QWR's 2017 Quotes on OHV Recreation, Various Reports/Events, and eBikes - HAPPY NEW YEAR

2017 was an important year for both summer and winter motorized recreation.  Also, eBike use on public lands has become a critical factor in the outdoor recreation equation.  As trail enthusiasts get ready to ride into 2018, QWR wanted to share some quotes from our various 2017 articles covering trail management for OSV/ SxS/ MC/ ATV/eBikes, outdoor recreation economic reports, agency studies, etc.

Feel free to send in comments on the following quotes or article and/or send in or post your own quotable quotes.  Send feedback to:  damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Dec. 11 - QWR continues to believe it is important for both the OHV and traditional mountain bike communities to work with eBike enthusiasts, legislators, regulators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to try and find common ground on joint trail use where appropriate.

Nov. 17 - QWR believes that E-bike stakeholders should be proactive and work with trail managers to create a strong land-use ethic and regulatory platform that both protect the resource and the long-term viability of the sport.

Oct. 18 - I was proud to see the RBDC [SxS basic driver course] graduates use the skills they learned at class during the group trail ride the next day.  Several students told me the safe use of a SxS requires a healthy dose of common sense when out on the trail and to not be afraid to stop before attempting a challenging route segment that is beyond their comfort zone or ability.

Oct. 16 - QWR understands that Adaptive Management is the current term used by land agencies to describe how they look at new issues and challenges and include them in the decision-making process.  However, the term “Dynamic” infers a more energetic or enthusiast process that agencies can embrace as they engage with users, partners, and other stakeholders in collaborative efforts.

Aug. 6 - QWR believes that signs are the most effective (and often the only management tool the public sees) method by which a land agency communicates its commitment to the public and the resource.  And, the quality of an agency’s signing program is directly proportional to the level of user enjoyment, public compliance with regulations, and success of the unit’s mission, vision, and values.

July 26 - While OHV management certainly has its challenges, QWR believes it is important for agencies and partners to highlight success stories where new trail opportunities are being created and/or trails are being reopened after mitigation measures are completed that address important resource concerns.

May 16 - QWR believes successful OHV programs are the result of substantive collaboration between agency leadership and the user community.

May 9 - QWR believes there are three key components (3 Cs) to successfully managing a unit that offers mixed-use or shared-use trail-based opportunities for motorized and non-motorized recreation.  Those factors are commitment, communication, and collaboration.

May 2 - Managing sustainable OHV and other recreation programs on federal lands is a complex challenge in the 21st Century.  QWR believes the need for a trained professional volunteer workforce will continue to grow as federal agencies roll out new programs such as the Forest Service’s National Trail Strategy or face fiscal impacts such as budget cutbacks.

April 25 - LINK TO OIA 2017 REPORT

https://outdoorindustry.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/OIA_RecEconomy_FINAL_Single.pdf

This report highlights and details the significant economic impact that both motorized and non-motorized recreation has in this country.

QWR believes this comprehensive and inclusive report indicates the growing collaboration and partnership between motorized and non-motorized user groups as they work with agency staff and elected officials to support sustainable and diverse recreation opportunities on public lands.

April 20 - One of those critical issues [in OSV subpart C planning] is related to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) which is a non-motorized trail that runs north-south through the western U.S. and along the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California.  It exists primarily on Forest Service lands including the Tahoe National Forest where the PCT crosses the current OSV route network.  QWR believes the agency should ensure that it designates PCT crossings that retain the current form and function of the OSV program.

April 11 - With that increased popularity [of SxS/UTVs] comes the responsibility for land agencies and their OHV partners to look for opportunities to designate and sign legal routes for SxS recreation in areas where that use is appropriate and sustainable.

March 1 - QWR believes that trails can provide an important link to our past.  For car enthusiasts, nowhere is that statement more relevant than on a short section of Historic Route 66 that has been designated by the BLM as an OHV trail near Needles, CA.

February 22 - Roberta Pickett, who currently serves as Assistant Governor for the Amador County clubs of Rotary’s District 5190, states, “I feel Don deserved this award for his integrity in the way he does business and collaborates even with those with whom he may have significant disagreements.  His work with land managers, elected officials, recreation clubs, conservation groups, and environmental organizations promotes peaceful resolution to difficult challenges.”

February 2 - QWR believes the [Forest Service] National Trails Strategy outlines a path for success that can be used by units that are in the process of creating and managing a sustainable trail network.  The report can also be used by ranger districts to help infuse new energy and ideas into their existing recreation program and partnerships.

