From time to time AEM accepts editorials submitted by our readers. This month we chose this short editorial put together by Greg Condon. Greg has written a couple things for AEM and we are happy to share another interesting article from him. Enjoy.

Why do I ride?

I was approached the other day buy one of my neighbors that was coming to talk to me about the commotion I was causing on my own property. The discussion did not get heated, as it did not get nasty. He just wanted to talk to me about how much noise I was making and asking if it had to be so loud. After moving into the neighborhood only one week before he didn’t realize I rode my ATV so close to his home. He asked me to stop riding so he could have a peaceful weekend at home.

I asked him what he meant by peaceful. He said he likes to come home and sit back and read a book while sitting in front of the fire in the winter or taking in some rays outside on his deck in the summer. I kindly told him that I liked to relax by riding on my weekends. And that I have ridden here for 23 years and I doubt I am planning on stopping anytime soon. I also kindly told him I never ride before 10am and never after dark. I stay on my own property or others property that I have permission to ride on.

We got into a pretty good discussion about riding and the impact it is having on the surrounding people, economy and environment. But one question he had for me stuck out in my mind. Why do you like to ride? Well, simply put, it’s what I enjoy. I grew up riding, I always had a love for it and it gets me into nature. I don’t do any harm to the environment; in fact I do more good then bad. I am a member of AMA and ATVA, which fight to keep riding areas open and free from development. This is helping to keep virgin land free for not just riders to use. Most state run riding areas have horse, hiking and biking trails on the same piece of property. This to me allows more then just ATVs to use land on this beautiful continent that we live on.

While a lot of children sat on the couch playing video games as a kid I was out riding and wrenching on my bikes. I was traveling to races with my father yearning for the day I was going to be able to gear up and head to the start line for myself. I felt riding helped me develop into a contributing member of my community. It gave me skills that I can use in many other facets of my life. I developed teamwork skills, family bonding time, budgeting ability, mechanical knowledge, and a desire to accomplish something and push myself for a goal.

The ATV community is a strong nit community, a lot of bonds formed and friends made. It is impressive to me to see things like the Jeremiah Jones donation activities that popped up almost immediately on the forums and at the races alike. Other racers saw a friend and fellow rider get hurt racing and they did everything they could to see that he got better and got everything he needed. People visited him in his hospital and even brought him something that he made into a new hobby (RC cars). This is the bond that hasn’t just happened with JJ but with thousands of other riders alike.

I brought all these topics up to my neighbor and I think I did a good job converting him a little bit more to my side. I don’t think he is still going to like me riding my ATV every chance I get but that isn’t his decision. Instead of jumping to conclusions immediately maybe if we take some time to talk to naysayer’s then we might be able to convert some to our side. Take some time to talk to your neighbors instead of just telling them to call the cops if they don’t like it. ATV riders are not just including quads, but bikes, jeeps or anything alike. We all share a bond and we also share many enemies.  Everyone take a moment to try save our sport or one day soon it might no longer exist. Whatever the reason you like to ride, we all share on common interest and lets keep it that way!