Another area closed to "Motorized Vehicles"

[Lakota Sport Rider]

This area is State Trust land and was a cool little spot close to home to ride at, its at Mountain View rd. and Lost Dutchman rd. in Apache Junction. I contacted the State Trust Land Dept. and they were clueless and had no info. so I called the police and the reason they said it was now closed was because they dont want us there no more, and proceeded to tell me that the desert wells area 204mm & 207mm are to be closed with in a few months as well, said us Dirt Bike and ATV riders cause to much trouble around there and the only solution is to shut these places DOWN. The officer stated that if your caught in these areas your ATV will be impounded and you will be ticketed, he mentioned that if I like riding so much I should invest in a horse, because most of the areas closing to motorized vehicles are going to be for hikers and horse riding only, says dirt bikes and atv's are a dying hobby and people are getting tired of us. What can be done? Iam very angered from the response I recieved and feel discriminated, I will never get rid of my quad to get a horse, Bite me.. I feel that there is to many fricken "yuppies" moving here that want to change things. How do you feel about this? What can we do? What are our rights if we do have any at all? Thanks Jeff

2001 Kawasaki Lakota Sport
Ford F-250 4x4 Diesel Truck
2 Brindle Boxers

"Getting Dirty"

"

[firetruckfixer]

Well i have to agree with you. One question i have is you said the state land dept had no clue. Did they have no clue that the area was closed or what was happening out there? It sounds to me that the local pd closed the area and honestly i dont know how they can if it is state trust land. Let me know maybe it is time to call the governers office on this crap. I love horses but they smell and my butt hurts for days after riding so ill stick to my quad. jeff

[Shannon]

If the land is State Trust land, how can they not know if the area is closed? I'm a little confused. Who did you talk to?

Here are all the contact numbers for State Trust:

http://www.land.state.az.us/support/contact.htm

Mr. Shannon (shannon@ridingarizona.com)
President - Riding Arizona.com
2001 Honda 400EX - Yes, I ride it like I stole it!

[quadrider]

Jeff, It is too bad you did not get this cops name and badge number (for what it is worth). This sounds like the typical jerk Apache Junction cops (I am assuming that is the agency that you were speaking to)that we encountered at Ironwood before it was closed. I have not looked at a map but is the 204/207 area even in Apache Junction's jurisdiction?

It is my take that you need to send your post to someone at the BLM and ask for a clarification on this cops "bold" comments about the 204/207 area "up for closure in a few months" (for what it is worth). I have been down to the BLM office a couple of times and trying to talk to them about anything (other than maps & permits) has been a waste of time.

They are government employees working in an office (in a lousy area/building) that is under staffed and appeared to be under appreciated by their superiors. The employees that I have spoken with seemed to be "out of the loop" and clueless when it comes to discussing BLM property that is rumored to be closed or pending legislation issues when discussing motorized vehicle use (as they call it).

As I have said now for the last year "we" are in big trouble when it comes to riding on BLM property. Example, just on our side of Phoenix we lost Gold Canyon (201) and Ironwood. Now this big mouth cop boldly states to you that 204/207 are next and you need to consider "getting a horse". The statements this cop made to you are completely out of line and inappropriate (who made him God?).

I predicted in a post a few months ago this exact same scenario, some anti-off road people like this over zealous "Barney Fife" cop will go after the 204/207 just like they did 201 & Ironwood.

What I think will be interesting to observe about this cops statement (closing 204/207) is this: There are not many "homes" currently around the vicinity of this property (like what happened at 201 & Ironwood). So, if Barney Fife and his band of anti-off road buddies do persuade the BLM to close it from off-road use, it will simply indicate that off-road enthuses like us are absolutely powerless to stop these continued closures that we have observed over the last year due to pressure on the BLM from "special interest" groups. (Even when homes are not located near the property as would be the case with the 204/207).

As I said before, I feel fortunate that I can go to the dunes and ride and not put up with this crap.

Side Bar: I was down at the BLM office about a month ago. I parked in the parking garage that is behind the building that the BLM is located in. This is the parking garage that the BLM tells you to park in if you call them before coming to their location (and, they will stamp your ticket for "free" parking). I parked on the 2nd level and took the stairs down to "ground-level".

