Reply #29: ATV folks have ruined many of our canoe trips

[proud2BlibKansan]

They have taken over many of the trails along the rivers in MO we have been enjoying for many years. Between the ATV riders and the beer bong canoers, the rivers are party central and we no longer go canoeing on weekends if we can help it.

The rivers are being patrolled by state water patrol more heavily this summer and beer bongs were banned. But the ATV riders are only subject to local sheriff's jurisdiction. Often there is only one officer on duty in a large rural county. Cell phone service is sporadic so calling 911 is nearly impossible.

So you have my sympathy. I hate these damn machines. We lived across the street for many years from a family that had 3 and 4 wheelers for everyone in the family. The kids rode up and down the street at all hours and NEVER wore a helmet. The 7 year old ran into a mailbox and broke his collar bone and nearly ripped his face off. Yet, a couple days after being released from the hospital, and still in a cast, that kid was out riding up and down the street once again. My kids were the same age and BEGGED us to buy them an ATV. I told them no way, I liked their faces intact.