A RISING TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS By Donald Amador
R
evival is a noun often used to describe a process where a person, activity, or other interest is reenergized after a period of dormancy or inaction. That is what the powersports community and the nation as a whole is experiencing as we emerge out of this hole. While it seems to be a centuries-long COVID-19 “dark ages,” it is vital to remember – if you are not still suffering from pandemic-induced depression, brain fog or economic ruin – what contributes to the revival of our sport and people. During the early months of the COVID shutdown, offroaders and other recreation enthusiasts were told to stay home and avoid most all forms of outdoor activities, including the use of OHVs. The soft tyranny of what seemed to many as extended and arbitrary government mandated closures challenged the rugged individualism and independent character traits shared by many in the powersports industry and recreation community. On the other hand, powersports dealerships were deemed essential businesses – a very good thing – and many saw a marked increase in vehicle sales. Unfortunately, almost all of the nation’s local, state and federal land agencies were forced to shutter their office doors and relegate staff to working from home.
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During the summer of 2020 while public land managers were operating at a significantly reduced capacity, the nation experienced a massive explosion in all forms of outdoor recreation due to a pent-up demand by people who wanted to escape the COVID madness. We essentially had no place to legally recreate, even though our industry was deemed essential — yet another COVID-created paradox. Even in the areas that were able to stay open, albeit on a limited basis, there were unforeseen consequences. In many cases, public land OHV riding areas, facilities and essential recreation staff were overwhelmed by the masses. This flood of new riders included newbies with little, if any, outdoor experience or acquaintance with land-use or trail ethics. However, we are experiencing a revival of sorts as COVID restrictions ease and land agencies staff up in preparation for outdoor recreation activities this spring and summer. Non-government partners including clubs, non-profits and dealers, have a responsibility to ensure they are doing their part in supporting responsible use on designated roads, trails and areas so that we don’t screw up the recovery. We also have a duty to sync our outreach endeavors with the land manager’s capacity to participate. For example, some park units will be able to host large-scale volunteer efforts while some areas will only be able to work with a limited number of volunteers on smaller/ low hanging fruit-type projects. Just as was the case with COVID, we are all in this revival together. The powersports industry is well-poised to continue its pivotal role in the comeback of public land adventure for both street-legal and non-street legal OHV recreation through its various grant initiatives and other support programs. However, as the recent loss of Oceano Dunes demonstrates, we are more vulnerable than ever! President John F. Kennedy coined the phrase, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” The late Don Brown applied it to powersports in particular as a bellwether. I think that idiom still holds true. It gives hope to a lot of us as we emerge from this pandemic stronger than we were before. It is time for a powersports revival!
Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for almost 29 years. Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing/ Consulting. Don served as a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition from 1996 until June, 2018. Don served on the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission from 1994-2000. He has won numerous awards including being a 2016 Inductee into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and the 2018 Friend of the AMA Award. Don currently serves as the government affairs lead for AMA District 36 in Northern California. He may be reached via email at: damador@quietwarriorracing.com
