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New Updates! - December 2008 During the period of 12/14/08 – 12/31/08 we will be implementing some new features in an effort to improve your user experience. During this time portions of the site and navigation may be altered to accommodate the new features, so we appreciate your patience. The result promises to be a more powerful tool for everyone, and even more trail information. Have a great holiday!

Recent Articles

GPS in a Nutshell (September 2008) - A straight up article about GPS technology from a trail rider's perspective. Forest and Park Glossary (September 2008) - Have you ever simply wondered what is the difference between a National Forest, State Forest, BLM, Wilderness, and National Recreation Area? Back To Basics (September 2008) - So you've been riding for a couple years and have wondered how and why some riders are just naturally faster than others. Maybe you've see photos or video of yourself on the bike and you still look like a novice. Perhaps you've wondered how some rider just managed to tackle the same nasty peice of trail that pitched you, and they made it look easy? We're not experts either, so maybe it's time we all swallow our pride and take another look at one of the fundamentals of riding - maintaining good riding position, even on the trail. Know Your Land Rights (September 2008) - Have you ever been out riding and have found out that either a favorite trail or even a whole section of land that you used to ride on has been taken away and closed off because certain environmental extremists did not want any type of OHV activity going on? It's enough to get anybody upset... Helpful Tips for Teaching New Riders (September 2008) - Whether you are introducing your child, spouse, or a friend to the sport of dirt bike riding, you should first remember that you can't really push someone to learn anything. They have to want it, so wait until after this person has expressed an interest joining you. Since new riders crash often and keep a slower pace, you might both become frustrated, so keep these tips in mind... California Red and Green Sticker Info (September 2008) - If there is one topic that is frequently confuses visitors to western off-road areas, it’s the California OHV red and green sticker regulations. How do you get stickers? Who gets what, and why? How to Protect your Dirt Bike (September 2008) - A brief but helpful article on how to protect your dirt bike from theft Endurocross (September 2008) - Looking for something new in motorcycle racing? Indoor Endurocross is it. Originating in Europe, this form of racing has now made its way across the Atlantic and is starting to make a splash here in the U.S. This sport focuses less on speed, and more on rider skill, and the ability to navigate a motocross bike through exremely rough terrain. Modern Endurocoss riders tackle an indoor, supercross style track that is filled with outdoor natural terrain type obstacles (just about anything that you would find on a trail ride, but bigger). How to Get Money For Your Trail Project (September 2008) - Have an OHV park or know of someone who does? Curious about how to expand your trail riding area without tapping into your own wallet or robbing all of your OHV clubs budget? Here's an idea... Women Motorcyclists (September 2008) - Check out these talented and daring ladies. All are remarkable motorcyclists and have made amazing accomplishments in the male dominated world of rallies and enduros, including the toughest off-road race of them all - the Dakar Rally. Torque and Horsepower - The Great Debate (September 2008) - Torque and horsepower could be the two least understood and most commonly confused engine descriptions when it comes to ATVs and motorcycles. Without torque, there would be no horsepower... Motorcycle History 101 (September 2008) - A crash course in motorcycle history... Motorcycle Engine Oil - The Basic Info (September 2008) - We all know that engine oil is a lubricant to reduce wear, but did you also know that engine oil not only helps cool your engine and helps prevent debris such as carbon and dirt from getting near the piston? Choosing the right engine oil is important than you may realize... Octane 101 Basics (September 2008) - What is an octane number, and what does it mean? And what octane rating do you really need? (And what is that knocking sound you are probably hearing?) Well don't be too embarassed to ask, because most people actually get it wrong. Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program (September 2008) - Looking for another great way to help fund your OHV club? The Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. grant program allows ATV clubs and organizations to take advantage of a generous offer...

Stick It or Ticket!

If there is one topic that is frequently confuses visitors to western off-road areas, it’s the California OHV red and green sticker regulations. If you reside in California it is expected that you are familiar with these regulations, but if you are visiting from another state, you'll want to be prepared. As a tourist with a full understanding the fine print of these guidelines, you will actually have more riding opportunities than the residents themselves. Keep reading and you'll see how.

