Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Wow, the 4th is almost here!!!

Well it is Tuesday and some of you are already up riding in the woods. After the light rain that we received most of the day yesterday, there might or might not be mud puddles. I don't have any laying around here so I am thinking it soaked into the ground as soon as it was hitting it. We were in desperate need of some rain.
Well the 4th is only a few days away! There will be fireworks in the town of Rose City and West Branch if any of you are interested. Check anywhere in the two towns and someone will be able to tell you were to sit for a good view of the fun. I know there is a parade in the city of Rose City. We will be scoping out the fireworks in Rose City like we do every year. I must say for a small town they are very nice fireworks. Fun is had by all!!
Stay safe, tread lightly and we will see you some where out there on the trails!
I have to send out a shout-out to Big E Bakery and Ice Cream shop! They have AWESOME soup and sandwiches and the price is a good deal. The ice cream of course is even better!!
Don't forget to let the merchants in town know that you appreciate having the ORV ordinance in town!!!

CCC/Bent Wheels Pictures




Thursday, June 25, 2009

HOT is the word!

Well we have all been begging for summer and it has hit us with a Texas force! It has been in the 80's and 90's. Not much rain so the trails are VERY DUSTY!!!!
Well the CCC/Bentwheels Bike run last weekend was excellent. It seems like everyone had a wonderful time and no serious injuries were reported. No one got lost either so there was no need for our Search & Rescue teams. I had a blast standing at the corner of M-33 and Heath Rd. It was so much fun seeing all the riders on Sunday. I want to THANK ALL of the riders who thanked us for being there. It was a very nice gesture. I have pictures to follow!
I have to tell you about a story that one of our ORV Patrol Officers was told the other day. We have alot of people who ride horses on the trails that are also now occupied by ORV/ATV riders. He was a little worried when the new ordinance took affect because of the noise vs his horses. He told our patroler that he was amazed at the generous effort ALL riders that he has come across took to not spook his horses. He says that EVERY rider that he has come across and he stated it was 100 or more has ALWAYS turned off their BIKE/ATV/ORV until he was well away from them so not to spook his horses. He was so amazed and excited that you all do that for horse riders. I also want to tell you all how PROUD I am of all of you that has shown compassion and generosity to outdoor enthusiast no matter what they may be riding. It's wonderful to know that you all act like one big family and it takes a BIG person to do that now days. So thanks a bunch from all of us and keep up the good work.
Just a note to all people who wish to ride up into Oscoda County while riding the trails in Ogemaw County. We ask that you please get a map for that area. There are ALOT of places you can't ride no matter what people are telling you. The DNR and State Forest Officers have NO TOLERANCE for us! They are handing out tickets left and right and are not giving you any warnings whats so ever. You are not allowed to ride on roads in the state forest unless it is posted that you can ride on it. If it's not posted, its not legal.
Well anywhooooo, with summer officially here, remember the bug spray and your water and have a WONDERFUL time here in Ogemaw County.
Tread Lightly and See you on the Trails!!!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Rose City Trailhead Ribbon Cutting Ceremony




Ogemaw Herald Orv Article

News Editor | editor@ogemawherald.com
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OGEMAW COUNTY —?With the economic problems throughout the nation, many communities are looking for ways to bring money back into their local economy. Many Northern Michigan counties have turned to off-road vehicles as a way to bring people into the area.

Ogemaw County was the first county in the state of Michigan to pass an ordinance opening the shoulders of roads throughout the county to ORVs, when commissioners voted to accept the ordinance on Sept. 11, 2008.

Since that time, 34 other counties have passed a similar ordinance, including neighboring Arenac, Roscommon, Iosco, Gladwin, Oscoda, Crawford and Alcona counties.

And according to Rose City-Lupton Area Chamber of Commerce President Mike Dunn, more people bringing ORVs to Ogemaw County means economic growth.

“That’s huge for us,” Dunn said of the county’s ORV ordinance, as well as the opening of trailheads in Rose City and Lupton. “I think that’s helping to open the door for economic growth. I hope everyone else does too.”

West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Steve Leonard said that while the West Branch area may not necessarily see a direct benefit of ORVs in Ogemaw County, there certainly are some indirect benefits.

“It brings a lot of people to the area,” Leonard said. “West Branch doesn’t see a great benefit, but Rose City does, of course. Those businesses earn money from ORVers and then there’s the trickle-down effect.”

Leonard agreed that being an ORV-friendly county can be a big help to the local economics.

“ORVs are very important to our area,” he said. “A lot of people come up here. It’s brought a lot of new business to the area.”

Dr. Kendall Paulson, owner of Rose City Chiropractic, was instrumental in bringing the ORV ordinance to Ogemaw County, according to many. He said the ordinance has brought a lot to the area.

“Many ORV activities, business opportunities, and trail projects have been taking place in our county as a result,” he said. “These include becoming the destination of choice for the largest ATV club in Michigan. This club has contributed to the Rose City Playground Fund and assisted in the Lupton Trail Project, which will provide an ORV/snowmobile parking area and access to food and gas in Lupton for riders coming from the very popular Bull Gap trail system.”

