Del Albright

TOP OFF ROADERS MAGAZINE SUPPORTS LANDUSE

2013-05-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

TOP OFF ROADERS MAGAZINE (ONLINE) LAUNCHES WITH SUPPORT OF BLUERIBBON COALITION DEAL.

Top-offroaders is pleased to announce the release of the May issue of Top-offroaders Magazine.

The May issue will be at a cost of 18.00 a year for (12 issues) VERY IMPORTANT!!! 20% of the proceeds will be donated to the Blue Ribbon Coalition to help save our trails!! For every one year subscription we will donate $3.60 for the first one thousand subscriptions for a grand total of 3,600.00 YES three thousand six hundred dollars!!! We will donate 360.00 dollars every time we reach 100 subscribers and will also post up the payment acknowledgement from BRC.

We are working in collaboration with the Blue Ribbon Coalition, if you are interested in viewing the letter of acknowledgement from Greg Mumm Executive Director of the Blue Ribbon Coalition you may do so here: http://www.top-offroaders.com/welcome/?p=2579

You must register first, here: http://www.top-offroaders.com/wp-login.php?action=register fill out the form or use the one click Facebook connect to register, then simply follow the instructions on the following page that you will be brought to.

Our Magazine will also be available at a monthly cost of $1.99 for each issue

We have also worked out promotional deal with the follow manufactures and suppliers for great discounts for our subscribers: GET YOUR COUPON CODES AND SAVE TODAY!!!!

SpiderTrax free shipping on all products.

F-O-A Shock Absorbers 10% off all products.

Axel Off Road Gear and apparel 20% off plus free shipping on all products.

SEP Performance 15% off Rough Country lift kits and 10% off Smitty Build items.

Busted Knuckle 10% off all DVDS and apparel.

Olympus Off road 5% off all products and free shipping.

RCH DESIGNS CREATES LOGO FOR TEAM ALBRIGHT

2013-05-08T12:10:00.004-07:00

NEW TEAM ALBRIGHT LOGO FOR DEL & STACIE, BY RCH DESIGNS

Capturing the spirit of us, the great folks at RCH Designs donated this creativity just to help the cause, and make us look cool....!!!

RCH Designs offers services in studio photography, web development, graphic design, flash programming and more.

They are also the folks who support the Moab Diner with the annual T-shirt sales campaign for BlueRibbon Coalition during Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT.
Awesome outfit; great people; incredible creativity; and totally on the landuse team.

Give them a like and a visit:
http://www.rchdesigns.com
http://www.facebook.com/rchdesigns

Thank you, RCH Designs, we LOVE our new look!
Del & Stacie

BFGOODRICH TIRES TITLE SPONSOR OF JEEP BEACH

2013-04-17T07:57:00.003-07:00

BFGOODRICH^® TIRES NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF JEEP BEACH

GREENVILLE, S.C. (April 17, 2013) – BFGoodrich^® Tires has signed on to become a title sponsor for the upcoming Jeep Beach event held by the Mid Florida Jeep Club in Daytona, Fla. between April 24-28, 2013.

Celebrating its 10^th year, Jeep Beach is a five day family friendly event for Jeep owners and enthusiasts. Activities include obstacle courses for all driver levels, industry vendors and one of the largest Jeep parades in the Southeast.

“Jeep Beach is an extraordinary opportunity to spend time with Jeep owners,” said Rodrigo Alonso, Marketing Manager for BFGoodrich Light Truck Tires. “BFGoodrich has long been a tire of choice for these passionate drivers. We are excited to demonstrate the benefits of our tires on Jeeps driving on the beaches of Daytona.”

More than 1500 Jeep owners descend on Daytona Beach for this annual event, which benefits the Blue Ribbon Coalition, a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting responsible recreational access to public lands and waters and the Volusia/Flagler County Boys and Girls Club.

About BFGoodrich
With more than 100 years of heritage, BFGoodrich^® Tires is dedicated to providing high performance tires for those who have a passion for driving in virtually any environment. Combining technical expertise with 40 years of motorsports experience, BFGoodrich Tires delivers tires for a full range of driving experiences from ultra-high performance street to off-road terrain with one common theme – extreme performance. Come upgrade your performance with BFGoodrich and see where our tires can take you at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires or on Twitter at @BFGoodrichTires.

About Mid Florida Beach Club
The Mid Florida Jeep Club is a family oriented Jeep club organized to bring family and friends together. The Club offers monthly trail rides and activities as well as attends other events such as poker runs and charity events throughout the state. The club occasionally participates in out-of-state trail rides and events. As a non-profit club, we have a strong emphasis on charity events providing help where needed. To raise money for charities, the club hosts the famous Jeep Beach event each year in the Daytona International Speedway, with a large Jeep only parade on world’s most famous beach on the last day.

Tom Sullivan
Manager, Public Relations
One Parkway South
Greenville, SC 29615
Office: 864.458.4321
Cell: 704.222.5488
tom.sullivan@us.michelin.com

SUN SHADE ON JEEP ALBRIGHT, TOP DOWN!

2013-04-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

JEEP ALBRIGHT GOES TOP DOWN -- BUT STILL HAS PROTECTION FROM DIRECT SUN WITH SPIDERWEBSHADE

We installed the SpiderWebShade on Jeep Albright so we can go top down for the late spring and summer months, as long as the sun shines! And what is cool is that it works just fine with our incredible Bestop SuperTop NX that we never really take all the way off, and our Safari Straps that serve as cargo netting.

The SpiderWebShade mesh top is well made, fits snug and doesn't flap around at high speeds. We love it.

Looking from front to rear, this is how it fits. Bungee ball cords hold the shade snug to your roll cage and Jeep upper structure. This thing fits about anything.

Check out the fits, sizes and options for this skin-saving shade at:
http://www.spiderwebshade.com

We are top down and having a blast!

Del & Stacie

NEVADA 4WD ASSOC. LAUNCHED!

2013-04-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

NEVADA HAS NEW GROUP PROTECTING ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS

The Nevada Four Wheel Drive Association is officially launched alive and well, protecting access to Nevada's Public Lands for 4x4 recreation and all of us.

Incorporated with the assistance of the Calif. Assoc. of 4Wheel Drive Clubs (CA4WDC), in close partnership, N4WDA has a Board of Directors and President to get things going.

Larry Calkins is the founding President, a resident of Dayton, NV. The Board consists of:

Carole Vance, of Dayton, NV, Vice President.
Don Spuhler, of Georgetown, CA, Secretary.
Phil Bender, of Reno, NV, Treasurer.
Mark Cave, of Fresno, CA, Board Member at Large

Here are the bio's of the President and Board: https://www.facebook.com/notes/nevada-four-wheel-drive-association-n4wda/n4wda-board-member-bios/150131075157980

The mission of the N4WDA is: Working for YOU to keep Nevada's public lands open! Dedicated to preserving responsible access to Nevada backcountry, while uniting the Nevada four-wheel drive community, providing leadership, governmental oversight, and education to recreationists.

So far, the Board has not finalized the membership categories but they are forth coming. Right now they ask that if you're a Facebook person, you follow along there for updates.

Businesses interested in helping start the Association, and be a lifetime founding charter-starter business, should contact Larry at nevada_4@yahoo.com

FACEBOOK PAGE of N4WDA here: http://facebook.com/n4wda

Stay tuned for a website and more info soon!
Del (Facebook page administrator for N4WDA)

EASTER JEEP SAFARI LANDUSE HELP NEEDED

2013-03-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Moab Easter Jeep Safari attendees: AreaBFE and Team Albright, official Landuse Ambassadors for AreaBFE, are asking for volunteers to help staff the Landuse Team Booth at AreaBFE during Easter Safari week in Moab, UT.
You DO NOT have to be an expert to help. Just willing to spend a few hours or whatever you can spare.

Staffing will be needed on Tuesday (CRAWL Magazine Reader’s Ride Day) and Saturday, WE ROCK DirtRiot Race Day. We are asking for any help we can get from any group/club or organization that can afford a couple hours.

Tuesday, 3/26, 8 to 10am; noon to 3pm.
Saturday, 3/30, 9am to 3pm (when ever you can fit in).

Shifts of roughly two hours; two people per shift desired.

Generic EZ Up with club/organizational banners hung as appropriate (but no logos on EZ up so everyone feels welcome to staff it). Bring your club/group stuff and show it off; add it to our display.

Anyone helping staff the Landuse Team Booth will get free entry into the DirtRiot Race Day on Saturday. Organizational banners are welcomed in the booth, as well as handouts or brochures. If it’s about landuse and access, it fits our mission at the AreaBFE Landuse Team Booth.

Again, you don’t have to be an expert to staff the booth; you just have to have a desire to help out in our efforts to save trails and keep our sports alive. Complicated or area specific questions that may arise can be handled by taking a message or note for one of the organizational landuse folks to follow up on later.

Just drop a note to del@delalbright.com if you can find some spare time and want to help -- and perhaps end up in a magazine/article? ;)

thanks, Del & Stacie

ABOUT TIRES AND SAFETY

2013-03-10T18:33:00.002-07:00

THE RIGHT TIRES MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN YOUR FUN TIME!

A Few Simple Tips and Some Safety Reminders

Recently I had the opportunity to see how tires are made, and to learn the significance of the right tire, taken care of properly. Some of this I knew; some I didn't. But I can tell you this; there is little more important, save brakes, than your tires on your rig.

Depending on what kind of off-roading you do, an aggressive lug tire like the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain will take you anywhere you need to go, at a fair price, with reasonable road life. But did you know that on the road, if you leave your tires at low air pressure, you can experience 1/2 (yea, 50%) loss of the traction in wet conditions -- with any tire! And that is if you reduce your pressure by merely 15 psi (from 35 to 20).

