Sustainable Doesn’t Mean Boring: Respect the Route and Ride Smart
By Del Albright
[delalbright.com]
Let’s get one thing straight: Sustainable motorized recreation isn’t just about closing gates, slowing down, or sucking the fun out of four-wheeling. It’s about keeping the doors open—literally and figuratively—so we can continue exploring the great outdoors.
The truth is, every trail ride is a choice: to do it right, or to leave a mark that shuts down access for all of us. That’s why sustainable recreation comes down to this: respect the route, and ride smart.
️ Respect the Route: Stay on Trail, Stay in the Fight
Every time we cut corners, climb out of bounds, or blaze new tracks where we shouldn’t, we risk more than just a slap on the wrist. We hand our opponents the ammo they need to close trails.
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Stay on designated routes. Even if it’s tempting to explore that little side wash, if it’s not on the map or a designated route, don’t make it a new trail.
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Avoid sensitive areas. Wet meadows, desert crusts, and alpine slopes take decades to recover.
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Don’t “just follow the group.” Know where you are and where you should be. Have reliable maps and GPS.
Know Before You Go: Trail Readiness Isn’t Optional
If you’re leading or just tagging along, do your homework. Sustainable riding means making informed choices long before the rubber meets the dirt.
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Check trail status. Weather, fire, and land management closures can change quickly.
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Use GPS apps wisely. Tools like OnX Offroad and Gaia GPS can help you stay legal and on track, as well as keep you informed of issues like wildfires.
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Understand the terrain. Know if the route crosses private land, sensitive habitat, or seasonal closures.
Sustainable ≠ Boring
Let’s squash the myth right now: doing things right doesn’t kill the thrill. In fact, it keeps the fun going for years to come.
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We can still crawl the rocks, overland the dirt roads, scream up the dunes, and push the limits—within the boundaries.
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We can enjoy epic group rides, scenic camping, and hair-raising fun—without trashing the land.
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We can be badass off-roaders and responsible stewards. It’s not either-or.
Bottom Line
Sustainable motorized recreation isn’t about giving up our freedom—it’s about fighting for it, preserving it, and earning it. Every trail we respect today is one more that stays open tomorrow. you can help foster sustainable motorized recreation by following these suggestions and passing them along.
So before you wind it up, take a second to ask yourself:
“Am I using this trail like I want it to still be here next year?”
If the answer’s yes, you’re doing it right.