The stairwell area was completely full of trash (ankle deep & higher, blankets everywhere) and there are (4) guys in the stairwell area smoking "crack". There was literally hundreds of these little foil packs everywhere on the floor (I am guessing that is how "crack" comes packaged) and piles of matchbook covers and burnt matches. These guys smoking "crack" looked like they would kill you for nothing.

When I finished at the BLM office I walked back to my car "through" the parking garage avoiding the stairwell, there was "what I would say" homeless people along the sides of the parking garage drive "camped-out". I would suggest paying attention to what is going on around you if you go to the BLM office and need to use this parking garage.

[Icanopen]

They just closed Cave Creek and Dynamite Area. 03/10/2004

But the signs were being posted by City of Phoenix, Parks Department
Not State Trust Land Official.

I've also noticed the signs are slowly falling down and off.

Opion: State Trust Land Department does not care if we have a place to ride or not and they will allow any city to post the signs as they see fit.



Suzuki LTZ 400

[CybrWolf]

The Desert wells area (mm204/207) is state trust land only. The only people complaining about OHV's in this area are ranchers. This is mainly due to people leaving gates open and people using their tanks (water holes) as jumps. The other area (Mountain View rd. and Lost Dutchman rd) was most likely shut down due to dust control. That is what they are using to shut areas down around the city. Hmm, don't know about you all, but I'll take my dust over some black smoke billowing bus or semi! I know that the Sheriff of Pinal County is a complete aZZ when it comes to Quads. Got pulled over by him out around Queen valley, and had him lecture me and the rest of the group on we're the reason why he carries body bags. Oh I was completely legal to be on the road, got the MC plates. So premiss is to stop and harrass first, then check if you'll legal later.
Miller

[quadrider]

After watching the posts/comments on this site for several months now, I have arrived to the conclusion that when it comes to quads/or off road riding in general and cops.

The police agencies overall, have vague interpretations when it comes to how the laws actually apply to quads & off road riding.

It appears to me that it is left up to the individual officers to interpret the laws as they see fit and what kind of mood they are in at the time.

I have ran into some cops that were good and you could actually carry on a conversation with and I have seen some that I would say go out of their way to be as difficult as possible. Basically the "Barney Fife" types.

I have spoken to a couple of cops that verified this theory of "selective enforcement".

[dezrtrasr]

AS far as the Land use areas, we need to step back and consider the source. There are people out there that don't like us! These can be anyone! Cops, clergy, Hell even my Doctor doesn't like ATV usage.[although he loves the paycheck from my get-offs] The bottom line is the Police get nusiance calls for dust, noise, wreckless behavior and trash that several of the "jugheads" of our sport feel is their right to leave. You may be out there in first gear with your kids following you. But if one of these enviro-freaks see your truck loaded going to you favorite spot, which is behind their house, they're gonna call and make up the best story ever! And if you were one the Policeman who hated those calls and someone called to ask permission to go out there, what would you do. Tell the person No! It's Closed!
A friend of mine is in the middle of a court battle because someone didn't like ATV's in the State Trust Land on Meridian and Elliot. The guy called everytime he heard a truck, quad or even hunters out in the desert behind his house.Then my friend decided to go riding and the Enviro Nazi bastard ran my friend and his quad down with his VAN!! My buddy has 2 witnesses and a signed confession that the SOB signed 2 hours later at Mesa PD!!Then the idiot had his son call in death threats[that are recorded] to my friend if he didn't stop the leagal action. Then lied to my friends insurance [ his 400ex is street leagal, licensed and insured]trying to get his van fixed after the accident. He stated in the claim that he was patrolling a portion of [u]HIS DESERT </u>when he caught tresspassers! My friend wasn't even on the dirt!! He was on the street!!![u]LEGALLY</u>.Then the biggest topper was when the culprit called the State Land people and demanded the area closed. They told him there wasn't any money to fence it off, hopeing that would let him down quietly. But he hired a company to put 4x4's and cable and signs up!! Illegally!! [Which the "fit hit the shan" recently about that, and the removal process should be completed before summer according to the State].[u]This is the kind of people we are up against</u>.
According to several sources and friends of mine,( one being AZ Trail Riders web site) Desert Wells and Pima and Dynamite are and will continue to be open.
This is of course a privilage that can be revoked if the OHV community gives the enviro-terrorists ANY leverage or reason to present to the courts. Who remembers the Cave Buttes Dam area off Cave Creek road. The Hot air Ballonists can't even use that area!! That's how psycho these enviro's are.
Just look at the ASA[ American Sand Assoc.]web site. The Sierra Club and other groups have been slamming them and the Glamis Dune Area for years, over a weed that doesn't even exist on this continent! Only a "cousin" does and it was proven that it flourished more in the areas that trafic helped keep the sand away. The data they used to get the closures, was from the 1970's. But when the ASA,Blue Ribbon Coalition and others banded together, they won back some of the closures with cold, hard scientific evidence and exposed the frauds and their shady practices.
We need to educate ourselves, and those we ride with to follow a few simple rules. How hard is it to take a trash bag with you and take your water bottles and cans home? Go to the Landfills with your refrigerators and couches. Also ,there are many trails out there that can challenge the best rider among us, [if you need a list, I can get one together] so stay on the existing trails. Please!! If you need more of a challenge, try a harder trail! Try racing! Whiplash, SCORE , BiTD all have courses that challenge the best in our sport. If you're as fast as you think you are why not take the challenge and make some cash to boot!! Not to mention the relief your family will feel knowing you're going Mach 10 on a closed course. Or try using mediums like this to set up "Fast Guy" runs, to get more challe

