Colorado 500 Launches Campaign To Promote Responsible OHV Use
		Basalt, CO - The Colorado 500, the nation's premier off-road charity motorcycle trail ride, today announced plans for a state-wide campaign to promote responsible use of trails and 4WD roads. "We have ridden in the Rockies for 23 years and learned that our right to use public lands is accompanied by a responsibility to protect the environment," said Colorado 500 Chairman Wally Dallenbach. "Now we want to share our commitment to conservation with all who enjoy OHV recreation in Colorado."
Dallenbach said the campaign would focus on five principles  that have guided the Colorado 500 since it began in 1975: Respect the land. Colorado 500 riders are instructed to stay on the trail and adhere to the "Tread Lightly" principles of the American Motorcyclist Association. Respect the law. Each motorcycle in the Colorado 500 is fully licensed and insured and must pass a vigorous inspection to ensure it meets state and federal requirements for equipment and noise levels. Respect others. The Colorado 500 adheres to strict standards of "trail etiquette" that include shutting off the engine when horses are near, and passing hikers and bicycle riders slowly and carefully. Share the trails. The Colorado 500 promotes multi-use recreation and has cleared trails in Taylor Park and other areas that are now enjoyed by bicycle and horseback riders, hikers and OHV enthusiasts. Make a contribution. In addition to clearing and maintaining trails across the state Colorado 500 riders have donated more than $700,000 to Colorado schools, organizations and search and rescue groups.
	"Following these principles has allowed the Colorado 500 to grow from 9 riders in 1975 to 300 participants today," Dallenbach said . 'We are welcomed in towns from Basalt to Silverton, and we have been able to make significant contributions to each town and its local civic support organizations." Specifically, the trail ride's participants and sponsors have donated more than $700,000 to the Colorado 500 Charity Fund. The Fund has made contributions to schools, community organizations, ambulance and mountain rescue services and other groups.
In addition, the Fund has provided annual college scholarships for six Colorado students. "In recent years, the Charity Fund has given substantial support to the USDA Forest Service for the GOCO trail fund and grant programs," Dallenbach said. "This is in addition to the hundreds of hours Colorado 500 volunteers spend clearing and maintaining trails that are enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers and others as well as off-road motorcycle riders." Dallenbach, who lives in Basalt, said Colorado 500 participants have a special obligation to maintain high standards because the four-day ride has become the best known and one of the largest off-road invitational motorcycle trail rides in the nation. The ride began when Dallenbach, who had just retired from a successful automobile racing career, invited a small group of motor sports' friends to join him to explore the trails of the Colorado Rockies. As the number of riders has increased every year, the Colorado 500 attracted participants from across the US and overseas. Riders from motorsports have included Al, Al Jr. and Bobby Unser, Danny Sullivan, Roger Penske, Rick Mears, Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney and Tony George, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Motorcycle legends Malcom Smith and Larry Roeseler have taken part. Entertainers Kurt Russell and John Gable have been on the ride. Rev. Franklin Graham has been an annual participant. Riders have ranged from a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra to a member of the US House of Representatives. From airline pilots to the Navy's Top Gun School Commander. From bankers to Detroit automobile industry executives. This year's Colorado 500 will be held in early fall with a route that starts in Basalt, goes to Crested Butte, on to Ouray, back to Crested Butte and ends at Snowmass. "In each town we visit we will have the opportunity to speak to school students and other organizations," Dallenbach concluded. "And whenever we have the chance we  will make the case for responsible OHV recreation."