January 16 - LINK TO FS REPORT WEBSITE

https://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/53247

The report states that between 1999 and 2009, nature-based outdoor recreation generally increased, although trends differ across individual activities. The number of U.S. participants1 in 50 nature-based outdoor recreation activities increased 7.1 percent between 1999 and 2009, while the number of activity days increased at least that much. Activities oriented toward viewing and photographing nature have been among the fastest growing activities, both in terms of number of participants and activity days of participation. Off-highway vehicle driving realized a 34-percent increase in participants. Several physically challenging activities, such as kayaking, snowboarding, and surfing also had relatively large increases in this timeframe.

January 3 - Second, many non-traditional  “off-road motorcycle” interests from the tech world, conservation movement, 4x4 community, and other stakeholder groups have found that Adventure riding is a great way to escape the city and experience the great outdoors.

QWR wants to thank you for your support over the past year and for being engaged in OHV recreation.

Happy New Year,

Don Amador/QWR

A Special Christmas Message from Trail Santa

Merry Christmas from Trail Santa

As my extended trail family gets ready to celebrate Christmas 2017, QWR wants to send its warmest wishes to you and yours during this very blessed and special season.

Many of you will be attending various holiday-related concerts, parties, church plays, donating to charities, helping feed the homeless, religious services, and family gatherings.   Some of you will be spending the holiday season with your family riding OHVs at your favorite state, federal, or private recreation site.   All of which is a very good thing!

Trail Santa Wearing RZ Mask in Dusty/Smokey Areas

QWR also wants you to know that we deeply appreciate the friendship, support, and advice that came over the course of 2017 from our colleagues, agency partners, clients, conservation representatives, powersports sponsors, elected officials, industry leaders, OHV clubs, recreation groups, and individual enthusiasts.

2018 will no doubt be filled with new challenges and opportunities.  But for the next week or two, let’s focus on our faith, family, and friends.   May you all have a very blessed Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Trail Santa  

Los Vaqueros MTB Trail Review - East Contra Costa County

Multi-Use Dirt Road/Trail Los Vaqueros Watershed

As many outdoor enthusiasts get ready for Christmas this year in the SF/East Bay Area, QWR wanted to continue its efforts to gear up for launching an eBike/Vehicle module in 2018 by visiting some of the local or regional parks that have multi-use trails or paths that are open to MTBs and potentially eBikes.

Enjoying The Fresh Air

One such facility is the Los Vaqueros Watershed located south of Brentwood and just below the newly reopened Diablo MX Ranch. 

Dirt Road/Trail Snaking Up Through the Canyon

The area is about 18,000acres of open space that surrounds the 1,900 acre Los Vaqueros Reservoir.  Most of the trails are hiking or horseback, but there are a number of fun MTB trails on the north end of the facility that stem out from the Walnut Staging Area.

The staging area has clean restrooms and a number of concrete picnic tables.  While there are no “no e-Bike” signs posted, I don’t want to encourage you to take your eBike there until I get formal acknowledgement from the agency that they are allowed.  *** Update, I heard back from the agency and  the MTB  dirt trails are not open to eBikes at this time.

At Your Service - Enjoy the Christmas Trail Season

The gravel and dirt MTB trails in the area are mostly pretty easy, but once you get up into the hilly area in the backcountry there are some pretty fun grades where you can get a workout.  Remember to close the fences when you go through them as the unit has an active cattle grazing program.  In fact, you may have to dodge a few cows if they are on the trail.

Solid and Dash Green Lines are Open for MTBs

If you live in the area, you may want to consider visiting these MTB trails.  There is some pretty scenery and you may see some wildlife like I did today when a coyote was running beside me in a nearby field.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Trail New Year!

Engaged Users and Agency Staff is Good "Sign" for eBike Recreation

eBike Decal from ROCKART

QWR continues its series of eBike articles based on efforts last month by the CA OHV Commission, staff, and electric vehicle manufacturers to present various vehicles and discuss the growing popularity of eBikes/motorcycles/UTVs and just where they fit into the land-use equation.

In addition, there have been a lot of trail-use related bicycle articles and discussions related to an ongoing campaign led by Ted Stroll and his Sustainable Bike Coalition to have Congress via H.R. 1349 end the blanket ban of bikes in Wilderness.

Multi-Use OHV/MTB (legal for eBike too) Single Track Trail - Eldorado NF

Meanwhile, QWR has been contacting various local and regional park agencies to ascertain their position and/or policy on allowing eBike (Type 1 and 2) use on paved paths and trails.

