Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Wishes from QWR


As many of us in the OHV community get ready to spend a few days with family and friends, I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New OHV Year.

2011 was certainly filled with a lot of challenges but we made some progress. I believe the ‘land-use” pendulum is swinging back to the middle and 2012 holds the promise of more trails being designated (after a lot of work) and that more of us will become effectively engaged (many of you already are) in trail advocacy.

I look forward to working with more of you next year including doing more on-the-ground trail planning projects.

Warm Holiday Wishes,

Don


Don Amador, President
Quiet Warrior Racing

Monday, November 28, 2011

Signs Indicate Level of Agency Commitment to Trail Management

Signs give the trail user a lot of very useful information.  Signs often tell us what vehicle types are allowed on a certain route, the difficulty of the trail, or a route number that is keyed to a map.  Signs are one of the primary ways the agency communicates with the public.

When doing a site-review of a recreation facility or route network, signs also inform me as to the level of commitment that unit has to its OHV program and public safety.

In the attached photo, you will see on the left a newly installed “mixed-use” sign that identifies what portion of a forest road is open for non-street legal OHVs.  It is well placed and current.

On the right of that photo, you will notice that I had to hold a sign so a fellow rider could see it.  It appeared the post had rotted out many years ago and both it and the sign had been cast to the side of the road.

QWR believe signs are an important travel management tool.  However, they also convey to the public the level of commitment the unit has to managed OHV recreation.  Without exception, you can be assured that a well-signed unit has made a commitment to the trail community.

A management unit with few signs, missing signs, or poorly maintained signs is sending a signal to the user that the agency does not care about the area or you. 

What sort of “signal” have you been getting from the land management agency where you ride? 
# # #

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Marin County Motorcycle Association Joins QWR as Bronze Sponsor


Quiet Warrior Racing is honored to announce that the Marin County Motorcycle Association has joined as a Bronze sponsor for the 2012 riding season.

MCMA has shown its commitment to the sport over the years via it support for many land use organizations.   This MCMA sponsorship will help QWR continue its effort to promote and protect responsible OHV recreation on private and public lands.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

QWR Salutes Mi-TRALE, Plum Creek Timber, and the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative


QWR wants to congratulate Mi-TRALE for being awarded a $10,000 dollar grant from
the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Program. 

BRC Story on Mi-TRALE Yamaha Award and 10th Anniversary Dinner Awards

QWR also wants to thank Plum Creek (see above letter), a timber management company, for working with Mi-TRALE and other stakeholders to provide responsible OHV recreation on their private timberlands throughout many regions of the country.

QWR believes Plum Creek has taken a pro-active approach to recreation management on their lands and should be looked to as a model by other landowners who are considering allowing OHV recreation on their in-holdings.

Plum Creek OHV Management Program

QWR believes in partnerships and this effort between Mi-TRALE, Yamaha OHV Access Initiative, and other organizations sets a high standard for others to follow.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club Becomes Bronze Sponsor at QWR

 
NEWS RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact: Don Amador, QWR
Phone: 925.625.5309
Date: October 19,2011
 
 
SALINAS, CA - Quiet Warrior Racing, an off-road recreation and political consulting company, is proud to announce a new bronze sponsor.  The Central California Coast-based Salinas Ramblers Motorcycle Club is now supporting the political efforts of QWR as it seeks to find a solution that will reopen the Clear Creek Management Area including efforts to have it designated by Congress as a National Recreation Area.  
 
Don Amador, President of QWR, states, “SRMC has a long history of championing various administrative and legal efforts over the years in the ongoing battle to keep Clear Creek open for OHV use.  Their support will help QWR work on potential political and legislative solutions including having it designated as a National Recreation Area." 

“QWR understands that keeping trails open is a team effort.  Nobody can do it alone. Thanks SRMC being part of that team,” Amador concludes.
 