Brand and tread are meaningless in this statistic -- you will lose half your foot print at 60 MPH going driving on wet pavement if you drive your tires at a reduced air pressure as mentioned above.

Off-roading and rock crawling are when we like to use low air pressure -- for sure. And that's the right way to do it; but I'm suggesting that when you get back to pavement, and you face possible wet driving conditions, to air back up!

Oh, and did you know that low pressure tires in dry condition cause more heat build-up in your rubber compound -- and could lead to tire issues.???

I think that is why most all tire manufacturers recommend a certain tire pressure for road driving, and want to you be diligent in checking your tire pressure.

This brings up the next tip -- ROTATE your tires, and yes, even your off-road rig tires. Rotating tires extends tire life, ensures a better footprint all around, and forces you to check your tires more often!

Keep them properly aired up and check them frequently.

One last tip: remember the old days when we used to buy two tires at a time, rather than 4, to spread out the cost? Well, if you do that today, or if you run mis-matched tread wear tires, PUT THE GOOD TIRES IN THE REAR!

Yes, the rear tires, even with front-wheel drive rigs, is where you need the stability of good tires -- your best tread goes in the back. Your chances of spinning out of control in wet conditions is hugely reduced with your good tires in the rear. They will stabilize you as you push through a puddle or wet surface, even if your front tires want to lose traction.

So the bottom line; make sure you are in the habit of checking and rotating your tires. Keep the proper air pressure for the conditions; and don't be lazy about safety.
##

HAMMERS DECISION OUT TO PUBLIC

2013-02-13T16:14:00.001-08:00

MARINES WANT JOHNSON VALLEY -- STILL; BUT DON'T PANIC

The Record of Decision on Johnson Valley Marine Base expansion was signed Feb. 13th and calls for Alternative 6, basically taking over a lot of our OHV area. But the fight is long from over. Congress still has a say in all this.

The Johnson Valley OHV area, which is home to a series of off-road trails known as The Hammers, is currently at risk due to the proposed expansion of the 29 Palms Marine Base.

29 Palms is the largest Marine base in the world and at 930 sq. miles which is about the size of the state of Rhode Island.

The Marines proposed expansion would include acquiring an additional 250 sq. miles

which is the land equivalent to acquiring the country of Singapore. Some of the land for this expansion

will be taken from the Johnson Valley OHV area. This expansion would mean the permanent loss

of half of the California desert available to the public.

Learn more and see the notes from the Calif. Motorized Recreation Council (CMRC) at http://www.savethehammers.org

Landuse January 2013 Notes from Team Albright

2013-01-19T09:29:00.001-08:00

January 2013 Highlighted Landuse Issues/Links

from Team Albright

1. Johnson Valley, the Hammers – PLEASE sign the petition needing 1000 signatures a day, to request the White House to deny any request by the 29 Palms Marine Base to use land from Johnson Valley OHV area for base expansion. We love the Marines; but they don’t need our OHV area. Go here to sign: http://ultra4racing.com/featured/1000-signatures-a-day-needed-to-help-save-the-hammers/.

2. Oregon – comments needed on Oregon Dunes Designated Routes Project DEIS, right away. Best coastal dunes around are in jeopardy and need our help. Your letter can make a difference. BRC has a sample letter here: https://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2013/01/15/oregon--comments-needed-on-oregon-dunes-10c-designated-routes-project-deis.

3. Wilderness Costs: The economic costs of Wilderness, from USA-All (Utah Shared Access Alliance) – what a negative impact on local communities and economies. http://www.environmentaltrends.org/single/article/the-economic-costs-of-wilderness.html.

4. Fishing: Recreational fishing a positive impact for local (and national) economies in this new report Sportfishing in America: An Economic Force for Conservation. http://muirnet.net/news-bytes/new-report-highlights-recreational-fishing-s-broad-economic-and-conservation-impact.

5. UFWDA: United Four Wheel Drive quarterly magazine, with tons of 4x4 access info, The Compass, is online here: http://www.u4wda.org/.

6. “Big Green Money:” see this note from BlueRibbon Coalition how the anti-OHV legal efforts have grant money available to them approaching 100 million bucks! See the net assets of some of the biggies in the anti-crowd, here: https://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/anti-ohv-legal-efforts-money-talks.

More from Team Albright here at http://www.delalbright.com.

Thanks for your help,

Del & +Stacie Albright

JEEP ALBRIGHT GETS REBUILD AND REFRESH

2012-11-27T17:59:00.000-08:00

RED THE LANDUSE WAR MACHINE HITS MARTIN'S AUTO SERVICE FOR REBUILD AND NEW MOTOR

153,000 miles and 15 years of trails and roads, not to mention several rebuilds of suspension and gearing, has brought to light the need for speed....Red needs some rebuild and refreshing so he can help us keep doing what we do for saving trails.

We have a long block Mopar rebuilt 4L to put in, and we've got some parts lined up to make a lot of stuff "new" again in Red. Marty, the owner of Martin's Auto in Reno,NV, will shepherd and lead the rebuild and refresh.

