Introduction

Why should I join a club?

 

The sport of ATVing is experiencing unprecedented enthusiasm and growth. ATV clubs such as ATVenture Trail Jockeys are an integral part of this sport — and with good reason. From fun to safety, the combined efforts of ATV'ers can accomplish far more than one ATV rider can individually. In fact, only the collective imagination and talent of a club’s members limit the possibilities. Moreover, the club(s) can pool together volunteer work forces and increase the pleasure of ATV use by spreading the work required to organize events or to build and maintain marked trails among many hands. A club can have more fun, more safely, with less effort and less cost.

 

What kinds of activities do the ATVenture Trail Jockeys and other clubs engage in?

 

A listing of actual ATV club activities would cover many pages. It would include development of trail networks and use areas, organized competitive events, trail rides, safety workshops, fund raising for charity, camping trips, rescue work, maintenance workshops, newsletter publications and work with private and public landowners and other ATV clubs. ATVenture Trail Jockeys activities are mostly family oriented, so that all ages may join in the fun, and share in the work.

 

I am most concerned about securing areas to use and enjoy my ATV. Can clubs help?

 

The importance of ATV clubs is most evident in providing for management of riding areas and their maintenance by the club. One individual is hardly capable of providing similar assurances. The club’s role in State governmental land-use decision-making is extremely important. The club provides public and or private land managers/owners with a permanent contact and a responsible party to turn to for advice.

 

But many laws which affect me are passed at the State and National Levels. How can a club help me here?

 

Most active clubs specialize in community–level activities and link their resources with those of other clubs in their State through an association such as ATV Maine. Again, the added numbers of ATVers and the aggregate talents of the clubs ensure the best representation of each ATV users’ interests.

ROLE OF A CLUB

 

While ATV riding should be fun, its very nature demands compliance with certain standards of operation to ensure personal safety. Members and potential members can take a Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Safety Course. The safety course highlights safe riding practices and environmental ethics when riding the trails. Although ATVenture Trail Jockeys have several ATV Safety Instructors we encourage other members and/or non-members to take an extended instructors’ course in order to help stage these courses in their own areas.

 

Similarly, the operation of ATV’s must conform to certain laws and codes to avoid unnecessary infringements on the rights of others. In order for ATVers to expect the right to use their All-Terrain Vehicles on both public and private lands, they must be willing to respect the needs and desires of other outdoor recreational users. The future of ATVing is dependent in large measure upon the actions of responsible operators to control these abuses. Here’s where we can exert a positive influence through education and peer pressure. The ATVenture Trail Jockeys strongly suggests that each ATVer adopt the ATV code of ethics.

 

Membership Info

ATVenture Trail Jockeys membership is based on a points system. Everyone in the club is charged the same price. The club members will have the opportunity to earn points throughout the membership year by participating in the club in a variety of different ways. If you earn 15 points during the club year, your membership fee is significantly lowered the following year. 

 

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Membership Application

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ATV Code of Ethics

 

  • I will respect the rights of all recreationalists to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

  • I will respect public and private property.

  • I will park considerately, taking no more space than needed, without blocking other vehicles, and without impeding access to trails.

  • I will keep to the right when meeting another recreationalist. Yield the right-of-way to traffic moving uphill.

  • I will slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking another.

  • I will respect designated areas, trail-use signs and established trails.

  • When stopping, I will not block the trail.

  • I will not disturb wildlife.

  • I will avoid areas posted for the protection of feeding wildlife.

  • I will not litter and will pack out everything I pack in.

  • I realize that my destination objective and travel speed should be determined by my equipment, ability, the terrain, weather, and traffic on the trail.  In case of emergency, I will volunteer assistance.

  • I will not interfere with or harass others.  I recognize that people judge all trail users by my actions.

  • Motorized trail users should pull off the trail and stop their engines when encountering horseback riders. It is also a good idea to take off your helmet and greet the riders.