# # #

Monday, October 17, 2011

QWR Sound Program at 2011 Buckhorn Enduro

QWR's Don Amador

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Don Amador
PHONE: 925.625.5309
DATE: October 17, 2011

QWR Sound Program at Northern California
Off-Road Event

REDDING, CA – The Quiet Warrior Racing Sound Education Program teamed with local club members and the Bureau of Land Management to tech riders at the 2011 AMA-Sanctioned Buckhorn Enduro.  The event was held on October 15, 2011 near Lake Shasta at the BLM’s Chappie-Shasta OHV Area.

QWR used its law-enforcement-grade Quest Model 1200 Type-1 sound meter to apply the SAE J-1287 20 inch sound test at the Redding Dirt Rider’s Round 4 of the AMA District 36’s MSR Northern California Championship Enduro Series.  QWR also joined BLM in pre and post-event monitoring.

Don Amador, President of QWR, states, “It was a pleasure to help support the Buckhorn Enduro this year.  The Redding Dirt Riders put on an excellent event with a lot of challenging trails.”

“The BLM’s Redding Field Office should be commended for managing this high quality OHV program that provides a wide variety of trail experiences for dirt-bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and 4WDs.  The Chappie-Shasta OHV Area has become a premiere destination location thanks to the commitment of agency leadership and staff,” Amador concludes.

Chappie-Shasta OHV Area

# # #


Monday, October 3, 2011

Oakland Motorcycle Club Joins QWR as Silver Sponsor



News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Don Amador
Phone: 925.625.5309
Date: October 3, 2011


Oakland Motorcycle Club Joins QWR as Silver Sponsor

OAKLEY, CA (Oct. 3) - Quiet Warrior Racing, an off-road recreation consulting company, is proud to announce a new silver sponsor.  The Oakland Motorcycle Club – long known for its support of land-use efforts – recently signed up to help QWR champion responsible motorcycle use of public roads, trails, and areas.

Don Amador, President of QWR, states, “The Oakland Motorcycle Club, which is over 100 years old, has a long tradition of helping keep trails open by their support of organizations such as AMA District 36 and the BlueRibbon Coalition.  They are a great club to work with and QWR greatly appreciates their support.”

“Land-use professionals would not exist without the support of clubs, businesses, and individuals who understand the importance of our work.  Thanks again OMC for your support and vote of confidence,” Amador concludes.

# # #




Thursday, September 1, 2011

Trail Job Announcement on Maui - Work in Paradise



The Quiet Warrior is back from some great R & R and is geared up for what is sure to be a busy rest of the year when it comes to OHV recreation. 

In the meantime, my good friend – Torrie Nohara - over in Hawaii advised QWR about a trail maintenance contract position on Maui.  I will list the details and urge you to share this info with any of your trail network.  

TRAILS MAINTENANCE WORKER
DLNR-DOFAW, NAH, MAUI

INTRODUCTION

This position assists the Trails and Access specialist V in performing project execution for the Trails and Access Program and assists and supports in field operations.  The position requires a diversity of specialized technical expertise, sensitivity to the wilderness and cultural resources, good communication skills and an abundance of physical and mental stamina.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Trails Maintenance -                                                                                  60%

Carpentry -                                                                                                         20%

