Eli's Rant
Remember That You Represent Me Too...
As I was driving home from the office a few weeks ago, I came across something that was extremely aggravating and disturbing all at the same time. Right off of a main street where thousands of people drive by every afternoon on their way home from work was a guy driving a side-by-side of some sort in an extremely small dirt lot that was adjacent to his house within a neighborhood. When I say driving, I mean he was pushing fairly hard around a track that was so small, I really don't think there was any point where he could actually straighten out the wheel for even a second. This was going on while his friend stood in the center of the "track" with a garden hose watering to either keep the dust down or to give his companion a slick challenge of a course.
As I drove past, all that went through my head was what an idiot I thought this guy was for doing this. When he bought this machine, was this what his intended purpose was? Then I started wondering what the average person who drove by thought of what they saw. If I thought this guy was a moron, what in the world did everyone else think of him? What if they saw him tip over while he was doing this? This was a concern to me because it only takes one person to tarnish the image of an entire group, and ATV and SxS enthusiasts already have the cards stacked against us.
My point is that we are all ambassadors of our sport, and our actions need to responsibly reflect this. Simply by wearing all of the proper protective equipment, riding in areas that are designated for OHV use and doing this responsibly, which the person I'm using as an example was doing none of. We enthusiasts need to band together and prove to the masses that we are responsible users and show how great this sport can be when done properly. This way we can keep riding new and innovative machines on recreational lands for years to come. Just remember that you don't only represent yourself, but you represent everyone in the OHV community when you're out riding.
Yamaha Supports Disabled U.S. Veterans
In 2007, Yamaha Motor Corporation teamed with six other outdoor industry-leading manufacturers to found a nonprofit organization named HAVA: Honored American Veterans Afield. As part of its ongoing support, Yamaha was promoting and raising funds for HAVA at its exhibit during the National Rifle Association's (NRA) annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, May 14-17.
"Yamaha is proud to support the veterans who benefit from HAVA's mission and its activities," said Steve Nessl, Yamaha's ATV/Side-by-Side group marketing manager. "As a founding member, Yamaha hopes to help HAVA through our direct contributions as well as fund-raising efforts at shows like the NRA meeting."
Through support from outdoor industry leaders, HAVA continues to grow and in turn support more disabled veterans. The other founding companies include: Smith & Wesson, Crimson Trace, Leupold, Surefire, Hornady and FMG Publications. The organization aims to help the healing and reintegration of disabled U.S. combat veterans back into normal American life through participation in outdoor recreation events and activities.
Hot New Products
In addition to our Hardware section, this is where you can find out about the newest product coming your way or already on the shelf of your local parts house.
ARS FX Pit Crew Bike Stand
Price: $350If you're tired of breaking your back by lifting the front end of your quad to get it on your traditional stand, the ARS FX Pit Crew ATV stand is just the product you need. The stand features a 31-inch lifting height so you can comfortably work on your machine, and it takes only 45 seconds to fully extend with the use of any 18-volt cordless drill. No lifting necessary!
ARS FX: www.arsfx.net; 435/753-7774