And THANK GOODNESS we have some business partners who are helping us with this project. Our hat is off to:

the tire of choice for Team Albright; whether racing, desert adventures, pavement or daily driving....it's BFG. More at http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com

JKS, our friends and partners in landuse, making cool stuff for Jeeps since the '80s.
More at http://www.jksmfg.com

Spidertrax Off Road, helping landuse and Team Albright at every turn....
More at http://www.spidertrax.com

MetalCloak, making rock biting armor and more for Jeeps, as well as our front trail-tackling frame-built bumper; long time landuse supporters and good friends.
More at http://www.metalcloak.com

Poison Spyder Customs, our landuse partners for years, and makers of several parts on ole Red, thanks to Larry and Cheri McRae our good friends. More at http://www.poisonspyder.com

POISON SPYDER GIVES 5% OF THANKSGIVING SALES TO LANDUSE

2012-11-21T18:01:00.001-08:00

POISON SPYDER CUSTOMS DONATING 5% OF ALL THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SALES TO BLUERIBBON COALITION

Be sure to get your turkey day goodies from Poison Spyder Customs as they are donating 5% of all sales this weekend to keeping trails open through the BlueRibbon Coalition.

Long time supporters of BlueRibbon Coalition and other access groups, as well as Del & Stacie Albright, Poison Spyder rocks it!!!

Owners Larry and Cheri McRae are just plain great folks who really live the outdoor life with four-wheeling as their main hobby. They not only do it, but they build it!!!

Poison Spyder Customs, the home of hard core off-road equipment, forged among the unrelenting terrain of the Hammers, the punishing granite of the Rubicon, and the endless slickrock of Moab, offering the highest quality, best-fitting, easiest to install, and most professionally crafted off-road products on the market.

Get your Spyder On right here (and support BlueRibbon Coalition):

http://shop.poisonspyder.com/Black-Friday-s/154.htm

Thanks to all and Happy Thanksgiving,

Del & Stacie

TIME FOR LANDUSE LEADERSHIP

2012-11-17T11:43:00.001-08:00

Del & Stacie, Team Albright, at Hump 'n Bump on TAP Tour.

Good leaders step up when the going gets tough. And I think the next few years might bring some more challenges for us all whether at your club level, state association, or just your area where you play. Boy, the folks who don t like motorized recreation seem to be coming out of the woodwork. But we have a plan .and that plan is YOU. It is time, more than ever, to up your game in the outdoor recreation area you love.

Call this my cheer-leading note if you want, but I m not about to slow down, give up, or get lost. I m bringing it on big time, as much time as I can afford. I ask you to join me.

Here are a few issues that prompted me to blog this:

The east coast and New Jersey have been stomped by storms. Who knows what all this will bring, besides the terrible losses of life and property.

Utah is under a massive attack for more land closures (Monuments proposed by outdoor businesses): (http://www.delalbright.com/Access/canyonlands_ut_letter.html).

Oregon Dunes are having a big rally to save their riding areas (https://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2012/11/15/rally-to-stop-closures-at-oregon-dunes-nra--reminder).

Politics in America have not lined up to be the most favorable for outdoor recreation, gun ownership and more.

Soooo, what do we do?

First, please get your hands on a copy of our new volunteerism book right here: http://www.delalbright.com/book_order.html

Second, renew your memberships in (or make a donation to) those groups you believe in; but more importantly, DO SOMETHING to help one of your favorite groups. Stacie and I just voluntarily hauled the Cal4 raffle trailer around to a couple events to promote the fund-raiser for CA4WDC.

Third, break out the RLTC course, or start it again, or finish it, whatever stage you are in. Share some of it with a friend. MOTIVATE someone to get involved in our sports. More on RLTC here at http://www.rltc.biz

Maybe just pick two or three positive, real things (from this or your own list) and do them; now; this week.

That s all for now .on the team, and Happy Holidays to all, Del

Del Albright

Ambassador, BlueRibbon Coalition www.sharetrails.org

Founding Trail Boss,

Friends of the Rubicon www.rubiconfriends.com

Environmental Affairs, CA4WDC www.cal4wheel.com Find us on Facebook here

Contact Del at del@delalbright.com

Website: www.delalbright.com

UTAH UNDER ATTACK FROM OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOC.

2012-11-14T15:04:00.001-08:00

UTAH UNDER THE GUN FROM OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Outdoor Industry Association (businesses making a living off the great outdoors) launches massive attack on Utah for more land restrictions, this time in the form of a new Monument Proposal that 100 businesses signed onto and sent to President Obama. I don’t think anyone asked Utah what they thought….???

Some companies that are in the forefront of closing lands seem to include: Teva, CamelBak, Moab Coffee Roasters, North Face, New Belgium Brewing, and more. I’m really surprised that REI did not sign on as they are usually in the lead for more Wilderness and motorized restrictions.

Pdf with companies listed: http://www.delalbright.com/Access/Canyonlands%20letter.pdf
BRC Alert and what to do: https://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2012/11/14/another-massive-national-monument-pushed-in-utah

National leaders are taking a counter action to this, but you can help too. Go to the BRC alert and do what you can.

