Kansas, Missouri Riders take notice!

[CR Swade]

I just wanted to gather our attention for a moment. Please bear with me for just a moment-this is important.

I took my son out to the Corps. of Engineers public riding area @ Perry Lake again this weekend. I thought if I got there early enough, we could beat all of the imbeciles and get some quality riding in (see BillyBob's Quad'n Park thread in flame forum-it was a first hand account of last weeks events)

No way-they had 17-19 ATV's, no helmets, boots or goggles and had corraled the entire pits for donuts and power slides.

On my way out, a Corps officer (you have to drive by the office) asked if I was leaving. I said it was too unsafe for my 7 year-old.

He asked me to check out some plans-turns out he is a rider and has been fighting to save this area also. Here is the deal:
There have been funds set aside to expand the area, build a secured parking area, put in a pee-wee area, and monitor the area. The catch: 20% has to be raised privately (about $16K)

The alternative is closure. They want to make changes or shut it down as it is too dangerous as is.

Here's where we come in-between our KC Riders group, dealerships, and other area riders I think we can raise the 20%. I'm going to start working on the dealerships in NE KS, and NW MO.
Maybe Lou, Rick, myself and some of the others could help with contacting area riders regarding organizing a fund for this.

Oh and btw, I wouldn't be at all suprised to see the other area Corps riding areas faced with the same plight-it's just that Perry is about as bad as they get, with Deepwater close in tow. We need to get involved now. If you know some of these people causing problems, let them know what is going on.

Perry is about to close if we aren't careful. Deepwater, Milford, Tuttle Creek and others could be next.:ugg:

 

[biglou]

We're with ya.

You know I'm on board with this, Wade. This is one of, no, the only reason I won't ride Deepwater on a weekend unless it means no riding at all. I'll get to work Monday morning on this. I'll need some specific contact info, phone numbers, etc. You can Email me at work.

 

[andymstevens]

Count the Stevens gang in. (Full and Half-Toed variety)

I can probably scam Dad into four wheeler use if necessary. He's always looking for an excuse to use that winch!:)

 

[CR Swade]

As of right now, I'm working w/ a Nat. Rescources officer out of the KC District that had the plans laid out at the Perry Lake office. It was actually pretty cool @ what they have planned.

Back in 94 the Corps of Engineers was going to let HRMA design a track, then they would supply the personnel to move the dirt for training purposes. It never came to fruition, although I had some track designs drawn up. Hopefully we can get some trail mgt (ie. clean-up and re-working) rescources this time around.

I'll be sending an e-mail soon to the KC Riders within the next couple of weeks hopefully (after I hear back from the Corps of Engineers).

 

[CR Swade]

Everybody in the KC group needs to check their e-mail. Mr. Willem Helms of the Army Corps of Eng. sent the accepted proposal for Perry to me today. I passed it on to everybody and am starting our fund-raising efforts as of today.

Perry used to be a beautiful place to ride and recreate. The included improvments will return it to that state. I hope we can get something done (money and some sweat):D

In the meantime, I guess we just need to report the troublemakers and get our riding areas back. I am willing to work for it-it's only 45 minutes from KC.