Benefactor
- 15,584
- First Name
- Michael
- Last Name
- Murguia
- Member #
-
0000
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KM6YSL
Hi Jesse,I want everyone here to know attending OTG. DO NOT disrespect the locals. I am a local to Central Valley bald Mtn is my backyard. At last years event a couple locals from sanger have informed the local community that certain OB members making comments towards their rigs which was unacceptable! Also I would like to mention if this event is as big as you make it to be I hope the proper permit was received. Every year this is a huge event, I unintentionally was at 2015 OTG just wheeling with my buddies and we ended up in the photo shoot. I have seen how big this event gets and with that many rigs and that man INEXPERIENCED drivers the OB event caused a lot of damage. I say inexperienced because I have never seen people needing a spot going up the easy way of bald. With that being said I hope unlike last year the OB community DONATES money to "Clovis Independent 4 Wheelers" as a THANK YOU for maintaining the trail. There are locals on that trail everyday. DO NOT cause a traffic jam on that trail. 2015 we were in a rush to get down luckily we knew the alternate routes to get around people or we would've been stuck on that trail for hours.
I'd reiterate your words to our community. DO NOT disrespect...ANYONE. Where I cannot control the actions of every Overland Bound Member, we consistently work our asses off to retain the high-quality personal interactions and behavior the community is known for.
Last year, I met with the locals from sanger at the top of the mountain and we discussed the matter in person. I agreed with them it was completely unacceptable, and made a commitment to them to bring this up with the community that weekend, which I did. That's that in my mind. We resolved it. It was unfortunate, disappointing, and a good opportunity to learn, which I did. Thank you for reminding us. It can't be said enough. Respect is paramount.
Experience level and spotting are not related. It is our goal with OTG to introduce new enthusiasts to off-road travel on a safe trail. About 30% of our attendees are self-identified as beginners. Our members stay on the trail. We do a good job with our message to "leave it better than you found it", and constantly reiterate staying on the trail to our members. Last year I personally witnessed non-Overland Bound members tearing through the brush, off the trail. The damage you speak of was most likely not caused by Overland Bound members.
Clovis Independent 4 Wheelers is welcome to contact us any time for potential collaboration on Bald Mountain Trail.
M