Although California and a number of other states and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have basically reclassified Type 1 and 2 eBikes as non-motorized vehicles, often local/regional/state agencies interpret those new definitions and make the final decision on where to allow eBike use on paths or trails.

Don Amador Taking non-eBike Ride on East Bay Regional Park Trail

(tracking speed on GPS)

Based on feedback from those agencies, QWR believes there are two important takeaways or action items for both users and the agencies.

One – It is vital for individuals and clubs interested in eBike access to contact their local agency and ask them to plan for enhanced access for eBike use on both pathways and appropriate trails.  Many agencies are in pre or early scoping periods where your input is highly valued.  Be assured, your input can show support for increased legal eBike recreation.  Your comments can help the decision-makers when they craft subsequent proposed actions and/or create management alternatives.

Two – It is also important for the agencies to identify legal eBike opportunities with a quality signing program.   QWR believes the quality of the signing (eBike in this case) program is directly proportional to the agency’s commitment to provide the public with a high quality recreation experience.

Just as there continues to be a healthy discussion on the merits or detractions of H.R. 1349, QWR believes there should be similar discussions on just where eBike (Type 1 and 2) use is appropriate on

public land mechanized trails that currently allow use of non-eBike MTBs.

QWR continues to believe it is important for both the OHV and traditional mountain bike communities to work with eBike enthusiasts, legislators, regulators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to try and find common ground on joint trail use where appropriate.

Stay tuned for more updates.  Feedback is always welcome.  Either post feedback in the comment section or send them directly to:  damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Also, watch for an upcoming announcement about the launch of QWR’s e-vehicle module for 2018.

E-Bike Recreation Faces Confusing Array of Rules and Regulations

No E-Bikes on East Bay Regional Park District Multi-Use Trail

QWR continues to appreciate the effort put forth several weeks ago by the CA OHV Commission, staff, and E-vehicle manufacturers to present various vehicles and discuss the growing popularity of E-bicycles/motorcycles and just where they fit into the land-use equation.

The event has prompted QWR to start looking at the various local, state, and federal regulations and policies that govern E-bike use (Class 1 and 2) on public bicycle paths and designated trails.

Fortunately in California, California State Parks considers E-bikes (electronic bicycles and electronic mountain bikes) as bicycles and allows on the same paths and trails as regular bicycles and mountain bikes.   Utah has also passed E-bike friendly laws.

Region and local agencies often create ordinances that either ban or allow E-bike use within their jurisdiction.  For example, East Bay Regional Park District bans the use of E-bikes on their paths and trails (although they have a pilot project underway on a few of their paths to see if they will allow E-bike use in the future).

Regular MTB Ride on EBRPD Path Today

Great to get out and see the Salmon Spawn in Marsh Creek

Trail Could or Should be Open for Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes?

Santa Clara County Park regulations do allow mountain e-bikes on the trails, but they cannot be operated in excess of 15 MPH, and are restricted to specific roads and trails.

Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks does allow for Class 1 and 2 E-bikes on bicycle paths and trails, but restricts their maximum speed to 15 MPH.

Salmon Info Kiosk along Marsh Creek Path

On the federal side, the Consumer Products Safety Commission does not consider Class 1 and 2 E-bikes as motorized vehicles since it defines a bicycle §1512.2 as either (1) a two-wheeled vehicle having a rear drive wheel solely human-powered; or (2) a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.

Salmon Getting Ready to Spawn in Marsh Creek

Yet, the Forest Service, BLM, and National Park Service define E-bikes as motorized vehicles.  This basically restricts all E-bikes to using OHV trails if they want to travel on a dirt trail.

Many state and national programs and outreach efforts are urging folks of all ages and physical ability to “get out and enjoy the great outdoors” – An effort that QWR strongly supports.  However, it appears that some regulations are getting in the way.

Common Sense Trail Ethics is a Key Management Tool

With the rapid growth of E-vehicles (UTVs, ATVs, MCs, MTBs, etc.), QWR believes it is important for both the OHV and traditional mountain bike communities to work with E-bike enthusiasts, legislators, regulators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to try and address the rather confusing array of rules and regulations that may actually be keeping people at home instead of transporting them to and on the trail.

Stay tuned for more updates.  Feedback is always welcome.  Either post feedback in the comment section or send them directly to: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

PS - Watch for Major Announcement in the next few weeks about QWR launching an E-Vehicle Module in 2018.