Thank you,
Del

Del Albright

Ambassador, BlueRibbon Coalition www.sharetrails.org
Founding Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon www.rubiconfriends.com
Environmental Affairs, CA4WDC www.cal4wheel.com
Find us on Facebook here

Contact Del at del@delalbright.com
Website: www.delalbright.com

TAP TOUR GOES TO PANAMINT VALLEY DAYS

2012-11-07T21:43:00.000-08:00

CAL4WHEEL PUTS ON PANAMINT VALLEY DAYS IN DEATH VALLEY

The Trail Access Partnership Tour (TAPT) is headed for Panamint Valley Days tomorrow, thru the weekend. Should be a great time and full of landuse talk, now with the elections over.
Panamint Valley is a stand-alone valley just west of Death Valley, CA.

Martin's Auto Service, our repair shop and friend from Reno, NV, will be joining us for the PVD event. Marty (of Martin's) is a great guy who knows cars (and jeeps).

We will be doing trails with the great folks from CA4WDC who organize PVD for all of us to enjoy. Camp fire sessions will be full of landuse and access talks.

T&T CUSTOMS is a key component of our TAP Tour this year and we are traveling together on this entire adventure. They fully support landuse and access, and will be joining evening sessions of landuse talks. Be sure to check them out at:
http://www.tntcustoms.com

FROM SEMA TO THE HUMP N BUMP

2012-11-02T16:42:00.001-07:00

VEGAS VALLEY 4WHEELERS GET IT ON AT LOGANDALE

Hump 'n Bump is one of our favorite events, and it happens right after SEMA. in Logandale, NV, about an hour from Vegas. We are here and today did the Bronco Falls trail today with no issues -- Red, the Land Use War Machine is awesome!!!

We have financial help and would like to thank www.ironman4x4.com for this trip, doing our landuse and access thing in our role as Ambassadors for the BlueRibbon Coalition.

You can learn about the Safer, Stronger, Smarter goodies from them at

http://www.ironman4x4.com/

SEMA SHOW AND TRAIL ACCESS

2012-10-31T09:57:00.001-07:00

SEMA SHOW OFF-ROAD HALL GETS IT AWN!

Tons of vendors and thousands of smiling faces have greeted us so far here at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV. It's all good too!

There is a lot of talk about landuse, saving trails and keeping the sport alive .....just what we love to talk about. There are plenty of interested and supportive businesses who are upping their game to help us keep trails and lands open.

This pic just shows one collection of vendors, all part of the 4Wheel Parts/Transamerica family....that thoroughly supports landuse and access. 4Wheel Parts is one of our title sponsors on our new landuse and volunteerism book as well (http://www.delalbright.com/book_order.html)

Check out our Facebook pages for more pics of the SEMA show.

Del

WORRIED ABOUT THE RUBICON TRAIL

2012-10-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

IS GOVERNMENT LISTENING TO THE USERS?

I left my leadership position in Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR) and the Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) a few years back, thinking that we had laid a positive foundation to continue these incredible efforts to keep the Rubicon Trail open to all of us...all year; for all types of rigs; with challenges for us all.

NOT THE CASE!!!

I am sorely disappointed in the way the trail has changed in the last few years, and I am not afraid to step up and say that government is NOT listening to the users. Not in this case. Something is wrong and we need to bring some slap down on the deaf ones who "govern" our use of public lands in the case of the Rubicon Trail.

From the blowing of the Gatekeeper, conducted like an ambush in war, unbeknownst to users and unspoken in public forums beforehand; to the resizing and near paving of Little Sluice in spite of comprehensive surveys and public input against such maneuvers behind the scenes; to the changing and possible closure of Soup (Bowl, Kitchen). It is NOT what the users have asked for and have said in public forum. Government is NOT listening.

And do we have some of our own supporting these insidious, sneaky, behind the scenes moves? I'm not sure; but I am sure that the folks I talk to, do NOT support these radical changes to the Rubicon Trail.

Oh, let's ask ourselves who has invested tens of thousand of hours in hard work, sweat, blood and back-breaking work in making this trail a trail for all? Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR), that is who. Since the first work party in the summer of 2001, and hundreds of work parties since then, every summer....FOTR has earned the key to this trail. Why does Government think they know best on this one?

FOTR earned tens of thousands of dollars in grant money for government agencies to help us manage the trail, maintain the trail, and mitigate the issues with erosion and use. So why would not government LISTEN to the users in how the trail should look in the future? YOU GOT ME.

