Minnesota Adventure Riders

Tough Question of the day:  Is Dual Sport Riding or Adventure Riding really a sport?

I hear it referred to in that way.  But I wonder if it is really accurate.  There are no points, no teams, no regulations, and no cheerleaders. So is it really just a recreational activity?

What about the Baja or Dakar races?  Aren’t those sports?  They have points, and trophies, etc.
Yes, but those are off-road only races (for the most part) and are not what most guys do on the weekend with their BMWs and Suzukis.  So I don’t think it really counts.

What about Harescrambles and Enduros?
Yes, but those are really for off-road bikes.  So it is more related to motocross then dual sport.

Wouldn’t it be cool if there was truly an organized Adventure Riding series of races?
 Well, there is, but they aren’t races.  They are rides.  The AMA has set this up.

What about EnduroCross?  Isn’t this close?
Close, but no cigar.  Arenas don’t equal roads and trails.  It is a cool sport though.  I hear that ESPN is allowing it into the Summer X-games this year.

In the end, Dual Sport is just a lot of fun no matter what category you place it in.   I don’t think it needs to be called a sport.  Its a recreation, a hobby, a passion, and those are enough.  Sound off in the comments with your own opinion.

I received my issue of American Motorcyclist in the mail today.  I always seem to learn something new browsing through each issue.  This month I learned that the AMA has published many of its back issues all the way back to the 1950’s online on the Google Book website. You can search through all issues for keywords as well.  There is a treasure trove of information available so go check it out.  I especially liked looking at some of the old advertisements in the 50’s and 6o’s.

Enjoy.

This info was posted on the Twin Cities Trail Riders and Twin Cities Dual Sport groups. I STRONGLY suggest everyone email in their support for this trail. It looks to be a great addition to the State’s collection of OHM trails and would improve overall travel between Nemadji and the St. Croix Forests.

DNR seeks comments on EAW for Matthew Lourey State Trail – ATV and OHM use in Nemadji/St. Croix state forests project

(Released May 2, 2011)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting public comments during a
30-day public review period from May 2 to June 1 on an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) that was prepared for Matthew Lourey State Trail – all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-highway motorcycle (OHM) use in Nemadji/St. Croix state forests project in Pine and Carlton counties.

The DNR proposes to designate portions of the existing Matthew Lourey State Trail for ATV and OHM use. The designations and required treadway improvements would occur on about 23.3 miles of the trail in the Nemadji and St. Croix state forests.

A copy of the EAW is available online.

Additional copies may be requested by calling 651-259-5157.

A copy of the EAW is available for public review at:
• DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul
• DNR Northeast Region, 201 E. Highway 2, Grand Rapids
• Minneapolis Public Library, Government Documents, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
• Sandstone Public Library, 119 North Fourth St., P.O. Box 599, Sandstone
• Hinckley Public Library, 106 First Street S.E., P.O. Box 336, Hinckley
• Moose Lake Public Library, 313 Elm Ave., Moose Lake
• Cloquet Public Library, 320 14th St., Cloquet
• East Central Regional Library, 244 So. Birch St., Cambridge
• Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St. Duluth.

The EAW was published in the May 2 EQB Monitor. Written comments must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, to the attention of Ronald Wieland, DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025.

Electronic or email comments may be sent to ronald.wieland@state.mn.us with “Matthew Lourey State Trail” in the subject line. If submitting comments electronically, include name and mailing address. Written comments may also be sent by fax to 651-297-1500.