The Burts Bees thread touched on this, but there was so much crap for people to wade through that I wanted to start a new thread in hopes that it could avoid the bickering.
I'm hoping people can post up activities they have organized or participated in to support off roading, that others can take away and repeat in their local areas. Something above and beyond the local trail clean-ups that I hope are going on already. Numbchux talked about a rally they held at their state capital, and mentioned some upcoming event that I hope he will expand on.

 

Sure thing. The best concrete information that can be found about upcoming events in MN, is at www.MNOHV.org

There you can find clips of the news stories that aired about our Rally. aswell as information regarding the upcoming open house at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreational Area.


As a member of the North Shore Wheelers (my Subaru is still pictured on the Member's page. it'll probalby be awhile before I have any shots of my 4Runner worty of that page...), I've been helping with the planning of an 'Offroad Expo' as we're calling it. We're hoping to hold an event in the large parking lot of the Duluth Convention Center next summer. showcasing what Offroading is to us. The steps we take to keep it safe, both for us, and the environment around us. Bringing spokespeople from the MN4WDA, and MNOHV.org. we're also talking about setting up a small obstical course. Maybe a small instructional course about wheeling for the first time.

The primary goal here, is to encourage people to come out and try it. Duluth is a perfect location for it, being the closest 'metropolitan' area to Minnesota's only State-owned offroad park (it's only about an hour away). We also want to stress that virtually anything with 4WD can come out, and have fun, without risking damage. especially if they stick with a group (and we're happy to show newcomers around the park!).

as I said, the event is still in the planning stages. We have not secured a location, although we have a few connections that are looking promising, but this also means we don't have very many other details worked out. only the concept, and the motivation. I'll keep you all posted!


another great event that I have proudly been a participant both of it's first 2 years, is the MS Crawl 4 the Cure, Which has raised almost $50k over those 2 years towards Multiple Sclerosis Research. This, obviously, isn't directly geared towards the positive image of the sport, is an excellent example of our capability to unite, and pool our resources towards a greater good!

and I hope that people all around the country can take the example being set by these groups here in Minnesota, and help turn the public image of our sport around!!

 

Thanks Matt,
Keep us posted on the event planning. If you run into issues (event insurance, location permits) it would be helpful to know how you get past those also. Anytime groups find ways to make this happen, the lessons learned can be shared so they don't have to be repeated.

 

Well...not much has happened by way of this event....except we've found a place that would like to host it. A large Ford Dealership right off the highway up here. they think it'd be great publicity for them....so they're going to let us set up an obstacle course, and info tables/booths, etc. for free!!!

not much else is known at this stage....but we're having a big club meeting in about 2 weeks....so more info then.