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OMRA announces the addition of ATVs to organization

8/5/04

After last night's monthly meeting, is was voted unanimously to add ATVs as another 'segment' of the OMRA.  This was after extensive and exhaustive debate.  Many months of input from members was discussed (from email, phone calls, word of mouth, and the message board) and the corresponding pros and cons.  After the discussion, it was decided that there is more positive to this move, than negative. Also, to satisfy concerns by some of you:

• This DOES NOT mean that all single-track trails will suddenly be built to quad width - far from it!  The governmental landowners would like to see that, but we believe there are places for dirtbike-only trails. 
• This DOES NOT mean that a large consortium of quad riders could suddenly show up at a meeting and take over the OMRA!  We are modifying rules to make sure OMRA Officers are people that have a history of volunteering in OHVs.
• This DOES NOT mean that events will be required to offer an ATV class.  This decision is entirely up to the promoter/club.  It is also up to the promoter/club as to if/when ATVs can race on the same course or not.
• This DOES NOT mean that we will change the name!  It is still, and will remain, "Oregon Motorcycle Riders Association".

What this DOES mean is:

• The addition of ATVs is no different than the addition of dualsport, or trailriding - just another segment.  If a hillclimbing group approached us for a series, we would consider it just the same. 
• All dues from paying ATV members will go to the OMRA general fund - just like everyone else.
• We could use their addition to the organization for legal issues.  This will surely help when talking to senators, landowners, etc., since power by numbers is where it's at. 
• Perhaps we will get motivated ATVers to help show up to land-use meetings.  Participation by the current majority is minimal at best (usually the same, usual people that care about the future of our sport) and perhaps the addition of ATVers will spawn participation to make up for the non-participating majority.
• We need to become ONE voice as "motorized recreation" and no longer an US-AND-THEM scenario.  Power by numbers.
• ATVers can now have their own points series, not unlike GP, XC and dualsport, which we currently have.  This is scheduled to start in 2005.
• If ATVers (as a group of members) become more than the motorcyclists and want to form their own separate organization, then they are welcome to form their own sister organization, therefore branching from the main OMRA.

With that, we are planning on moving forward with this.  Members should truly look at this as just another motorized-recreation user helping the good cause.  If you think anything other than that, then you are wrong.  We plan on having one additional officer being the key funnel to the OMRA from an energetic and motivated group of ATVers ( who are pretty excited about all this!).  These ATVers bring many special skills to the table too, that could really help out the OMRA for bigger and better things. 

Please get beyond any biases between two and four wheels and welcome them.  As individual groups, we are nothing.  As one larger group, we can be heard.

-The OMRA Officers