That’s the FTR motto. Do you know what responsible means? Click on your "tools" and select "thesaurus", now type in the word "responsible"…. Keep clicking until you exhaust all the variations and I think you’ll get my point. Responsible is a pretty important word! It has quite a few different meanings and interpretations doesn’t it!

In order to fulfill the meanings listed we must really stay on our toes. We have to always think about what we do and how it impacts everything we come in contact with while we are doing it. That’s not just the ‘job’ of the elected and appointed officials…that’s every member’s job!

You are reading this on a Web site that has been seen by over a million people…they are reading what you say. I wonder how many of them believe in what we do, and how many think we should all be drawn and quartered and fed to a pack of wild dogs. When we discuss ideas and plans they watch and they learn what we are all about. Naturally we are individuals and we have different opinions, and they should expect to see some spirited dialogue on our site. It would really be boring if we all agreed all the time.

My concern is this…are they getting an accurate impression? Some may say, "who cares"…..whoa, my friend, that’s exactly the attitude some may be looking for. Even if a comment is meant only in jest, or normal disagreement,…. If your reply fits the need they have, and somehow supports the viewpoint they wish to portray about us as Motorcyclists, you can be assured they will use it to your disadvantage. Some of "these" people want you out of the Forests, off Public Land, and totally eliminated from their thoughts!

I have enjoyed riding for almost 50 years. I have seen Enduros shrink in size to a point that we now have to ‘vote’ to accept shorter courses on our schedules. I’ve seen land disappear to developers, environmentalist lockouts, condemnations, private owner liability fears, and pressure brought on major corporations by the extremists that mask their real purpose with the "environmentalist" label! If you think I’m exaggerating, look around or ask one of those beat up, limping on both legs, old goats that still ride in the woods. They’re easy to spot…they mumble a lot, they shake constantly, their bikes have wire and duct tape everywhere, and …..they’ve got a spark arrestor! Aha, now you know where this article is going don’t you!

The people that want to eliminate us have no clue as to the depth of our respect for the land we use! Anyone that has ever laid out a race, or any event, has seen the lengths we go to for the protection of the habitat, the animals, the birds, and everything we also care for. We are not despoilers of nature, we are honest hardworking families from every conceivable background, trying to enjoy our interests. We appreciate our journey into nature in a different manner than some, but to no less of a degree of passion. We clean up and restore what we use. We institute programs to teach others the value of what we have and how to protect it. We assist our local Forestry peoples with clearing, fencing, cleanups and myriad other programs to enhance our position and create good will. We are RESPONSIBLE!