Yamaha Corporation recently presented a $10,000 grant toward that project. In addition, Yamaha also presented Rose City with an additional $18,750 grant for a trailhead which held its grand opening Tuesday.

Paulson added that last year, the state’s largest off-road motorcycle group celebrated its 40th year in Rose City for its fourth-consecutive Fall Color Tour. More than 450 people participated in that event.

“The Beaver Trail Campground of Clear Lake is busier than it has ever been, catering to ORV enthusiasts,” Paulson said. “That was a campground that took over three years to sell because of lackluster business. Now it’s enjoying full capacity most weekends. The Clear Lake Bar installed a gas pump. Realtors report ORV enthusiasts looking for property and cottages in our county as opposed to others without ordinances.”

Bob Hetherington oversees the Sheriff’s ORV Patrol, and he says Ogemaw County has a lot to offer ORV riders.

“We’ve got a lot of nice hills here,” Hetherington said. He said he talks to people from all over — including people from out of state, as well as Canadian residents.

“They all come up because they like the hills,” he said. “They like the opportunity to (ride on the sides of the roads and) get food and get gas.”

Hetherington said that before 1992, all county roads and two-track trails were open to anyone. However, in 1992 a law was passed that closed roads and two-track trails to ORVs unless posted otherwise. He said when the opportunity arose to once again open the shoulders of the roads to ORV traffic, it had to be done.

“It was very important to get all this opened up,” he said.

And since the ORV ordinance was passed, Hetherington said he has seen a large increase in the numer of ORVs in the trails.

Hetherington said that ORVs are becoming the new snowmobile.

“ORVs outnumber snowmobiles now,” he said. “We’re trying to get more trails opened up. If you put all the ORVs on the trails that we have now, it would be like Detroit at rush hour. We need to open up the two-tracks.”

Currently, while ORVs are allowed to operate on the shoulders of county roads, they are still not permitted on two-track trails, which Hetherington described as a road with a strip of grass down the center.

He said there is talk of possibly opening up the two-track trails to handicapped riders and seniors.

“We’re not trying to see how fast we can go,” he said.

According to Hetherington, there are approximately 50 miles of trails in Ogemaw County. Those trails lead to 342 miles of trails in other counties.

“From our area you can access six different trails in Roscommon and Oscoda County,” Hetherington said. “That’s what makes it so neat here.”

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Wow we are busy!!!

First of all I have not been able to really post My power cord caught on fire for my laptop so I am currently on my OLD laptop which is slower than molasses in winter.
We had our ribbon cutting ceremony last night on the Rose City ORV Trailhead. It was an awesome turnout. I will be posting pictures as soon as my new power cord gets here. Hopefully today seeing they said it was shipped out on the 12th. So come riding and visit the new trailhead. It is right in town and you can reach the gas stations and resturants in town. Remember that you CANNOT ride on M-33 even though it is named a different road in the town of Rose City it is still a state run road and you are not allowed to drive on it with an ORV or unlicesened motorcycle.
We have a busy weekend coming up. The Bent Wheels Cycle Club will be up this weekend in Rose City. They will be having runs on Saturday and Sunday. I posted their information on a prior posting. I am sure if you show up, they will let you join their awesome club and let you ride their events. They do have rules that you must follow and do have noise restrictions for your dirt bike. So come on up, it looks like a decent weekend to ride!!!
There will be a Ogemaw Sheriff' ORV patrol meeting tonight at Badlands so that everyone can get ready to patrol and keep everyone safe. Also to let everyone know that we also have patrolers that are on a Search and Rescue team so if you need help, just flag someone down and we will get things rolling for you.
Just want to remind everyone about the age restrictions for riding an ORV and a motorcycle. There are different requirements and age requirements for an ORV vs a Dirt bike. Please make sure you know the correct laws for the county that you are riding in.
Some trails and roads are open in Oscoda county but Forest Roads ARE NOT allowed to be riden on unless you are licensed by the State of Michigan. If you are going to end up in Oscoda County, PLEASE get yourself a State Forest map and STUDY it. I would really hate for anyone to get a ticket and the Forest Officers and the DNR have a NO TOLERANCE Policy towards ANY ORV or Motorcylce/Dirt Bike. Someone is always trying to rain on our parade and we are just trying to keep you updated so that you have a wonderful vacation without the tacked on cost of a "Costly" ticket.
So ride safe, ride with knowledge and most important of all, ride to have FUN!!!
See you on the trails!!!!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Bent Wheel Enduro June 20-21, 2009

THE BENT WHEELS ENDURO TRADITION HAS RETURNED
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH M.O.R.E AND FAMILY ENDURO SERIES
ROSE CITY, MICHIGAN

