Your too much of a Republican.  NO STIMULUS FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO MOOCH OFF OF THE TAXPAYERS.

By JENNIFER C. KERR
Associated Press Writer
This undated handout photo provided by the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association shows an off-road recreational vehicle known as an ROV. The federal government is taking a closer look at off-road recreational vehicles, known as ROVs, after dozens of deaths.
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association
This undated handout photo provided by the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association shows an off-road recreational vehicle known as an ROV. The federal government is taking a closer look at off-road recreational vehicles, known as ROVs, after dozens of deaths.

After scores of deaths, the federal government is taking a closer look at off-road recreational vehicles, known as ROVs.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission voted Wednesday to write mandatory rules to regulate the four-wheel vehicles, following more than 100 deaths since 2003. Riders have suffered dozens of injuries, too - some leading to amputations.

ROVs, also called side-by-sides, are two-passenger motorized vehicles designed for drivers 16 years and older. They resemble a cross between a rugged-looking golf cart and a miniature-Jeep, and have a roll cage - metal bars framing the cab.

The industry proposed voluntary regulations for side-by-sides, but CPSC staffers said they fell short. Agency staff have expressed concern about the vehicles and rollover risks.

The commission will solicit comments from industry, consumer advocates and others as it writes the rules. This is the beginning of a process that could take many months, even years.

ROVs first appeared on the market in the late 1990s. Since 2003, CPSC says 116 people have died, including young children, and more than 150 have been injured. Injuries have involved crushing fractures to legs, feet and arms and some riders have lost limbs.

Safety advocates say the commission's vote puts the industry on notice.

"This is an instance where the industry has not been responding quickly and effectively enough to the well-documented hazards caused by these products," said Rachel Weintraub, director of product safety and senior counsel for the Consumer Federation of America.

ROV makers, however, insist the vehicles are safe.

"We know the vehicles are safe when used responsibly," the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association said in a statement. "We must emphasize the importance of consumers making the right choices when driving an ROV."

Former agency chief, Nancy Nord, first directed CPSC staff to investigate the vehicles and deaths a year ago.

In March, Yamaha Motor Corp. USA recalled more than 100,000 of its Rhino off-highway recreational vehicles for repairs after two models were linked to 46 deaths in the past six years. In many cases, riders were not wearing seat belts, the commission said. And in a number of incidents, rollovers happened on level ground at relatively slow speeds, the agency said.

ROVs can reach top speeds of more than 35 miles an hour. Industry officials declined to say exactly how fast they can go, but Yamaha put the maximum speed for its ROVs at 40 miles an hour.

Currently, there are mandatory restrictions for ATVs, such as speed limits for youth models. But there are no standards, voluntary or otherwise, for the side-by-sides, which have the roll cage and a different steering system.

About 140,000 ROVs were sold last year in the United States.

Source:  http://www.kansascity.com/437/story/1520712.html#

So far, I should have an empty seat (hopefully for an adult?).  I'd enjoy some company. 

It's very important we all stand up to the latest proposal that potentially closes more than 9 million acres of our land in Utah.  The information below provides some details about the situation, but also gives a simple method of making your voice heard.  Please read and respond accordingly...the land we all enjoy riding on is in jeapardy.

Congress to hold hearing on closing 9 million acres in Utah
Contact your Representative to Oppose H.R. 1925!

The Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources has scheduled a hearing on October 1 to consider H.R. 1925, America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 2009. This legislation -- which will ban off-highway vehicle (OHV) access to public lands to those who live and recreate in Utah -- was introduced by New York Representative Maurice Hinchey. To read his press release on H.R. 1925, click here.

However, not a single Representative from Utah is supporting H.R. 1925.

Specifically, H.R. 1925 would designate more than nine million more acres as federally protected "Wilderness," and directly affect the Moab, San Rafael Swell and Chimney Rock areas (to name a few) in Utah. These popular OHV areas represent some of the most important remaining OHV recreation areas in Utah, and are some of the most popular with responsible OHV riders. The proposed Wilderness designation would also make the land off limits to ATV riders, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Coming on the heels of the recently enacted Omnibus Public Land Management Act, which closed 2 million acres of public lands, this vast Wilderness bill will take away additional recreation opportunities currently enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike.

The AMA needs your help now to stop H.R. 1925. The fastest way to reach your U.S. Representative is to call them. You can find contact information for your elected officials by entering your zip code on AmericanMotorcyclist.com, clicking on "Rights," then "Issues and Legislation." Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available for you to send to your Representative immediately by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information.

Please contact your Representative right away and urge them to oppose H.R. 1925.

Sorry, I thought I had one, but no luck.  However, here are a few scenic pics from our rides.

A few mountain goats on the hillside...

I gave this some thought...  Wouldn't it have been less expensive to just go on a diet?  The performance of the Rhino would have benefited and Karen might have been able to literally see some benefit too.         LOFLMAO!!

Hopefully you can make it.  I'll have a soda waiting with your name on it.   8)