DougFromIndy

This situation is pretty common. I am very much an environmentalist and I also enjoy riding offroad. The real problem comes from poor planning and over-development. I have been dirt biking for 38 years now. One thing to keep in mind is there is plenty of misconceptions that the general public has about motorcyclists in general, whether that is off road or street. My advice to your friend is to try to not offend this "tree hugger" student rather let her understand a dirt biker loves the outdoors and nature for the very same reasons she does, it comes down to recreation and relaxation. Respect other views and understand that they are not too far from your own, make a new friend with a new understanding of what dirt biking is all about. I am a hiker, camp in a tent, mountain biker, kayaker, etc but also ride a cr500 and a ktm 550. I am aware that noise and going by a hiker at 85mph in the woods can offend someone so I am always respectful, stop and say hello, meet people, tell them you may be blasting through so just go to the Right side of trail. Multiple Use. Better Planning. just a couple things we need. MUSY, multiple use/sustained yield is the US forestry dept mission, it means land is for EVERYONE, in all forms, even lumber cutting provided we take less than mother nature grows. You would be surprised at how a "tree hugger" can be receptive to MC use if you approach it in the correct way. I use "high speed hiking" as what I call off roading and some major roosting from a Dunlop knobby never hurt a thing, just keeps a nice trail cleared, no mowing required. You will find that there is a lot of support from the DNR on multiple use, off roading still very big in many remote areas. Keep up the fight but respect all others, thanks Doug :thumbsup: