MEETING LOCATION
For 2006, we will again be getting together for breakfast in the Banquet Room of Nottingham's Restaurant at 9:00 AM. Nottingham's is located at 40797 Lakeview Drive in Big Bear Lake. For most months, our meetings will take place on the second Saturday. Please see the Home Page for any changes regarding date or location.

BBTR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2006-2008
Elected for a two-year term are President, Jim Nicholson; Vice-President, Frank Schnetz; Secretary, Miguel Burgi; Treasurer, Marc Parnes. Directors-At-Large are: Jimmy Nicholson, Tom Evans and Kevin Glassett; Alternate, Russ Starck. These people are the elected representatives of the club members. Under the By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation, they are granted the necessary authority to deal with any legal or financial matters affecting the club. Club members may present any issues or areas of concern to the Board for their consideration, and the general membership may be asked for their input whenever it is needed.

CLUB MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Please feel free to telephone Miguel Burgi, our club Secretary, at (626) 279-5090 Ext. 12. This contact number is for club members only. If you are a paid-up member and have not been receiving club e-mails, please let Miguel know right away. To send Miguel an e-mail, you may use the e-mail link on the Home Page. Sorry, but we cannot answer telephone or e-mail inquiries from the general public. Check the web site for information, and use the search feature on the Home Page. If you don't find the answer to your question on the web site, then we don't have it.

DUAL-SPORT NEWS

CALIFORNIA'S DUAL-SPORT BAN
On July 23, 2003, the California DMV told their field offices to stop highway registrations of all off-road motorcycles manufactured after 1978. The implementation of the new regulation was extended until January 31, 2004. The DMV will no longer allow street registration of green-sticker off-road motorcycles with dual-sport kits, unless they are registered for street use in another state and meet California's legal requirements for turns signals, headlights, etc. For more information, go to: Off-Road Motorcycle Conversion Ban

GREEN STICKERS
All 2002 model year and older OHVs, even if they have previously received a Red Sticker, will now be issued a Green Sticker. New OHVs that are certified to meet CARB emissions standards are identified by labels attached to the frames by their manufacturers. Only those 2003 model year and later OHVs certified by their manufacturer to meet the emission standards will be issued Green Stickers. The DMV will no longer allow street registration of green-sticker off-road motorcycles with dual-sport kits, unless they are registered for street use in another state and meet California's legal requirements for turns signals, headlights, etc.

In addition to California, the states which currently prohibit the conversion of off-road motorcycles for dual-sport use are Alaska, Wisconsin, Rhode Island and Florida. The most liberal western states, as far as their requirements for registering off-road bikes for street use, include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico.

RED STICKERS
Red stickers are issued to any 2003 model year and newer OHVs that are not certified by their manufacturers as meeting California's emissions standards. An OHV will be issued a Red Sticker if it is a 2003 model year or newer vehicle, and there is a "C " or "3" in the eighth digit of the VIN. Expect strict enforcement by NFS and BLM.

OHV NOISE REGULATIONS
Effective January 1, 2003, the maximum allowable noise level for off-highway vehicles in California was lowered to 96 dbA. WARNING: The Forest Service and BLM intend to strictly enforce the new noise limit as of July 15, 2003. See the article on noise.

Now is a good time to find out if your present exhaust system is affected by the change, and if so, how you can modify it to make it quieter. The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has revised their Stationary Sound Test Manual for Off-Highway Motorcycles and All-Terrain Vehicles. You can get a copy by calling (949) 727-4211 ext. 3012.

If you've been considering an after-market exhaust system for your dual-sport, perhaps you'd better think twice before plunking down your hard-earned money for something that may get you ticketed. Look for exhaust system manufacturers who use lowered noise levels as a selling point. You'll need to decide if a minimal boost in power and a slight reduction in weight are worth risking a ticket.

CLINTON'S MOTORCYCLE
An unnamed reporter nosing around in the backyard of Clinton's Little Rock residence discovered the ex-President's personal scoot. No wonder Clinton didn't give a damn about off-roading! Check out his Arkencycle.

MORE WILDERNESS
President Bush signed into law crucial portions of California Senator Barbara Boxer's Wild Heritage Wilderness Act. Read about the damage done, plus a heartwarming story about poetic justice: Barbara Boxer's Wilderness.

LESS WILDERNESS
President Bush has opened the way for counties and states to lay claim to Wilderness Roads under RS2477. Read Reclaiming Wilderness Roads.

MOUNTAIN WILDFIRES
Blame for the damage to our local forests caused by the 2003 fire has been placed upon the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, Center for Biological Diversity, and the other environmental litigation organizations, as well as the elected officials who voted against the Healthy Forest Initiative. While roadless initiatives prevent recreational users from enjoying pristine forests, the logging of old-growth timber destroys forever a priceless and irreplaceable environmental resource that is rapidly disappearing from the planet. Obviously, there has to be a balance between recreational and ecological concerns, while commercial logging will have to place more emphasis upon preserving the health of forest ecosystems, even if that means smaller profits. Thank you, Sierra Club!

NATIONAL FOREST ACTION ALERT

National Forest Land Management Plan Revision

Have your concerns regarding OHV recreation been adequately addressed by the Forest Land Management Plan (FLMP) revision process? The FLMP for the four Southern California National Forests is undergoing a major revision, and although six alternative plans have been proposed, none of them meet the needs of people who use the forest for OHV recreation.

For detailed information, see: FLMP Revision

POLITICAL ISSUES AND OFF-ROADING

Legislation being pushed by extremist conservation organizations are impacting where you will ride, and even if you will be allowed to ride! If you love off-roading, please take an interest in the current issues and become actively involved in shaping political developments. The future of our sport is at stake! Stay informed about the Political Issues.