Green Sticker – The green sticker is valid for two years from the date of purchase and applies to OHV’s that were manufactured in 2002 or prior (grandfather clause) as well as any 2003 or newer OHV that meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standards. (Most newer 4-stroke trail bikes and trail ATVs will meet this requirement.) A green sticker allows you to ride your OHV on designated public lands year round.

Red Sticker – Dirt bikes and ATV's that are from year 2003 or newer and have a '3' or a 'C' in the eighth position of the VIN number will get a red sticker. This is usually the case for two-strokes, four-stroke motocrossers, and racing quads. The red sticker is valid for two years from the date of purchase and allows you to ride on public lands only during designated annual periods (in most areas). The exact dates vary from one area to the next, and may change from year to year, but they usually coincide with the wetter, winter months or some portion thereof. For some areas, the annual red sticker riding window can be as short as 30 days. You can still ride red sticker bikes at private motocross tracks but you need a transport permit to even have the bike in the back of your truck or trailer. Yes, really! This is obviously designed to nullify the "I was not riding, just transporting!" excuse, when transporting in the vicinity of public lands. You may be required to show the permit at the track.

Non-Resident Permit – If you do not live in California and your home state does not require OHV registeration, you can purchase a Non-Resident Permit. With this permit you can ride on any of the OHV designated public lands in the state of California. What's more interesting, is that as long as you carry your out-of-state driver's license with you on the trail, you can ignore the red sticker dates, even if you have what would be a 'red sicker' vehicle! A non-resident permit sticker is valid for one year, one bike.

Fine, where do I get one? If you live in California, you'll need to go to your local DMV office and register your OHV. From there you will be issued either a green or red sticker. If you are visiting from elswhere, you can purchase a non-resident permit from most any motorcycle shop or powersports dealer in California as well as some of the shops and dealerships in bordering states such as Nevada or Arizona.

Why Pay?Well first and foremost, because it is the law. But if that's not enough for you, a second reason would be that a substantial portion of the money actually does go to help maintain and support the State Vehicle Recreation Areas (SVRAs) and to purchase land to build more of these motorized-only riding parks. Even with the new, higher rates for 2008, the fines for riding without a sticker are far more expensive than the sticker itself, and repeated offenses can lead to impounding of your vehicle or even suspension of your driver's license! Dirt bike mounted rangers on the trails are common, certainly at SVRAs but also in the National Forests near the state borders. Sticker enforcement at SVRAs is typically strict. In other public lands however, you may be lucky enough to receive just a warning and get booted IF you are from out of state and can prove it, AND you weren't carving up the trail, AND especially if you are... mature. Younger, louder, or more agressive riders will get the ticket every time. Regardless of what type of rider you are, we recommend that you just get the sticker so you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Where exactly does the money go? Some of the money that is collected per sticker sold helps fund the DMV, the highway patrol, the in-lieu gas tax fund (another avenue that allows cities or counties to fund law enforcement to help regulate and control illegal riding activities) and the OHV program, which maintains and helps support SVRA’s and conservation programs.

So are they just using my own money against me? In some places... yes, and that's been a sore spot for all of us for years and years. But this particular program appears to have a pretty good track record of actually spending the money to support and enhance OHV riding opportunities in California. The state of California has obviously been encouraged by the amount of tourism dollars that off-road have brought to the state in recent years, and frankly they need the money now more than ever. It's true that fees were increased this year, but managing these areas is not cheap and they are obviously struggling. During this time of cutbacks and shrinkage, and blistering energy prices - it's all the more important to pay the fees. As long as off-road tourism is a strong source of revenue, we will very likely get the political attention we deserve. Want more details? Try these links:   Red Sticker Dates     Locations To Buy Non-Resident Permits     California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR)     California DMV     California Air Resources Board (CARB)