Core Tenets of Successful Competition Off-Road Motorcycle Events

Race 2 - Round 4 - AMA West Hare Scramble Championship

BLM Chappie Shasta OHV Area

Amateur off-road motorcycle competition organizations rely on collaboration with diverse partnerships and key stakeholders for a successful event.  One good example of that axiom was highlighted this past weekend at the Shasta Dam Grand Prix hosted by the Redding Dirt Riders (RDR).

Stewart Helmer (L), RDR Flag Pole Project Lead at Chappie Staging Area receives

 Proclamation from City of Shasta Lake Mayor, Greg Watkins (R)

QWR has created a list of five core tenets that form a solid foundation upon which a competition event is constructed.

BLM Law Enforcement at Event

First, it takes an active OHV club that is substantively engaged with the local land management agency.  Throughout the year RDR often donates time and materials to enhance OHV staging areas or maintain the trail network.  They also attend BLM meetings and have an open line of communication with the agency.

Sky Zaffarano, BLM OHV Lead, on Pre-Event Monitoring Recon

Second, engaging with local government leaders on important public land access and recreation planning efforts is critical.  Often, elected county and city officials rely on active OHV clubs for information and feedback on recreation opportunities within their jurisdiction or sphere of influence.  Those elected officials can then review or amend policies that enhance OHV recreation for their residents and visitors.

Shasta Lake Fire Department at Event

Local 1^st responders are also an important part of that local government outreach since they can provide important first aid and rescue for a competition event.

Third, competition events can bring an economic benefit to rural businesses so it is important to communicate with them on event support opportunities for vendors, hotels, dealerships, stores, and other economic interests.

Local Food Vendors at Event

Fourth, robust communication between the local OHV club and larger sanctioning bodies makes for a smooth event that is both noticed and appreciated by the riders and spectators.

Racers Enjoying Event

Last but not least, creating an event that meets rider expectation and spectator need is what all of the aforementioned tenets are focused on and those elements include a quality trail network and camping/staging facility, support from local elected officials/1^st responders, working with local economic interests, and substantive communication with the sanctioning body.  When those factors are combined they add up to seamless delivery of a stellar event.

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