Off-Pavement Patriotism
It's all about access to our heritage of freedom
By Del & Stacie Albright, Sustainable Motorized Recreation Advocates
We have
finally learned the secret to why backcountry motorsports enthusiasts love what
we do so much. We can now wrap our arms around the magic that keeps us all
working on our machines and hitting the trails, dunes, deserts, and mountains. It
is merely about freedom. It is about access to the heritage of freedom that has
been fought for so hard in our country and overseas. It is a fundamental component of patriotism.
As authors,
we’ve struggled for some time trying to “label” the passion, devotion, and
commitment many of us have to our motorized conveyances. We know now that was
the wrong approach; it’s not the machine; it’s what it gives us. It’s about
freedom.
Undoubtedly,
the good old U.S. of A has some marvelous and spectacular scenery, coupled with
a vast array of cool historical stuff to see. But the freedom we have to
explore gives us the opportunity to enjoy all these things. Our machines take
us to places that give each of us a sense of our own heritage and freedom.
We recently
cruised in our Jeep, sharing some trails in a southwest desert with ATVs, dirt
bikes, side-by-sides, and dune buggies. We were all breathing the same dust,
admiring the same blue skies, loving the volcanic tableland of the high desert,
and just plain relishing the camaraderie that accompanies users of the great
outdoors. It mattered not what someone was driving/riding; it was that we were
all out to treasure our heritage and righteously enjoy the freedom we have
fought for and earned.
Patriotism
is best described as having a “devotion” to one’s country and supporting the cause
of independence. Well, there you have it. That’s us. We are patriots.
Yes, we do
all these things responsibly. That goes without saying. But no matter how you
cut it, it’s still about getting out there and doing it – the way you like it!
It’s about access, and it is about freedom.
An essential
part of the outdoor passion for freedom is having the ability to share these
things with our friends and family. Passing on the heritage and history of our
country and responsible outdoor recreation is a big part of what we do and why
we do it. There is nothing like seeing a kid’s eyes light up after a gnarly
hill climb or seeing a child give a big thumbs up while safely strapped in the
back of a bouncing rig. It is also why we fight so hard to help keep what is
left of our public land and trails open so that we can all get out there and
enjoy ourselves.
We are about
access, and we must never forget the freedom and liberty that have been fought for by so many when we are out there sharing the trails; sharing the dust, the scenery, and the off-pavement lifestyle. Just remember, it is all about independence. Just
picture John Wayne riding off into the sunset. It is a passion, our American
way of life; it is how we express our off-pavement patriotism.
We are
freedom fighters and by God, let no one stand in the way of our access to our
heritage. So stay in the game with us, and keep up the fight. Join those groups and clubs that make sense to you. Make sure your voice is heard.
At your
service, Del & Stacie Albright
LINKS:
DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)
WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)
PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)
More land use and volunteerism help here:
