The Motorcycle Industry Council will cross the border next week for the San Felipe 250 off-road race to increase awareness of the need for the voices of those riders most affected by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act’s ban on youth motorcycles and ATVs to be heard by Congress. MIC will have a booth at the event where visitors can get information on the youth dirt bike and ATV ban and can sign letters to Congress calling for an end to the restrictions.

After its massive move to unleash the fuel injected Suzuki RM-Z450 for the 2008 model year, Suzuki was not expected to make much gains for improvement in its 2009 RMZ450. And it didn't. But for a few aesthetic upgrades, the MX bike still maintains its rave 2008 mechanics, which include such features as the EFI system as well reworked five-speed transmission. The only big news in this model year was the reduction of several of its 2-stroke dirt bikes, as the global move toward 4-stroke motorcycles makes way.

Looking to ride, party and raise a few bucks and some needed awareness for a worthy cause? Load up the toy hauler with family, friends and toys and make way to the 2ND Annual BRP Fun Ride on December 13-14 at Cougar Buttes in Lucerne Valley, which is a part of the Johnson Valley OHV area. This year's event serves a dual purpose by increasing awareness of the proposed 29 Palms Marine base expansion into the Johnson Valley OHV area and providing support for the AMA District 37 Legal Defense Fund. The entire off-road community is invited, including dirt bike riders, trials riders, dual sport motorcycle riders, ATV riders, UTV riders, rock crawlers, Jeepers and 4X4 enthusiasts. Representatives from the AMA D-37, ORBA, CORVA and BRC will be at the event to help educate the OHV public on how they can be heard and what they can do to make a difference. Events will include rock crawling and trials demonstrations as well as organized rides and loops for various vehicle types.

In a landmark event, thousands of Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) users across the world will participate in an online, Virtual Rally to voice their concerns over a popular OHV area in Southern California. On Wednesday March 12th, 2008 Pirate4x4.com, a leading website for the OHV community, will hold this rally from 2 to 6 PM PST. The Hammers trail system in Johnson Valley, California is being considered for requisition to expand the United States Marine Corps training facilities, which would effectively eliminate public access to Johnson Valley's unrivaled OHV Mecca.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown has taken aim at the off-road community by urging federal regulators to set stricter standards on greenhouse gas emission standards for off-road recreational vehicles today. Included in the former governor's request is his aim at emission standards for dirt bikes, personal watercraft (PWC), all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility all-terrain vehicles (UTVs) as well as equipment in the agricultural, construction powersports industries.