Riders take advantage of a break to stretch their legs and chat with other group members.
Pristine view of Lake Pend Oreille from Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
Despite the omnipresent drawl of the UTV motor, I’m able to chat with Jeff and Marjorie and learn a bit about their story. They’d found the Back- country ATV/UTV Association about four years ago because the place they bought their UTV from is one of the club’s sponsors. They’ve been grateful for how owning a UTV has enabled them to keep feeding their adventur- ous spirits as they’ve aged, especial- ly when Marjorie was diagnosed with cancer. Their machine’s enclosed de- sign with door flaps and a full wind - shield, with a few adjustments, has enabled her to continue exploring the outdoors and visiting new places with her husband and friends as comfort- ably as possible. The group makes a point to take stops every so often to stretch legs, socialize and enjoy the views. At our first stop, I’m amazed by the fine layer of dust already covering my leggings, windbreaker and hair. Ev-
eryone is very welcoming and friend- ly, and laughter can be heard running up and down the line of the varying models of UTV. I start chatting with Bret during one of our stops, and he says one of the club’s passions is helping steward the public lands they ride on. UTV riders apparently have a reputation for not caring about the trails, often going on ones they shouldn’t with cer- tain sized rigs, but the Backcoun- try ATV/UTV Association works to break this stereotype by partnering with the state to help take care of the land they enjoy. A few ways they do this is by donat- ing to local charities, participating in highway and trail clean ups, and vol- unteering at community events. Bret said they try to mix it up a bit each year, but they’ve done events like helping with parking and the beer garden at the Idaho State Fair, and serving lunch for Farm to Table. This
mission has earned the Club a good name within the community and nearly a dozen sponsors since its in- ception in 2002. Back on the road, I ask Jeff about some things I’d noticed throughout the morning. He explains there’s a trail etiquette riders abide by that has cultivated a culture where there are no true strangers up here in the mountains. Everyone is willing to help out if they come across another in need, especially when inclement weather hits the trails. Passing indi- viduals who are riding within a group will hold up a number on their fingers to indicate how many more rigs can be expected after them, which is help- ful when approaching blind corners. Jeff said they sometimes have to get comically creative with their group, as their outings frequently number more machines than one has fingers. One thing the Backcountry Associ- ation does to minimize the chance of
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