E-Bikes - New Technology for Access to the Great Outdoors

BH Product Manager, Ollie Dine, Explains E-Bicycle

Construction and Use at OHV Commission Meeting

QWR appreciates the effort put forth yesterday by the CA OHV Commission, staff, and E-vehicle manufacturers to present various vehicles and discuss the growing popularity of E-bicycles/motorcycles and just where they fit into the land-use equation.

OHV Commission Chair, Ted Cabral, Discusses Future of E-Vehicles 

OHV Commission Chairman, Ted Cabral, opened the “E module” with a discussion of current rules and regulations related to their use on the street, paths, and trails.

FS R5 Trails Lead, Garrett Villanueva, Tries Out E-Motorcycle

Participants were then given the opportunity to ride various E-bicycles/motorcycles.  Years ago, I rode one of the 1^st Zero off-road motorcycles and thought then that they would become an important part of the OHV family.

Don Amador Getting Ready for his First E-Bicycle Ride

But for many of us, it was the first time to ride an E-bicycle.  Judging by the smiles of folks taking that initial ride, I feel that E-bikes are here to stay and will become an important transportation and/or recreation vehicle for many who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

While some states have crafted regulations that allow for E-bicycle use on streets and mechanized trails, most, if not all, federal agencies are still restricting E-bicycle use to motorized trails.

Alta and Zero Representatives Give Thumbs-Up to Electric Motorcycles

QWR believes that E-bike stakeholders should be proactive and work with trail managers to create a strong land-use ethic and regulatory platform that both protect the resource and the long-term viability of the sport.

E-Vehicle Regulations in CA

With an aging population that continues to seek access to high-quality outdoor recreation, QWR believes that discussions should continue about use of E-bicycles on mechanized (non-Wilderness) public land trails.  

FS Multi-Use Trail that Allows E-Bike Use

Another option is for E-bike users to partner with the agencies to support new E-bike specific trail opportunities through grants, dedicated use fees, and volunteer efforts.

Trail Ethics an Important Factor 

QWR believes it is important for both the OHV and traditional mountain bike communities to work with E-bike enthusiasts and stakeholders as part of a “rising tide lifts all trails” ethos.

ROHVA ROV Basic DriverCourse at Chappie-Shasta OHV Area - Skill Development, Safety, and Common Sense are Key Tenets

ROHVA RBDC Graduating Class 

BLM Chappie-Shasta OHV Area

QWR wants to congratulate the seven Forest Service and BLM recreation leads and field staff who completed the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) ROV Basic DriverCourse (RBDC) taught at the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area near Redding, California on October 3, 2017.

Since Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) or Side-by-Sides (SxSs) are becoming increasingly popular and are the fastest growing segment of the powersports market and are seeing increased use by land agencies for recreation and resource management, QWR offered the RBDC course at the 2017 Interagency Ranger Ride and OHV workshop for agency staff who needed to get certified before operating a government SxS.

Student Path Selection and Stopping

The student’s pre-class off-road experiences included those with no OHV background to those agency staff that had driven 4WD trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, crew buggies, or fire engines in the backcountry.

Practice Turning

A lot of focus is placed on the proper use of personal protective gear or personal protective equipment (PPE) when sitting in or operating the SxS.  Just as it is important for certified chainsaw operators (both agency staff and trail volunteers) to use PPE, it is also critically important for SxS operators and passengers to wear an approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots, and long pants.

Precision Stop on 4 x 6

After becoming familiar with the operation of their vehicle and performing an inspection of various vehicle parts and controls including, but not limited to, the chassis, frame, wheels/tires, fenders, passenger seating and handholds, and the Rollover Protection Structure, they learned about proper hand positioning for steering, using both feet to control the gas and brake pedals, and many other aspects of safe vehicle operation.

The next five exercises are progressive in nature as they build the important skillsets needed for safe operation of the vehicle. 

Precision Stop on 4 x 6

Those exercises include starting out, stopping, driving a good path, experiencing low speed steering limits, backing-up/turning, driving a serpentine course both forward and in reverse, and practicing a quick stop and doing an evasive maneuver.

Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing/Consulting, states, “I am passionate about helping train both public and private sector SxS users about how to operate their vehicles in a safe and environmentally sound manner.”

