9.6 in, at rear axle – 6.3 in.
Lighting: Dual 45W halogen headlights, 5/21W taillight/brake light
Curb weight: 551.3 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 3.2 gal.
Footpegs: Sport-style serrated
Color choices: Lime Green, Metallic Marble Red
MSRP: $6,849-$7,149

One of the essential elements of moving an ATV are soft ties. These straps are specially designed to be durable enough to secure an ATV to a trailer while at the same time being non-abrasive to the more fragile exterior parts. These ties are used by most professional shippers and are available online and at any outdoor outfitter.

Another element to keep in mind when shipping an ATV is open versus closed trailers. If you transporting the vehicle a short distance than open trailers are just fine, just be sure to use a soft cover to protect it from debris and wind. However, if the distance increases or there is a risk of rough weather you should consider a closed trailer. Closed trailers not only provide protection from wind, rain and ice, but they also greatly decrease the chances of an ATV being stolen during a stop. Theft rates generally increase around the holidays, so be sure that any company you hire is taking these precautions as well.

In the event that you do hire a company to transport your ATV they will provide you with a checklist of additional steps to be taken before the shipment. These may include but are not limited to: draining the gas tank, removing or charging the battery and a maintenance check-up. Make sure you are clear on everything ahead of time. Also, as business tends to pick-up around Christmas it is always a good idea to book everything as far out as possible.

Happy holidays and safe riding.

Written by Ben Leffler of uship.com, an online marketplace for ATV Shipping.

Initial experiments from the study found that the national standards linking a rider’s age to the size of an ATV’s engine often overlook whether the driver is too tall - or too short - to adequately brake, steer or accelerate the machine.

While the study doesn’t question the need for age standards, it concludes sometimes even an adult-sized frame should be combined with a child-sized motor, or the reverse.

“That’s a very awkward situation,” said Andrew Bernard, a trauma surgeon at the university who led the study. “The kid feels naturally like he fits the bigger one, but the engine feels way overpowered.”

Here are the current standards:

• Ages 6-11: Under 70cc
• Ages 12-15: 70 to 90cc
• Ages 16 and older: Over 90cc

I guess we’ll see if there’ll be any changes to this.

[Source: Miamiherald.com]

[Source: Ktbs.com]

This Shift Racing Pee-Wee roost deflector is an affordable choice. It has highly durable but still lightweight plastic panels. This protector has foam padding and mesh shoulder lining for extra comfort.

This one size fits all design comes in red, blue, black, or yellow.

Youth Chest Protectors at eBay Motors:

Oneal Hammer Chest Protector MX ATV BMX Youth LG Armor US $49.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-04-2009 14:23:02 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Thor 2009 YOUTH Force Chest Protector Gear MX FMX ATV US $99.95 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-04-2009 22:07:14 PDT Bid on this Item   | Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

• More from eBay

Thor static pants are full length and designed to go over the boot. Very useful for offroad ATV riding, these pants feature a built in gaiter to help keep out dirt and debris. They also have a zippered pocket on each side of the leg to bring along whatever you need when riding.

They are very durable with their nylon seat panel and triple needle stitching. For comfort, they feature ballistic nylon inner leg panels giving heat resistance and adjustable waist buckle closure. They’re even convertible and can be turned into shorts with zip off legs.

The pants pictured on the right are a green/brown/black camouflage with stars. They’re also available in a wide variety of other colors too.

Get Thor Static Pants at eBay Motors

Thor Static Motocross Pant Black Size 28... NWT US $48.00 Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 16:44:36 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Thor Static Motocross Pant Charcoal/Red Size 30... NWT US $48.00 Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 16:44:36 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

• More Static pants at eBay

This is my kind of woman. Sarah Palin drinks beer and bourbon, hunts and fishes, races snowmobiles, raise 5 children, run a governor’s office, and of course rides four wheelers. And apparently she and her husband owned a snowmobile, watercraft, and ATV business from 1994-97.

Sounds like she’d make a very interesting VP. Should be a very interesting race.