Here's my suggestion for you if this does not wrap your winch the right way: 1) make sure your membership is current in fighting outfits like BlueRibbon Coalition and Cal4wheel; 2) make sure you're participating in Google groups for FOTR with your voice being heard; and 3) donate to those groups fighting for access THE RIGHT WAY, for you.
More on BRC here at http://www.sharetrails.org
More on Cal4 here at http://www.cal4wheel.com
More on Del at http://www.delalbright.com

Whatever you do; do NOT let your voice go unheard. Back it with donations and memberships. Be in the game. It is OUR public lands we are talking about.
Del

TAP TOUR FALL 2012 ANNOUNCED

2012-10-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Del Albright, del@delalbright.com

TRAIL ACCESS PARTNERSHIP TOUR (TAPT) FALL 2012

Landuse Tour Open to the Public

Join Del & Stacie Albright on a landuse, trail-saving adventure!

Businesses, partners and off-road enthusiasts are invited to join Blue Ribbon Coalition’s Del & Stacie Albright for a fun convoy, dedicated to trail access awareness bringing customers and businesses together in the spirit of landuse. The tour begins with the annual meeting of the North American Motorized Recreation Council (NAMRC), and the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV; next up is the 32^nd annual Hump n Bump in Logandale, NV, followed by a few days exploring Death Valley, ending with Panamint Valley Days hosted by the Calif. Assoc. of 4Wheel Drive Clubs!

The TAP Tour embodies key components of the BlueRibbon Coalition Mission -- to provide leadership in responsible recreation and empower members to secure, protect and expand recreational access.

You are invited to jump in for all or part of the tour. The Tour motto is: we will NOT be “tapped” out of our trail access! Our goal is to use this Tour to provide a forum for businesses, clubs, individuals and land use professionals to share a connection and exchange strategies for a positive future in off-road recreation, while building support for organized recreation.

Additional adventure stops and area orientations may be included as Tour planning continues. Businesses will be showcased and everyone involved will be supporting landuse just by being there (for all or part).

Support landuse; have fun; hang with off-road businesses and enjoy campfire stories that will be unequalled! Evening sessions will include landuse seminars, membership building motivational speeches, leadership tips, and vendor showcasing with tech tips as appropriate. Several off-road 4x4 clubs will be joining us as we travel along. In between the organized events, the rest of this Tour will be nothing too structured; just fun tagging along with each other and special invites to dinners, meetings, factory tours, trail cleanups and more. All we ask is that you support landuse and responsible trail access to be part of our Tour.

RSVP to Del Albright (del@delalbright.com) or on Facebook even if you only want to keep up with the fun and plans. Facebook page and RSVP can be done here: http://www.facebook.com/events/250626235039729/

RACERS AND BUSINESSES, RENEW LANDUSE VOWS NOW!

2012-10-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

TEAM ALBRIGHT ASKS ALL RACERS AND OFF-ROAD BUSINESSES TO RENEW THEIR LANDUSE VOWS THIS WEEK -- JOIN OR RENEW AND REVITALIZE OUR SPORT

With the elections pending and a whole new fight ahead of us to preserve our off-road sports and save our backcountry access, we need a flush of memberships, right now. Please join us.

This is a partial list, but an important one, to help you decide where to put your memberships and support. Racers and off-roaders should join their State and Regional Associations that best represent your sport.

Businesses need to join several outfits, national, regional and state level, depending on where your biggest customer base resides.

START HERE: https://www.sharetrails.org/support/join-or-contribute

BlueRibbon Coalition supports and fights for ALL TRAILS, and ALL SPORTS, nationwide, at the grassroots level. I recommend EVERYONE be part of BRC. Start there, the add on. BRC is the outfit Stacie and I work for full time.

California folks, or businesses with a large customer base in CA need to join this family-oriented 4x4 association. With over 50 years of history, CA4WDC is fighting daily with professional landuse folks to maintain our access.

Visit and support Cal4 at http://www.cal4wheel.com

Dirt biker folks and businesses need to start with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), at

http://www.ama-cycle.org

4x4 folks should consider joining and support United Four Wheel Drive Associations as the national sport-specific group for jeeps, trucks, and 4x4's.

Visit and support UFWDA at http://www.ufwda.org

Businesses in the off-road industry should consider joining the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), a trade association dedicated to help businesses preserve and promote recreational access and the off-road sports.

Join and support ORBA here: http://www.orba.biz

There are many more choices and this list is just a start. Every state has outfits fighting for the sport and our trails. Write if you need more links or help deciding.

Some more groups working on our behalf include:

California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA): http://www.corva.org
Tread Lightly! at http://www.treadlightly.org
Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA): http://www.arra-access.com
American Sand Association (ASA): http://www.americansandassociation.org
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA): http://www.rohva.org
North American XJ Association: http://www.naxja.org

And visit Muirnet.net for a thorough list here:http://www.4x4wire.com/4x4-resource-and-information-links/other-4wd-and-offroad-sites-4

Del

JEEP LOANS JK TO TEAM ALBRIGHT

2012-09-25T12:31:00.003-07:00

THE "DOZER" IS A NEW 2012 JK JEEP WE ARE EXPERIENCING

Stacie and I have driven and owned several Jeeps, but now we have added a loaner JK to our inventory of off-road/backcountry rigs. The "Dozer" was loaned to us after Jeep brought several rigs to the Fall Conference of the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC).