Family Enduro Series
Bent Handlebar Classic
June 20 & 21, 2009
Perfect Family Event- Great Spectator Sections
RIDE SATURDAY WITH THE FAMILY OR ON A VINTAGE BIKE
RIDE SUNDAY IN THE D-14/D-15 ENDURO
RESTART FORMAT – NO TIMEKEEPING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
MOTOCROSS BIKES WELCOME – MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH SPARK ARRESTOR, ORV STICKER AND PASS 96db SOUND TEST
THIS IS A POINTS CARRYING EVENT FOR THE MI FAMILY ENDURO SERIES
On site staging and free camping- fresh water, pit toilets, all amenities nearby – gas convenience stores, motels, etc. Badlands 989-685-3955 Scenic Motel 989-685-2668


FES ENDURO SIGN UP ON DAY OF EVENT ONLY
$20 per rider/$15 non comp bike
Sign up Saturday Morning 7:30 AM until 10:30 AM
START TIME 11:00 AM RIDERS MEETING 10:00 AM
ORV sticker and spark arrestor required 94 db sound limit







FES 2009 Class Structure
A – Buddy Class B – Ages 4-6 C – Ages 7-8 D – Ages 9-11
E – Ages 12-13 F – Ages 14-15 G – Women: Ages 11-15 H – Women: Ages 16+
· Your age on January 1st generally determines the age class that you ride in for the entire season. You
may choose to move up to a higher age if you are that age, but if done during mid-season, any existing
points you’ve earned will not be transferred to that new class.
· If you just want to ride the event to help your kid or family member, you can ride “P” class. “P” class
riders are not scored and are not eligible for trophies or series points.
· If you just want to ride the event for fun and not be scored for a trophy, you can ride “X” class. “X”
class riders also do not earn series points.
· Classes A, B, and C will ride only the first loop for this event. All other classes will run the full course. A,
B, and C classes will start in later rows to help minimize traffic and passing on the trail.
· Parents and support riders should ride BEHIND their child. It’s easier to keep an eye on them, and helps
riders develop a better understanding of timekeeping and strategy if they to do it on their own as much
as possible.
· The intent and spirit of the Family Enduro Series is to help teach the sport of enduros and timekeeping.
Enduro computers are not allowed, only an odometer and clock/watch.
· The best 5 out of 8 events will count towards overall standings and awards at the end-of-season
banquet.
· Please do not use an FES event to “race” as a way of practicing for the adult enduro held on Sunday. If
you ride the AMA enduro series, you should NOT be competing for points in the FES.
· Have fun, and treasure the time you ride with your kids… It goes by fast!
· For more info, including the FES schedule, results, and point standings, please visit www.d14enduro.org
www. Bentwheels.com

FES Mike Mauer517- 763- 9406mike@nationalenduro.com

Info: Tom Dunn 517-896-9757 tdunn976@yahoo.com Keith Alexander 248-860-8832 kja5705@hotmail.com

Directions: I-75 North to Exit 202 Rose City/Alger
Take M-33 north 18 miles into downtown Rose City Continue ¼ mile north from traffic light to the Badlands Complex & Motel on left- Enter our property !



Family Enduro Series Sign-Up Info
FES 2009 Class Structure
A – Buddy Class
B – Ages 4-6
C – Ages 7-8
D – Ages 9-11
E – Ages 12-13
F – Ages 14-15
G – Women: Ages 11-15
H – Women: Ages 16+
I – Ages 16-39
J – Ages 40-54
K – Ages 55+
· Your age on January 1st generally determines the age class that you ride in for the entire season. You
may choose to move up to a higher age if you are that age, but if done during mid-season, any existing
points you’ve earned will not be transferred to that new class.
· If you just want to ride the event to help your kid or family member, you can ride “P” class. “P” class
riders are not scored and are not eligible for trophies or series points.
· If you just want to ride the event for fun and not be scored for a trophy, you can ride “X” class. “X”
class riders also do not earn series points.
· Classes A, B, and C will ride only the first loop for this event. All other classes will run the full course. A,
B, and C classes will start in later rows to help minimize traffic and passing on the trail.
· Parents and support riders should ride BEHIND their child. It’s easier to keep an eye on them, and helps
riders develop a better understanding of timekeeping and strategy if they to do it on their own as much
as possible.
· The intent and spirit of the Family Enduro Series is to help teach the sport of enduros and timekeeping.
Enduro computers are not allowed, only an odometer and clock/watch.
· The best 5 out of 8 events will count towards overall standings and awards at the end-of-season
banquet.
· Please do not use an FES event to “race” as a way of practicing for the adult enduro held on Sunday. If
you ride the AMA enduro series, you should NOT be competing for points in the FES.
· Have fun, and treasure the time you ride with your kids… It goes by fast!
· For more info, including the FES schedule, results, and point standings, please visit www.d14enduro.org

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Rose City ORV Trailhead

Grand Opening is scheduled for June 16th, Tuesday, at 6:30 PM at Trailhead located on Rose City Rd 2 blocks east of M-33. If you would like to attend, it will be short but sweet. I hope to post some pictures for you.