Equipment/Vehicle Operation and Maintenance -                  20%

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGES

Must have good understanding of trail problem solving and assessment of conditions with improvements in mind, as well as all aspects of water movement in various soils types.  Must be able to work from sketches, basic blueprints, and instructions which are incomplete in terms of type of job required and materials and methods to be used.   Has knowledge of rock construction including material selection, structure design and site preparation.  Has knowledge of working mechanized trail building machinery, safely and efficiently, load , unload, and trailer machine and attachments.  Knowledge of maintaining mechanized trail building machines.  Manages helipad operations safely and smoothly.  Extensive knowledge of falling and bucking hazardous windfalls, root wads, and snags.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Must have at least five (5) years experience on trail crew for private trail contractor or government land managing agency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Considerable physical effort is usually part of the job; such as when operating chain saws, rock drills, moving rocks and logs from the trail.  Much walking, bending and heavy lifting is required.  At times, long, strenuous hikes up to 8 miles are taken with 50-60 pound packs.  This job requires excellent physical and mental stamina.  Will have to lift loads of 50 to 120 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Trail maintenance workers generally live and work in remote areas, spending as much as 40% of their time in the backcountry, at times working four ten-hour days, with three days off.  Incumbent may live and work in heavy rain, and steep rugged terrain.  Will be exposed to excessive noise and vibration, noxious gases and fumes from equipment such as chainsaws, rock drills, mechanized trail equipment, and machines.  May be exposed to hazardous materials such as wood preservatives, resins and other solvents.  May have to wade through swift streams or cross them on slippery rocks.  Constantly exposed to hazards in the daily use of tools, particularly when felling standing timber or windfalls.  May be required to negotiate past steep cliffs.  Occasionally attacked by stinging, biting insects.

For a complete job description and more information, contact:
Torrie Nohara
Na Ala Hele, Trails and Access Specialist
54 South High Street, Room 101
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
Phone: (808) 873-3508
Fax: (808) 873-3505
Email:  Torrie.L.Nohara@Hawaii.gov



Wednesday, August 3, 2011

QWR News Release - Amador Appointed to Pacific SW Region Recreation RAC


NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Don Amador, President QWR
Phone: 925.625.5309
Date: August 3, 2011

EAST BAY AREA OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION ADVOCATE
TAPPED FOR FEDERAL RECREATION COMMITTEE

OAKLEY, CA (Aug 5) - Don Amador, owner of a recreation consulting company in Oakley, California, was recently appointed by the USDA Secretary of Agriculture to serve on the Pacific Southwest Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RAC).  Secretary Thomas Vilsack appointed Amador to represent Summer Motorized Recreation on the RAC.  The term is for 3 years.

This will be Amador’s second term on the RAC. The committee is composed of 11 voting members that represent diverse interests.  The Recreation RAC was established in compliance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Public Law No. 108-447). 

Don Amador, owner of Quiet Warrior Racing, states, “I believe that sensible use fees have an important role to play in the long-term viability of recreation programs on federal lands.”

Amador, who also serves as the Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, concludes, “It has been my experience that recreationists will support use fees as long as those fees are fair and are used to maintain and improve the sites where those funds are collected. I consider it an honor to have been reappointed to the RAC.”

*Link to Appointment Letter and Certificate


# # #

Monday, July 25, 2011

Special Auction of D-Day Memorabilia for The Wounded Warrior Project

As some of you know, Quiet Warrior Racing has adopted The Wounded Warrior Project as our official military support non-profit organization.  QWR believes in supporting those men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

QWR plans to hold two auction events each year where 100% of the donation goes to The Wounded Warrior Project.

For this summer, I wanted to put together a unique auction package collected while attending the 60th Anniversary of D-Day in 2004.  While hiking on Omaha Beach in the morning of June 6, 2004 with my wife, I noticed some tracks left in the sand by one of the many restored WW2 jeeps.  The jeep that made the track was way down the beach, but I did manage to shot a photo of the track in the sand.  I thought it was symbolic.  I didn’t see anyone else out there taking photos so this might be the only jeep track taken on June 6, 2004 on Omaha Beach.

Link to ebay auction


I also collected a small container of sand near the track.  The auction package today will only be offered once.  It is an 8x10-framed copy/print of my original photograph.  I also am including a teaspoon of Omaha Beach sand, a photo of a restored “D-Day” jeep, a photo of the 60th Anniversary invite, and a certificate of authenticity.

Happy bidding and thank you in advance for supporting The Wounded Warrior Project!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Permitted Events - Overview, Solution, Action Item


PROBLEM: A growing number of non-motorized and motorized clubs are being forced to cancel historic and reoccurring permitted events because of a burdensome administrative process. For units that want permitted events to occur, that regulatory burden has made it almost impossible for the agency to authorize an event.  For units that want to eliminate permitted events, that same burden is being used as a convenient excuse for denying that activity.