Our mission is to test, drive, wheel and learn the differences of the Jeep JK (4-door in this case), compared to other models of Jeep. First thing off the bat, we're headed home when we see a big wildfire alongside hwy. 395 near Lake Topaz, called the Coho Fire. Yup, that big cloud formation is a fire, creating its own weather system.

The fire blocked the highway for a couple days and we had to drive an hour out of our way to get around it. The good news is that the JK has tons of power and rides like "butter," to quote an outdoor writer friend of ours who also got to drive it.

Acceleration is crisp and responsive; passing is impressive; and the pavement ride is smooth.

Here we are enjoying the Tahoe Rim Trail above Lake Tahoe (CA/NV) with some NV friends. The JK handled the bumpy, rocky trail with ease, and we did use the push button sway-bar disconnect. Talk about simple and effective.

Around Mono Lake, CA, we explored some desert backcountry and let the JK do its thing. It wheels without effort, I must say.

We tested the dash push-button built-in lockers and well, what can I say? They WORK.

All and all, our first impressions are excellent and impressive. We see why there are so many JK's on the road.

OWAC FALL CONF. DAY 3 BODIE AND JEEPS

2012-09-20T14:57:00.002-07:00

JEEP/CHRYSLER PROVIDES RIGS FOR WRITERS TO EXPLORE BACKCOUNTRY

Day 2 was spent going to Bodie State Park, CA, where a ghost town stands pretty much in tact at 9000 elevation in the desert mountains a couple hours south of Reno. Scott Brown from Jeep brought a couple JK's, a Grand Cherokee and a Ram Power Wagon for us to drive, enjoy and experience.

Our first stop was Mono Lake South Tufa where we enjoyed a tour of the tufa towers (calcium carbonate) standing in the salty lake, and even learned how to make Tufa.

Our tour guide, Bartshe Miller from the Mono Lake Committee showed us the wildlife that lives in the lake, like these brine shrimp. Birds by the millions come to Mono Lake which makes it a birders paradise.

More on the Mono Lake Committee and their work to preserve the lake and its wildlife here:
http://www.monolake.org/mlc/

Lunch is always a good stop and this one is at the Tioga Lodge, overlooking Mono Lake right off Hwy. 395 south of Lee Vining. Gloria (middle) gave us the history and tour.

Lunch was amazing at Tioga Lodge, and here the cook is preparing meals that show home-loving care.
Gloria, the owner, explained how the lodge buildings are quaint and rustic, but very comfortable. Several of the buildings that make up the lodge were transported from Bodie during "the day."

More on Tioga Lodge and restaurant here:
http://www.tiogalodgeatmonolake.com/

We stopped to see some naturally formed fissures near Mono Lake on our way to Bodie. These were much like slot canyons, except they were formed under the lake in the distant past by an underwater volcanic eruption followed by rapid cooling of the ejected material.

Good thing we had Jeeps because the road to these babies was 4x4 only.

More on Mono County and the eastern sierra here:
http://www.monocounty.org/

Bodie State Park is a town frozen in time, standing in a state of arrested decay. It was a booming gold mining town with 10,000 folks in 1880's.

The good folks at Mono County Tourism gave us a great day in the eastern Sierras.

More on Bodie at:
http://www.bodie.com/

We ended the evening with an incredible dinner hosted by the Virginia Creek Settlement (restaurant, lodge and camp ground) just south of Bridgeport, CA. More on the Settlement here:
http://www.virginiacreeksettlement.com/

Many thanks to all the folks who put together this amazing Fall Conference of the Outdoor Writers Association of CA. More on OWAC here: http://www.owac.org/
Del

OWAC FALL CONF. DAY 1 -- MAMMOTH CA

2012-09-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

OUTDOOR WRITERS ENJOY DAY 1 OF FALL CONFERENCE IN MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CA

We did the Board meeting and caught up with friends and fellow photographers and writers in the am, followed by a great lunch and plenty of Mammoth Mountain hospitality.

Gomez's Mexican Restaurant provided one outstanding buffet lunch, with goodies like Portabello Mushroom burritos and delectable fajitas.

Gomez's serves up a selection of items, including:

Sugarcane Shrimp; Chimale; Fajitas; Ceviche, and the usual combinations you can't live without.

More on Gomez's at http://www.gomezs.com

The OWAC Board of directors were introduced and we enjoyed a relaxing lunch before heading back to the Westin hotel for workshops and craft improvement sessions.

Famed photographer, Jack Dykinga was one of the highlights of the workshops, with his breath-taking images of our natural landscapes. Jack was down to earth, real and personable while showcasing us a few highlights of his 40 years of photography experience. He is truly a pro with an eye for light.

The evening found us riding the gondolas up to the ski resort Parallax Restaurant for an incredible dinner with an unsurpassed view of Mammoth Mountain and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gondola ride was a thrill in itself.

Be sure to put a visit to Mammoth Lakes on your summer AND winter plans. This place is amazing ---- oh, did I mention they also have an OHV area, motorcross races and plenty of trails to explore?

