Nickel Features
There’s plenty of terrain in Our Backyard to test man and machine.

The popularity of off-road motorsports continues to grow and the Grand Junction office of the Bureau of Land Management has responded with an aggressive trail building and management effort.

The adjacent map shows the many areas identified in Mesa County for either motorsports or mountain biking. Detailed maps of each area are available from the BLM regional office near Walker Field Airport in Grand Junction.

Jim Cooper, transportation planner in the Grand Junction BLM Field Office, explained that the trail building efforts have two purposes. The first is to offer expanded opportunities for off-roaders. The second is to minimize damage done to the environment when vehicles leave designated trails or make their own trails.

Motorcycles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles and 4x4s are welcome in designated areas. The size of the trails typically dictates which vehicles use which trails. Motorcycles and bicycles are comfortable on single-track trails. ATVs need something wider. Four-wheel-drive Jeeps or other vehicles need something wider yet.

As can be seen, many of the trails are mixed-use, meaning a variety of vehicles can enjoy the same terrain. The key to making mixed-use trails work for everyone is in the users.
“We’re all out there for the same thing,” Cooper said. “The most important thing is to smile and have a good time with your buddies.” That way, everyone has a good experience.

As with any sport, there are a variety of safety and etiquette rules that always should be followed. For safety:

• Know your off-highway vehicle. Review all operating instructions and safety information.
• Wear helmets and other safety equipment. 4x4 drivers and passengers should wear seatbelts and secure all loose equipment.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Leave them a map.
• Practice the buddy system. Riding solo can get you in trouble.
• Always be prepared. Carry water, snacks, a compass (GPS units don’t always work), a first aid kit and tools. Be ready for bad weather. Be sure each member of your group has a map and knows where you are headed.
• Don’t ride on trails or in areas beyond your ability. Don’t ride when tired.
• Be especially careful when loading or off-loading your off-highway vehicle. Always check trailers and be sure your off-highway vehicle is securely tied down.
• Always know the off-highway regulations for the area you are traveling such as sound level restrictions, spark arrestor requirements or travel restrictions.

Learn and practice these principles of “Tread Lightly.”

• Travel and recreate with a minimum impact. Stay on designated roads and trails.
• Respect the environment and the rights of others. Yield to hikers and horseback riders.
• Educate yourself and plan before you go.
• Allow for future use of the outdoors by leaving it better than you found it.
• Avoid streams, meadows and sensitive areas.
• Drive and travel responsibly.