Don Ready for RBDC Class

“I was proud to see the RBDC graduates use the skills they learned at class during the group trail ride the next day.  Several students told me the safe use of a SxS requires a healthy dose of common sense when out on the trail and to not be afraid to stop before attempting a challenging route segment that is beyond their comfort zone or ability,”  Amador concludes.

LINK TO ROHVA (Go ahead and take the free online ROHVA E-Course)

http://www.rohva.org/

*If you are interested in having Don teach a ROHVA ROV Basic DriverCourse, contact him at: damador@quietwarriorracing.com

Dynamic Management of Trail Recreation – 2017 Interagency Ranger Ride and OHV Workshop

45 Mile Group Trail Ride to "Top of the World"

Vista for Lunch Stop

QWR believes a new term “Dynamic Management of Recreational Opportunities” might be the best way to describe an emerging post-event theme from this year’s Ranger Ride and OHV Workshop held on October 3-5, 2017 at the BLM’s Chappie-Shasta OHV Area near Redding, California.

Approximately 45 agency leads, recreation staff, and non-profit partners attended this annual interagency trail management and education workshop that was graciously hosted by the BLM’s Redding Field Office.

Small Group Discussions - Important Networking Opportunity

The focus of this year’s workshop was centered on looking for management strategies that might allow for or create new high-quality trail opportunities for Side x Sides (SxS) or Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs).   

New Route Signed and Managed for SxS Use

 Other topics or education modules included, OHV sound test certification,  E-Bike recreation, public/private partnerships,  SxS and Dirt Bike driver/rider certification, mentored trail rides/tours  of unit, OHV grants, and soil conservation plans.

The Chappie-Shasta OHV Area was selected for this year’s event because of its ongoing efforts to employ various SxS-related travel management strategies.   Those routes help provide a growing number of SxS enthusiasts with signed routes that include varying degrees of challenge and looped touring opportunities.  

SxS Tour Stop to Check Trail Management Prescriptions

The workshop provided ample “seat time” for agency staff to experience the unit’s effective SxS management prescriptions from behind the wheel on many of the 200 miles of roads and trails in this 52,000 acre area.

State Park Ranger Gets some Seat Time on Trail Tour

The event also offered the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association’s (ROHVA) Basic Driver Course for agency staff that needed certification to operate government SxSs and was taught by QWR’s Don Amador, a ROHVA DriverCoach.

Garrett Villanueva (R5 Trail Lead) Practices Exercise 4

of the ROHVA BDC 

(Garrett was one of seven agency staff who took the course)

 Paul Hart, a certified DirtBike School coach and Trails Manager for the Yuba River Ranger District on the Tahoe National Forest, taught a one-day hands-on training session to agency students that needed Dirt Bike certification. 

Dirt Bike School Riders Waiting for Instructions

Grant administration from the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division gave federal and non-profit partners an update on OHV grant opportunities and policies for obtaining fiscal support for OHV-related trail maintenance, restoration, law enforcement, and education/safety.

Chris Real - SAE J1287 Technical Certification Class

Chris Real, President of DPS Technical, Inc. taught agency staff and volunteers the technical inspector class on sound (SAE J1287) and spark arresters.

Will Harris (OHMVRD) Gave Soils Presentation

Will Harris, Senior Engineering Geologist at the OHMVR Division, talked to the group about the importance of clearly defining a project area and/or route network in their soil conservation plans.  There was a robust discussion about what defines a project area which led to the potential for follow up presentations at the OHMVR Division Grant Workshops in early 2018.

E-Bike Sign - Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

The need to review and possibly amend current rules and regulations governing the use of E-bicycles/motorcycles on public lands was also discussed including the apparent necessity to address said issues at a national conference of agency professionals, recreation groups, and manufacturers.

An event wrap-up with attendees identified the following key tenets for agency recreation leads to consider when planning for SxS trail-based recreational opportunities.

One – Look for appropriate level 2 roads, trails, or routes where SxS use could be encouraged through signing and public outreach.

Two – Look for looped touring opportunities on federal roads and/or route networks that can be signed or designated for SxS use.

Three – Federal agencies and county government should look for ways to partner with each other to designate appropriate routes for looped OHV touring opportunities that provide connectivity between jurisdictions.

Both seasoned and newbie agency riders expressed their appreciation for the event’s focus on SxS recreation and the opportunity for plenty of trail time in which to hone their riding skills and view the management prescriptions from the ground level.  

Jane Arteaga - Trail and Recreation Lead at CA BLM State Office -

Getting some seat time on the trail

It was appropriate that this year’s workshop was held at an OHV area that was named in honor of the CA OHV Program’s co-founder, Gene Chappie. 

