Community

Ladies & Gentlemen, my position within the motorcycle and technical community is one of taking complex mechanical and environmental challenges and finding a workable solution for the manufacturers, consumers, and regulatory agencies.

I consider myself a Motorized Recreation Environmental Actionist. I think of this as someone who not only cares about the specialty motorized industry but the environment as well. I strive to work with partners to DO SOMETHING measurable, meaningful, and positive.

This summary is intended to help you know who I am and how I would like to be recognized for participation within the specialty motorized industry.

The Lead Issue

In the US we had a very difficult time in dealing with consumer products regulations that identified Lead as a toxin that is in components in youth motorcycles. The issue was difficult to understand as legislation was implemented that in all honesty, was good in design but missed the point.

The Motorcycle industry eventually made it clear to the regulatory and health communities that the minor lead content in mechanical components on youth motorcycles and off highway vehicles was not going to be ingested by the young  rider’s as the components that contain lead, such as the wiring were not going to be ingested or in contact with the operator, whereas lead in toys and paint were the probably intended components where lead content was a legitimate concern.

As an adult, I know the importance of protecting our environment, and of being a good citizen and role model. On one of my professional assignments, I organized a lead recycling activity. We were able to remove more than 2,000 pounds of lead from contaminating the environment.

Fluids and Chemicals

Off road motorsports events are often held in remote locations. The multi day events often require that the participants perform service on their vehicles. As an example, the Nevada Rally’s or the Nevada 2000 are severe events where each participant must navigate hundreds of miles of rough off-road remote terrain every day, and then arrive at a service location and service their vehicles for the next day’s racing. As an example, in the Rally’s or the Nevada 2000, it can be compared to running the Baja 500, every day for a week!

In our support of these events, we set up a complementary oil and fluid recycling area that often has an air filter washing station with compressed air. This is a free service to all teams. This results in a managed service area where the waste can be properly recycled.

It is often in the long distance races to have remote fuel stops. Sporting regulations may require that the remote pits to be 100% self service, with no outside assistance. We often manage the safety and spill prevention programs for these events.