[powert1]

Another point is to not break the rules of the area, and turn in those who do. The desert wells area is closed to shooting, I have been out there several times recently and found shells and clay pigeons, and seen folks coming in that are not going to be riding. If that continues, those areas will be shut down. I agree, stand up to the environmentalist wackos and any rogue cop who thinks he has more authority than he does. Get badge numbers, specifics and challenge them to provide details and to call a supervisor out if you doubt them. Use good judgement on this, don't want to provoke an arrest. And certainly, clean up after ourselves!

[deviousracing]

how are you supposed to know that an area is now closed, would there by signs? or to the cops just roll up and give you a ticked, Im new to AZ just moved here in December and dont want to get tickets

[b12jared]

I am so glad I don't live near Phoenix anymore, with all the closures I would go stir crazy.

If the area is closed to ATVs it has to be physically posted, and the police cannot write a ticket if it is not. It works the same as handicaped parking, it has to be posted on a sign, if not no ticket. There are some cops who have ludicrous views on atvs, and my county is no exception. When I worked fot the S.O. up here is was an order by the Sheriff to ticket all atvs and have them towed if they where violating the county ordinance (no riding within 1/2 mile of any residences). I stopped a guy on a Raptor a few years back, and he let me take it for a spin. It really upsets me to have these other cops messing with our sport.

As for the environmental bastards, shoot one and save the taxpayers some money. lol just kidding, make sure you bury the body deep. People who move to areas where we ride, race or whatever know what they are getting into, but yet they still move in and ruin it for everyone. Just take a look at all the drag strips, and tracks closed in CA. We are having a similar problem here in Kingman, the fairgrounds have been in the same area for over 30 years. People now complain about the rodeo loudspeaker, and monster trucks, or MX races go on. They could have moved into another neighborhood.

dezrtasr, Your friend is nicer than I am, I probably would have hobbled up to the sucker in the van, and broke his face. I better stop, I am just getting more aggravated now. my .02.

22 years or riding in AZ.
Did I just pass you, again?

[Exodus11]

quote:Originally posted by Icanopen

They just closed Cave Creek and Dynamite Area. 03/10/2004

But the signs were being posted by City of Phoenix, Parks Department
Not State Trust Land Official.

I've also noticed the signs are slowly falling down and off.

Opion: State Trust Land Department does not care if we have a place to ride or not and they will allow any city to post the signs as they see fit.



Suzuki LTZ 400



this here just sucks! my g/f's dad is a phoenix police officer and hes got a raptor and a warrior....on sat he HAD TO GO OUT and start writing tickets in this area! talked to him about it on sunday and he said it sucked! he was trying to give as many warnings and "just go somewhere else" as he could but still, its the principal. the d@mn earth movers and tractors spit up more dust and "junk" in the air than any bike...or quad...BUT NOOOOOOO...we cant have "riders" in the way of Housing Developments...or enviromentalists...
1) yes i know! bikes and quads will make scars in the earth. and yes i know it takes some time to heal...BUT ATLEAST IT DOES HEAL!!!
2) Houses and Housing Developments are a load of BS!! they have to A) destroy completely acres and acres of land(that will never grow back) b) lay CONCRETE that will never be torn up...

sorry just venting...