According to the OHMVR Division, the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Program was created in 1971 by two state legislators, "off-roader" Gene Chappie and "environmentalist" Ed Z'berg. The Chappie-Z'berg Law aimed to balance the demand for off-highway recreational opportunities with natural and cultural resource management. The intent was also to foster respect for private property rights and protect California's natural and cultural resources through sustainable management of OHV areas.

Sky Zaffarano (L), OHV Program Lead for Chappie, Explains Resource

and Trail Management Program on the Unit

It was also more than fitting that California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law on October 3, 2017 legislation that reauthorized the CA OHV Program and gave it permanent status.  And, that announcement was made at the Tuesday night BBQ hosted/donated by the Redding Dirt Riders, one of the unit’s key non-profit partners.

Successful events don’t happen by accident.  They come as the result of a lot of hard work by non-profit partners, agency leadership, and recreation staff.  

The 45 participants from the following organizations and agencies should be commended for their commitment to providing access to high-quality OHV recreation and related educational activities.  Those agencies and organizations include the Forest Service’s R5 Regional Office, BLM California State Office, BLM Redding Field Office, BLM Ukiah Field Office, BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, Tahoe National Forest, Eldorado National Forest, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, and the Redding Dirt Riders who are official non-profit volunteers for the Chappie Shasta OHV Area.

List of Partners that Support Chappie Shasta OHV Area

QWR also wants to thank these event sponsors and partners for their support of this educational endeavor to help train agency staff about safe vehicle operation and review new recreation strategies to address emerging technologies and uses.  Those supporters include the Right Rider Access Fund, Kawasaki Motors Corp, USA, RZ Mask, BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org, and Redding Yamaha- Sea Doo.   They join a long list of partners (see above) that continue to make Chappie-Shasta OHV Area a premier West Coast designation site.

 QWR understands that Adaptive Management is the current term used by land agencies to describe how they look at new issues and challenges and include them in the decision-making process.  However, the term “Dynamic” infers a more energetic or enthusiast process that agencies can embrace as they engage with users, partners, and other stakeholders in collaborative efforts.

  

Off-Road ADV Gem in S.F. Bay Area

Hilltop Vista Looking into Towards the Central Valley

Carnegie SVRA

With a cooling delta breeze blowing this morning, QWR wanted to do an on-site review of an excellent off-road ADV/DS opportunity in the Greater S.F. Bay Area for those new to the sport or those seasoned veterans who want to get some dirt-time without traveling several hours to a National Forest or BLM unit.

Front View of Carnegie SVRA

Located near Livermore, California, Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is one of nine OHV parks managed by the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. Those OHV parks are part of the 280 California State Park System units.

Entrance to Carnegie SVRA

Carnegie SVRA is approximately 1,300 acres in size that offers the rider a broad selection of motorized trail opportunities.  The trail ratings range from easy to extremely difficult.  There are hill-climbs, engineered contour single-track motorcycle trails, and wider routes that are more ADV friendly for those riders who want to hone their off-road skills.

One of the Wider ADV Friendly Route

When visiting Carnegie SVRA, be sure and note the numerous and ongoing resource and cultural protection efforts which include, but are not limited to, designated motorized crossings through the Park’s valley riparian area, hillside restoration fencing, and educational signing. 

Designated Riparian Area OHV Crossing

Be sure and check out online information regarding their outstanding wildlife monitoring and mitigation programs.  Also review the many amenities at the unit which include camping, staging areas, shaded picnic ramadas, and a store.

LINK TO CARNEGIE SVRA

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1172

QWR suggests that ADV riders who live in the regional may want to consider a morning excursion to the unit where they can enjoy off-road routes that take them high into the backcountry of the park.

Enjoying the Juniper Trail

There will be plenty of opportunities along those main routes to venture onto more challenging trails where you can test you dirt prowess.

Juniper Trail Sign

When you get on up on some of the many vista points, you will find spectacular views of the Central Valley and surrounding landscape.

Carnegie SVRA might just be the ADV off-road gem (well worth the $5 dollar day use fee) you have been looking for.

*Feel free to download and review the 2017 OHV Commission Report which details many of the ongoing environmental and conservation programs that are key components of the nationally recognized CA OHV Program.  It also highlights many of the federal and county partnerships that are also key to this model program.

LINK TO REPORT

http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/1140/files/OHMVR-Commission-2017-Program_Report-FINAL-Mar2017_web.pdf