Currently, the administration of special recreation permits or special use permits is 100% discretionary with no appeal process.  For units that want permitted events to occur, that regulatory burden has made it almost impossible for the agency to authorize an event.  For units that want to eliminate permitted events, that same burden is being used as a convenient excuse for denying that activity.



SOLUTION: Congress is best suited to address this issue with a legislative fix.  That concept has evolved over the last several years after reviewing this issue with clubs, land managers, and legislators. The goal of this legislation should be to eliminate or at least streamline the administrative process at recreation sites where roads, trails, and areas have ready been designated for a particular activity such as OHV, rock climbing, OSV, equestrian, and mountain-bikes.


ACTION ITEM: Draft legislation based on aforementioned legislative pillars

Monday, June 20, 2011

QWR President to Testify at House Subcommittee Hearing on June 22, 2011



Don Amador, president of QWR, just received his confirmation from the House that he will testify before the House Subcommittee on Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m.  The focus of the hearing is in regards to Recreational Opportunities (or lack thereof) on Public lands.  This will be Don's first trip as QWR owner to Washington DC to testify at a Congressional Hearing.  Don will also be representing BRC at the hearing.

Info on June 22 Hearing – It will have live video

Amador will question the BLM’s decision-making process associated with the ongoing landscape level functional closure of the 75,000-acre Clear Creek Management Area (CCMA) to all user groups on May 1, 2008.  This unit is managed by the Hollister Field Office (HFO) and is located in Fresno and San Benito Counties in the Central Coast Mountain Range of California.

Amador expects to include in his testimony information from the new OHMVR Health Study, comments from previous public input, San Benito County, motorcycle riders, and other stakeholders.

Amador will also be ready to field questions from House Members regarding travel management.

QWR believes that land management decisions should be made on good science and not based on the personal or political agendas of unelected government officials.

The entire witnesses list below:


Panel I

Mr. Russ Ehnes
Executive Director
National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council

Mr. Scott Jones
Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition

Mr. Dick Lepley
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association

Ms. Karen Umphress
Board Member
Coalition of Recreational Trails Users
Minnesota Motorized Trail Coalition



Panel II


Mr. Don Amador
Blue Ribbon Coalition

Mr. Tom Crimmins
Lead Spokesman
Professionals for Managed Recreation

Mr. Sutton Bacon
CEO
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Mr. Jim Akenson
Executive Director
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Friday, April 22, 2011

Legislative Fix Needed to Address Denial of Special Recreation Event Permits


As more non-motorized and motorized clubs are being forced to cancel historic permitted events because of a burdensome administrative process, Quiet Warrior Racing believes it is time so seek a legislative fix to this issue.

For the last 13 years, I have worked sound tech at numerous motorized permitted events on Forest Service and BLM lands.  That opportunity has given me the chance to gain insight regarding this issue from both the club and agency perspective.  In recent years, QWR has seen an increased regulatory burden (cost recovery, insurance, agency staff shortages, excessive and/or unwarranted environmental review, etc.) directly causing a dramatic decline in the number of permitted events being authorized on federal lands.

For units that want permitted events to occur, that regulatory burden has made it almost impossible for the agency to authorize an event.  For units that want to eliminate permitted events, that same burden is being used as a convenient excuse for denying that activity.

Currently, the administration of special recreation permits (BLM) and special use permits (FS) is 100% discretionary with no appeal process.  QWR believes that recreationists will continue to see a decline in the authorization of permits unless a solution is found.

QWR is convinced that Congress is best suited to address this issue with a legislative fix.  That concept has evolved over the last several years after reviewing this issue with clubs, land managers, and legislators.

QWR will be encouraging and working with national recreation groups and legislators to find a long-term solution to this growing problem.  QWR believes that the goal of this legislation should be to streamline the administrative process and eliminate/reduce excessive or redundant environmental review specifically in recreation areas that have already been designated for a particular activity such as OHV, rock climbing, OSV, equestrian, and mountain-bikes.