'99 YZ 125
'04 KX 125

[Lakota Sport Rider]

Now they are looking for volunteers this Saturday the 17th to completely fence and post the area, read it in the Independent newspaper thats local here in A.J., I can just imagine the kind of folk that will be out there,can ya say "yuppies"!! I moved here to AZ. because of the open spaces through out this beautiful state, and now it seems to be all fenced in, maybe Wyominig our some place in Montana is where my future is? I need to be in ATV/OHV friendly environments, it's sad to be riding and thinking your breaking the law, where's the fun in that? Jeff

[WyoDuner]

quote:Originally posted by Lakota Sport Rider

Now they are looking for volunteers this Saturday the 17th to completely fence and post the area, read it in the Independent newspaper thats local here in A.J., I can just imagine the kind of folk that will be out there,can ya say "yuppies"!! I moved here to AZ. because of the open spaces through out this beautiful state, and now it seems to be all fenced in, maybe Wyominig our some place in Montana is where my future is? I need to be in ATV/OHV friendly environments, it's sad to be riding and thinking your breaking the law, where's the fun in that? Jeff


Lakota Rider, I moved here from Wyoming and there is actually a lot more riding here. Wyoming is all fenced off - mostly ranch land or public land that you cannot ride on.

AZ is actually a pretty open state compared to others in the West. Utah is pretty ATV friendly.

2002 Banshee
2000 Banshee
1995 Warrior

[Greg]

I tried to stop these closures and even had the help of a couple AJ policeman, one who rides a DR350. But the main reason those areas are closed is mainly due to trash dumping and secondly off roaders. The lady who spearheaded to closed them was upset over the 4 wheel drive trucks who run over fances near her property.

State Land says you can ride ANY trust land can be overridden by local rules which AJ applied to all trust land within their boundaries.

I used to be able to ride my bike off my front patio and go to all that land but no more.

But there is an excellent area north of AJ under the control of USDA called Bulldog Canyon. It has combination locks but is an authorized OHV area similar to the Rolls. You can get a combination at the East Meas USDA off Higley south of McKellips.

[otter_323]

man I HATE "BARNEY FILE" OR HREE HUGGERS! on of my middle school teachers was one. man let me tell you! i almost didn't pass 8th grade because i would argue with him every day. he says that quads, dirt bikes, buggies, and any other 4WD vehicle was a wast of gas, it is killing off our oxygen, ect... need less to say after 8th grade gradution, there was about 10 prople out of my class of 28 were doing brogies, doughnuts, and jumping in his yard at 5:00 in the morning!

the difference between genius and insainty is that genius has its limmits

[ar15mark]

Time to put the shoe on someone elses foot. Take Video and photos of other people littering and tearing up land. Blue point bridge (at the Salt River) was closed to all vehicles for years and then USFS bull dosed it and put in a farking pucking lot and rv park in its place so they could charge people to go there. Four Peaks has some trunken idiots partying and leaving all of their remains behind and if I ever see them again they be Hearing from Law enforcement and will be on the news!




quote:Originally posted by Lakota Sport Rider

This area is State Trust land and was a cool little spot close to home to ride at, its at Mountain View rd. and Lost Dutchman rd. in Apache Junction. I contacted the State Trust Land Dept. and they were clueless and had no info. so I called the police and the reason they said it was now closed was because they dont want us there no more, and proceeded to tell me that the desert wells area 204mm & 207mm are to be closed with in a few months as well, said us Dirt Bike and ATV riders cause to much trouble around there and the only solution is to shut these places DOWN. The officer stated that if your caught in these areas your ATV will be impounded and you will be ticketed, he mentioned that if I like riding so much I should invest in a horse, because most of the areas closing to motorized vehicles are going to be for hikers and horse riding only, says dirt bikes and atv's are a dying hobby and people are getting tired of us. What can be done? Iam very angered from the response I recieved and feel discriminated, I will never get rid of my quad to get a horse, Bite me.. I feel that there is to many fricken "yuppies" moving here that want to change things. How do you feel about this? What can we do? What are our rights if we do have any at all? Thanks Jeff

2001 Kawasaki Lakota Sport
Ford F-250 4x4 Diesel Truck
2 Brindle Boxers

"Getting Dirty"

"