which ATV Association to join??

[quad4fun]

Hey everyone, I was down in Woodridge for the first time taking my quad out for a run and really enjoyed the ride, the town and the people there. I was thinking of joining an ATV Association in the area, but I have read a forum here on trackshare and there seems to be a lot of in-fighting between rival associations. I would like to hear from members of these associations as to what their associations goals are , what they have to offer their membership and what they enjoy about their associations. But please, DO NOT slam or demean the rival associations. Hope to hear some positive comments. Thank you.

[holdmybeer]

Woodridge Sandhogs - Established club and members of the provincial ATVMB organization. Working from the top down through the Manitoba government with one voice to have a provincial wide trail system. Has maintained the designated ATV/Snowmobile route through Woodridge for years. Usually cleans up the vandalism caused by chainsaw charlie. Participates in community events like Carick Days, throwing candy to the kids during the parade. Supports new businesses like Happy Pines Off Road Park.

SEATVA - New club, not yet fully formed, started by a new resident from Lockport that didn't want to join the existing club and work his way up. Modeled after the Gimli club that works from the bottom up without any thought of the bigger, provincial picture. Has lied about the Sandhogs, including saying they moved, on numerous occasions on this very forum and directly to Woodridge residents and business owners. Has blocked the maintenance of the designated route, decreasing safety and causing property damage, all summer by lying to the RM about Sandhogs not having insurance or proper permits when they in fact did. Publicly supports local trail fees that would force occasional riders to the area to become local members. Will not answer direct, repeated questions about club's intentions.

There you go. Just the facts that are verifiable through this forum by searching the clubs presidents posts and public statements made to the press.

In my opinion, supporting new local clubs that pop up and immediately try to undermine years of progress by existing clubs, sets a dangerous precedent. The government in general would prefer ATVers not exist. The provincial government will not deal with individual clubs. When you have one organization speaking, you get heard. When one small club jumps up and starts yelling and screaming that they are the only people that matter and to ignore all others, progress is lost. And all ATVers, all local clubs, and the provincial organization look like a joke.

ATVers have rallied in regards to the Mars Hills issue. A true "my god this could happen to my riding area" moment. Saying how it is handled will set a precedent on how conservation deals with eco groups threatening our riding areas. This is no different. Conservation doesn't want to make deals with individual clubs. They are looking at the big picture and want streamlined processes for permits and such that is not going to increase their workload. If, while that goal is being worked towards, some new club gets in their face and starts making demands, guess what happens? They put us all, even a club on the other side of the province that just wanted to build a little shack, on the back burner for a few years until we as a group get our shit together. Basically, don't piss off people that can make your life miserable by the simple act of them doing nothing.

Right now, most ATVers don't want to learn about issues or what or who they are supporting. Give them a flyer with a few promises and public mouthpiece and they'll open their wallets, content that they're helping. Completely oblivious to the fact that they might have screwed over fellow riders and possibly themselves.

[Mudforce]

Here we go again.

[trailboss330]

We at Southeast ATV Association will not participate in this kind of muddslinging. Again I will remind people that we are not for profit organization that holds monthly meeting at the Woodridge Community Hall every first friday of the month. Everyone is welcome to come and sit in on meeting and decide for them selves. Thank you.

[four_420_twenty]

id just close this before people start *****ing and complaining.

[Mudforce]

Best thing to do is go talk to each president separately and make your decision from there. Maybe even go and do a ride with each club and see were you are comfortable.

[Hulk]

Why do all clubs talk sh*t about one another . And undermine each other ? This is why all clubs should be avoided they bring down the sport instead of promote it they create conflict that would not exist .. Just get on your bikes and ride. Period pack in pack out clean up.

[Ziptie]

I would suggest reading this thread. http://www.trackshare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61260 Just to give you and idea where different sides are coming from and then you can make your decision.

[Cage]

It may not seem so, but there are only a few clubs that are really at odds with each other.....and like anything else, typically it's only a few loudmouths that bring the organization down. They all have valid points and to ask them to hardsell you a membership is unrealistic.
I'm with WestMan ATV Association. We used to be just a bunch of guys (and a few girls) who went riding on weekends together, but we are growing, fast! We appreciate all the clubs for thier successes, try to take what they are succeeding at and learn from it. We are bound by common goals, and common riding areas. It really should be a geographical thing, not a fundamentalistic separation of masses!
We think it's really great the way the IORC has built thier own tracks and trails, regardless of how they got there, they made it work, and on thier own terms. Some of our guys have ridden with the Woodridge boys and we know a few of the seatva guys as well. In the end, we all have a lot of the same goals, to set the record straight on what we really contribute to the environment (rather than destroy), and we all want representation and fair access to public resources. Any ill will is just bad blood between people who probably would have never got along in the first place anyway. Some of these guys are really passionate about this and sometimes it gets personal.
We at Westman ATV have just held our first major public event, and at the end of it, we are all still friends, and we are all still riding together. There were no fights, and the creative process went smoothly despite the varying opinions. I'd consider that the most successful part of our event! Your choice on where to join should be based on geography, unless you plan on long drives to get to your riding areas. Make riding friends closer to where you are, and join where you know the most people. Making this a political choice will only leave you disappointed. Just get out there and ride
!

[garyh]

Originally Posted by Mudforce

Best thing to do is go talk to each president separately and make your decision from there. Maybe even go and do a ride with each club and see were you are comfortable.

Thanks Mudforce. And yes if someone is interested in either club they should feel free to contact either President and ask them questions. Or ask if they can join a club ride. Or even better look at some of the trackshare's members that have the club name in their signature and PM them to hear what they have to say. As adults we have choices to make and the better informed you are the better you can make that choice as to what club works for you. Thanks.