In this climate of fiscal downturn, federal agencies should be working hard to encourage permitted events which often brings much needed economic benefit to the local community.  A solution is out there…now we just need a collective effort to find it.


Thursday, April 14, 2011

Quest/3M is Official Sound Meter Partner for QWR in 2011

Quest Model 1200 Type One Sound Meter Kit


Quiet Warrior Racing is proud to announce its selection of Quest Technologies as the provider of official sound testing equipment for 2011.  QWR will be using the law enforcement-grade Type 1 1200 sound meter for testing both street and non-street legal motorcycles and OHVs at events and outreach efforts throughout the country.

We are pleased to be teaming up with Quest Technologies here at QWR to help get us the word out about riding quiet on public roads and trails.

I have used Quest sound meters over the last 10 years and they have proven to be accurate, reliable, and rugged.  Here in Northern California, they are the sound meter of choice used by Forest Service and BLM law enforcement officials to enforce sound laws. It’s great to partner with Quest on our never ending journey to promote a responsible sound ethic on public travelways.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Eureka Access Champion Signs on as Individual Supporter for 2011

Dale Warmuth Pointing to a Trail He Wants to Keep Open on the Six Rivers NF


Quiet Warrior Racing is grateful to Dale Warmuth for his recent individual sponsorship.  Dale continues to be an access champion on the North Coast of California.  Not only is he a strong supporter of the OHV land-use fight, he is a darn good rider too.

QWR Blog with Dale Listed as Individual Member

Dale and his family support many other OHV and non-OHV local and national charities. QWR is honored to call Dale a friend and is also thankful that he waits for me to catch up to him on trail rides.


Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Motion Pro Joins Quiet Warrior Racing as a SILVER Sponsor

Motion Pro's Chris Carter

Quiet Warrior Racing is proud to announce that Motion Pro has signed up as a Silver Sponsor for 2011.  Chris Carter, owner of Motion Pro, is well known in the industry and off-road family as a strong supporter of efforts to champion and protect the access rights of the motorcycle community to use and enjoy our public lands in a responsible manner.

Motion Pro as Silver Sponsor

Chris pioneered a land-use action network over 20 years ago and that effort has inspired many off-road groups, including Quiet Warrior Racing, to challenge unreasonable closures.

Thanks Chris and the crew at Motion Pro for supporting the 24/7/365 effort to keep public roads, trails, and areas open for both the off and on-road communities.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Quiet Warrior Racing Welcomes Factory Pipe as a BRONZE Sponsor

Factory Pipe's Ross Liberty On the Trail in ID

Quiet Warrior Racing is proud to announce that Factory Pipe has signed up as a BRONZE sponsor.  Ross Liberty, owner of Factory Pipe, has been a long-time supporter
of land-use efforts.

Factory Pipe as BRONZE SPONSOR
  
Ross has also supported legal fight to keep trails open.  In addition, Ross and local riders participated in a stakeholder process to develop a fair wet-weather closure policy at the BLM’s Cow Mountain Recreation Area.

Thanks Ross for your support of Quiet Warrior Racing and your efforts to be engaged at the local level.
 # # #

Friday, February 11, 2011

Roseville Yamaha Joins Quiet Warrior Racing as Copper Sponsor


Quiet Warrior Racing is proud to welcome Roseville Yamaha as a COPPER sponsor.  I know Roseville Yamaha supports the efforts of QWR to get the word out about riding with sound compliant exhaust on public roads, trails, and areas.

Roseville Yamaha as Copper Sponsor

Quiet Warrior Racing wants all its supporters and potential sponsors to know it works hard everyday to promote a responsible land use ethic.   That commitment will help keep our travelways open for both non-street legal and street legal motorized vehicles.

If you are a Quiet Warrior, feel free to stop by Roseville Yamaha and thank them for helping keep routes open.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Cycle Gear, FOX Racing, and the Harvey Dealerships Sign on as QWR Sponsors


This is a real exciting day for Quiet Warrior Racing.  If you check out our website at: www.quietwarriorracing.com you will see we have added 3 new sponsors today.

