In the April 2010 issue of Knowledge, we published the article "Catching Air at Irwin" about the off-road vehicle (ORV) park located near the main gate at Fort Irwin, Calif. Since then, we have received many positive responses and inquiries on how to establish a riding area on a number of installations. The safety staff at Fort Irwin has assisted several other installation safety staffs with information on how to establish such areas on their posts.
Last September, Fort Carson, Colo., opened its ORV park - about 10 miles of trails on a 199-acre site. Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Daily, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson senior enlisted leader, and the garrison staff were instrumental in establishing this area for Soldiers to ride their off-road dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles during their off-duty time. Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., are also in the process of establishing riding areas, which is great news for the Soldiers who enjoy off-road riding at those installations. Including Fort Riley, Kan., and Fort Hood, there are now ORV riding areas at five U.S. Army installations.
The staff at Fort Irwin recently raised the bar another notch when they redesigned and upgraded their motocross track and trail riding area for off-road riders. The upgrade includes upkeep of the motocross track and trail riding area at the direction of the garrison safety office. I was impressed with the original layout of the motocross track and trail riding area during my visit in December 2009. However, after seeing the pictures of the upgrades, I am envious and a bit jealous of those who have the opportunity to ride at such well-groomed ORV park.
If your installation is considering establishing a riding area such as the one at Fort Irwin, contact the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center Driving Task Force at drivingtaskforce@conus.army.mil or (334) 255-2892/2744.
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