One for One: Ride a Trail, Write a Letter
By Del Albright, Sustainable Motorized Recreation Advocate
This article is about trails, access, landuse and keeping our sports alive. But let’s be clear; I’m not asking anyone to give up playtime for politics. But we need to talk just a little about meetings, letters, politics, and phone calls. All I’m asking is that you consider the importance of keeping our public lands open — and then ask yourself: Have you contributed something to that effort? I offer some shortcuts.
Even a simple letter to your elected officials saying how much you love your local trail can make a difference. A quick email. A phone call. A social media post that tags the people in charge. It’s all better than doing nothing. Speak up, and let your passion for the outdoors be known.
Yes, it might mean attending a scoping session now and then. Or sitting through a dry public meeting. Yes, it means occasionally stepping out of your comfort zone to advocate for what you love. But while you’re doing that, don’t stop riding your trails. Don’t stop exploring. Teach your kids the value of wild places. Share your favorite trail with a friend. Let your boots, tires, or hooves remind you why this matters.
At the same time, don’t burn yourself out on the politics. Advocacy shouldn’t take away your joy. My rule? One for One.
One for one means that if you spend a day on the trail — in your Jeep, on your horse, or your mountain or dirt bike — then spend a few minutes writing a letter or making a call to someone who can help protect that trail.
And on the other hand, If you attend a meeting or write a letter — make sure you take a day to get outside and enjoy the land you’re fighting for.
As Thomas Jefferson once said to John Hancock, “Come on, John, it’s just a signature.”
Well, I say: let’s sign a few more letters in exchange for a few more trail rides.
Heck, get brave. Go to a meeting. Sit in the back. Work your way forward. Make a difference.
If we all did just one-for-one, our voices would echo across the land.
Support the One-for-One Proposal
For every day you ride, write one letter. For every meeting you attend, spend one day on the trail. That’s the balance that keeps our trails open and our passion alive.
For more on leadership and landuse, go here.
For easy tips on letter writing, go here.
Let’s make a difference — one ride, one letter/call/meeting at a time.