In this issue:
Areas:
York Makeover
Advocacy:
Dealer Support Program
Minimal Impact Riding
Events
RTRA AGM
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Helping to save your riding areas
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Dear Member
Spring is sprung! That magical time of the year when the wildflowers are out, the trails are moist and dust-free, and the great outdoors is just demanding that you get on a bike and get out there!
Plenty of news this month, so grab a quick catchup before you hit the trails...
Minimal Impact Survey and Reference Group
Minimising our impact on the trails and land on which we ride is probably the single most important thing we can do as riders to ensure we will always have access to quality trails.
The RTRA's Minimal Impact Riding Program has been progressing, with a growing collection of international research and Minimal Impact Riding Tips.
The next stage of this important project is to better understand the attitudes of local riders towards the environment.
To do this, we have developed an online survey which we ask all RTRA members to fill out. The survey should only take 5-10 minutes to complete.
We are also putting together a Rider Reference Group that we can bounce ideas off. If you are interested in participating in this you can nominate via the Survey.
Please also encourage your riding friends and family to complete the survey - the better a cross-section of riders we can capture, the more valuable the data will be.
RTRA AGM - October 27
Put this in your diary now - our annual AGM / Social Night at the Oxford Hotel, Leederville. Anyone who has attended one of these can tell you that the formalities are kept brief to give plenty of time for catching up and talking all things dirt.
There will be food, a cash bar, and plenty of prizes and surprises - and of course we'll bring you up to date with what the RTRA has achieved throughout the year and what we have planned for the future.
If you have ever wanted to get involved in the running of the RTRA, the AGM is also the time to nominate for the Committee. We are always on the lookout for energetic, passionate riders who want to ensure a riding future for ourselves, our kids and future generations.
Further details, including nomination forms, will be emailed to all members soon.
York gets a Makeover
The York Off Road Vehicle Area has just been re-profiled and graded, thanks to the work of one very energetic RTRA member (thanks Michael!) who tapped the goodwill and works budget of the Shire of York.
A combination of grunt (the Shire's large loader) and finesse (Paul Neve in his Positrak) removed the whoops, improved drainage and re-profiled the jumps to bring the little practice circuit up to tip-top condition.
This is the first stage in a process to further develop this area and maximise its potential. It's a great example of the value of combining local knowledge and enthusiasm with the experience and relationships of the RTRA.
Big thanks to the Shire of York, especially Works Manager Allan Rourke.
Growing Retail Support for the RTRA
Motorcycle retailers in Perth and the South West are signing up to the RTRA Retailer Supporter Program.
The latest dealers to join the program are:
These dealers have pledged to support the work of the RTRA and to promote membership of the RTRA to their customers. If you have a choice, we encourage RTRA members to support the dealers that support your Association.
What Do You Call a Single-Seater Side x Side?
No, we don't know either - but Polaris's new 'Ace' 570 is just that. Or a quad with a steering wheel and a full roll cage and a bucket seat.
Whatever it is, it sure looks like fun!
Of course the regulators still haven't gotten their heads around licensing Side x Sides for off-highway use, and now there's another variant to wrangle with. Eventually, we'll be able to drive these things on forest trails like they do in the USA. The RTRA has raised the issue with DPaW and we can see some potential in some areas. We'll keep members advised of any progress we can make.
Two Seats and a Turbo
While on the subject of fun Side x Sides, Savage Motorcycles recently held a drive day to introduce the new CanAm Maverick X DS Turbo.
With over 120hp on tap from a 1,000cc turbo Rotax engine, these things are certainly quick.
For information on competition and non-competitive events, check out the WA Superlites Association.
Better Mobile Phone Coverage Coming
One of the risks in trail riding is the lack of mobile coverage.
Satellite phones are still very expensive (and not 100% reliable), and safety devices like the Spot Tracker can only send out a distress signal like an EPIRB, rather than allow two-way communication.
So the recent announcement of funding to eliminate many of the regional black spots is welcome news indeed.
While we wait, it's always a good idea to ensure that there is more than one Telco accessible within your group - particularly if travelling in the South West. Optus has better coverage than Telstra in areas like Nannup, so if someone in your group has a Telstra SIM, and another has Optus, you are giving yourself a better chance of having signal if you ever need it.
Minimal Impact: Caring for Erosion Mounds
They may look like they exist just to make hills more interesting for riders, but those ripper little jumps found on steeper hills are there to prevent water running down the hill and creating ruts.
As riders, we can look after these mounds by not following a single line through them and by not being aggressive on the throttle as we hit them.
Help keep hills in good condition and you'll help keep hills for us all to enjoy.
More minimal impact tips...
Spread the Word
If you think the RTRA is having a positive impact for riders, just think how much more effective we'd be if we had double the members. It's actually not that hard - all it takes is for each member to find one other rider to sign up. If you have riding buddies who are not yet members of the RTRA, please forward them this email and give them a prod to join up.
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