Learn more at http://www.visitmammoth.com

And learn more about OWAC at http://www.owac.org

BRC ONLINE VOTING FOR BOARD MEMBERS

2012-09-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

VOTE NOW FOR YOUR FAVORITE BOARD MEMBER

BlueRibbon Coalition asking members to vote now online for Board members. Great folks like my buddy from Wheelers for the Wounded, Kevin Carey is one of the runners. He is also a charter member of Friends of the Rubicon. SWEET.

There are 4 openings and 5 candidates. It will be a hard choice, but we need to speak up and vote.

Dan Thomas, owner of Rocky Mountain ATV is another choice. Joni Mogstad, our current President is running again and she has been instrumental in helping BRC grow for years and years.

Danny Hale from the VT ATV Sportsman Assoc. is on the list as well. And we have Chad Booth of At Your Leisure TV show. Wow, what a list. Read their resumes and find your choice to help us make BRC, your BRC.

And don't forget to visit and support our Turn the Tide Tour going on now at www.WeAreBRC.org

So PLEASE VOTE now..

http://www.sharetrails.org/story/2012/08/31/announcing-2012-board-elections

TRAIL-GEAR CLEANS UP DESERT

2012-09-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

MOON ROCKS, NV GETS A TRAIL-GEAR CLEANUP

On their Moon Rocks, NV Customer Appreciation Run this past weekend, the Trail-Gear folks loaded up the participants and did a huge cleanup as part of their event. They picked up like 36 bags of trash, including an old couch dumped off by some thoughtless person, certainly NOT a four-wheeler/off-roader. Trail-Gear is dedicated to helping keep public lands open to the public, while making some awesome off-road products.

During the run, they spotted a backcountry fire and helped guide in Nevada fire crews to make sure it didn't get to be a big conflagration. GOOD WORK, Trail-Gear. You all are heroes.

It's important that all of us respect our public lands and help folks like the BLM keep them clean and open. Thank you, Trail-Gear and all your customers. And thanks to all the hard-working government folks who help us manage our public lands -- for us.

Del
(Photos courtesy of Trail-Gear)

PERMIT PROCESS ON PUBLIC LAND - YOU NEED ONE!

2012-09-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

YES YOU NEED A PERMIT ON PUBLIC LAND!

By Del Albright, Ambassador, BlueRibbon Coalition

Commercial, competitive or organized group events or activities ALL require a permit to be held on public land, and depending on the level of environmental review, REQUIRE at least 6 (six) and up to 12 (twelve) months to process.

Businesses and clubs/organizations need to pay particular attention to the permit process as it can sneak up on you quick! We’re talking BOTH public land agencies -- BLM and USFS. This blog will focus on the BLM permit process, but the USDA Forest Service (USFS) is about the same.

Depending on the scope of your activity or event, you might have to cover some healthy Cost Recovery to recover costs associated with monitoring, law enforcement, enviro-studies, inventories, travel, administration, etc. Again, the minimum time frame for submitting a COMPLETE permit application is SIX MONTHS ahead of time. Just figure on it and GET YOUR PERMIT started well ahead of time.

DO I NEED A PERMIT?

The Pre-application Interview Checklist for events on public land involving vehicular use typically includes the following questions:

· Are you charging a fee?

· Do you expect to make money on the event or is the fee to cover expenses?

· Will there be a competition?

· Will you advertise, have a public sign up page, take reservations?

· Will you mark a course?

· Will there be cash prizes?

If you answered yes to ANY of these, you NEED a permit. So yes, if you advertise on a website, have a sign up page (even if you are NOT charging a fee), you ARE advertising and must have a permit. I like to look at it in simple terms, you are using public land to your advantage or commercial gain, so get a permit.

You should note that if there will be any vending (selling on site), your permit just got more complicated (and will cost more).

These permits are called Special Recreation Permits (SRP’s) and depending on permit availability, are usually not hard to get; they just take planning well ahead of time!

Get your permit well in advance of your event – perhaps a YEAR before the activity would be a good target.

Here are some links for more research and information from my good land use buddy, John Stewart:

http://cfr.regstoday.com/43cfr2930.aspx

http://www.4x4voice.com/index.php/civics-101/52-permits-fees/149-what-is-a-special-recretion-permit

http://www.4x4voice.com/index.php/access-news/78-nrc-reports/349-nrc-report-october-2010

http://www.4x4wire.com/federal-page/blm-adjusts-special-recreation-permit-fees

http://www.4x4wire.com/thats-my-view/top-five-recreation-issues-2011

http://www.4x4voice.com/index.php/access-news/78-nrc-reports/353-nrc-report-december-2010

Del Albright

Ambassador, BlueRibbon Coalition www.sharetrails.org

Founding Trail Boss, Friends of the Rubicon www.rubiconfriends.com

Environmental Affairs, CA4WDC www.cal4wheel.com

Find us on Facebook here

Contact Del at del@delalbright.com

Website: www.delalbright.com