Dave Bertram at Cycle Gear signed up as a GOLD sponsor and is going to fire up his Cycle Gear Trail Fund Program for 2011 that helps support the work of The Quiet Warrior at BRC.  Info on the Trail Fund Program is at: http://www.cyclegear.com/keepriding.cfm -- Watch for a news release on Dave’s commitment for 2011.

A big thank you to Brandon Petersen and the gang at FOX Racing for picking up a BRONZE sponsorship for 2011.  It means a lot when you have guys like Brandon and FOX Racing covering your six.

Big kudos to Taz Harvey and the Harvey Motor Group for their BRONZE sponsorship.  If riders are in need of a set of wheels, be sure and stop by the Harvey dealerships because they “support the sport” and the work of QWR.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Quiet Warrior Racing Hosts Auction to Benefit the Wounded Warrior Project


Part of Quiet Warrior Racing’s corporate philosophy is to pay it forward by supporting charities that help our troops and local communities.  As some of you know, my Dad passed away in 1998 and as a WW2 vet he left his estate with some priceless treasures he collected while serving in the 97th Infantry in Europe. I have most of his WW2 artifacts already mounted but there are several that I felt would make a good auction item with all proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Link to eBay Auction of Map
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120681898942&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

This item for auction is an actual “Mission Map” for the 97th Infantry for the dates of April 1-4, 1945.  There were three tasks on the map:  Do Aggressive Patrolling, Defense of the West Bank of the River, and Est. of MG (machine guns).  The map is about 8x10 inches.

This map had been torn into several pieces so it has been put back together carefully and would make a great addition when mounted in a frame for a WW2 buff.

Remember when you are bidding that you are supporting our Wounded Warriors.  Again,
100 percent of the proceeds will be going to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

QWR Website Launched Today - Stay Tuned as QWR Grows

To all the riders and my supporters out there who care about keeping trails and roads open for responsible motorized use, I just wanted to give you a heads-up to stay tuned to the Quiet Warrior Racing Website and Official Quiet Warrior Racing Blog for updates on new programs, sponsors, and other info.

Even my local paper the CCT did a story


We just got our sponsor logos posted and watch the website as new sponsors are added.  There are already several in the pipeline and I am excited about the potential QWR has to increase the effectiveness of ongoing and new efforts to champion responsible use of public roads, trails, and areas by both non-street legal and street legal motorized vehicles.

I want to thank the gang at Touch Plate for its generous support and sponsorship in helping get QWR launched on the net.  Those guys are great!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Support Quiet Warrior Racing


As Quiet Warrior Racing gets ready to launch its website and add our sponsor links, I have had riders and sponsors ask why I used the term “Racing” rather than “Consulting” in Quiet Warrior Racing.  That is a good question.

There are three reasons. 

ONE - I wanted to use the term Racing to convey the hectic lifestyle of a professional recreation and land-use consultant.  Often I am racing to meetings, racing to get a story out, racing to get a sound check station set up, racing to digest legislative policies and let riders and clients know what they mean, or racing to stop a land closure.

TWO - Racing conveys a winning attitude.  Racers work hard to win.  Racers want to come in first place.  Racers never give up.

THREE – Racing is a more energizing term than “consulting.”  My goal is that riders of all ages will see that keeping trails and roads open – just as in racing - can be hard work and fun at the same time. 

At QWR we realize that access interests are in the race of their lives to protect their rights to enjoy public roads, trails, and areas and keeping them open for responsible use is what drives us everyday.

By sponsoring QWR you can take pride knowing that your support is being used to ensure continued access to those roads, trails, and areas that we love to use.  That support also means that QWR will be able to continue to consult for non-profit groups such as the BlueRibbon Coalition. Also, your support enables QWR to help clubs that may not be in a position to cover all the costs related to effective land-use advocacy in their area.