Free ORV Weekend around the bend

Free ORV Weekend is coming up Aug. 19-20! Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride Michigan's 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails and routes, as well as the state?s six scramble areas, on two back-to-back days without an ORV license or trail permit. The Recreation Passport requirement and all other ORV rules and laws?still apply.

The Recreation Passport requirement still applies in locations where it's required, including when motor vehicles are used to trailer ORVs into state parks and to state-designated trailheads, and for ORVs operating at Silver Lake ORV Area.

Another perk: the regular entrance fee at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Oakland County?will be waived for this special weekend.?

ORV adventures abound for this Michigan family

For Aaron Brown and his family, hopping in their off-road vehicles and cruising the dunes at Silver Lake State Park?or heading into the woods on a state-designated ORV trail are can?t-miss traditions they enjoy year-round.

"It's a way for our family to unplug," said Brown, 45, who lives in Reese, Mich. "It?s just a way of enjoying the different seasons and being outside. There's the adventure of it, the thrill-seeking, and it's also relaxing."

Come summer, the family looks forward to visiting the ORV area at Silver Lake.

?It?s such a different and unique area ? it seems like it?s a world away,? he said, adding he began visiting the park when he was about 10. ?You have beautiful Lake Michigan right there, you?re on these huge sand dunes that are ever-changing ? it?s just a gorgeous place. You can?t believe it is in your own backyard, just a couple hours away. It?s thrilling to ride up and down the steep hills, in such a wide, open space.?

Brown?s son Evan (pictured above) is an ORV enthusiast, too, and the 15-year-old learned early on the importance of riding safely. ?He grew up going through the ORV safety program,? said Brown, a paramedic who has witnessed ORV crashes over the years. ?It?s a risky sport, but the one thing you can control is your behavior. You can have fun and still ride safety ? there?s a way to do both.?

If you?re planning an end-of-summer adventure, with family and friends, on the dunes at Silver Lake or on another part of Michigan?s 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle routes, remember your safety gear, ride at a safe speed and know the conditions of the trail you?re riding.?

Brush up on safety

Speed and rider inexperience are the primary contributing factors for ORV accidents, serious injuries and death. Be sure to follow these Ride Right safety tips during your next ORV excursion. Also, keep the following tips in mind if you?re the lead rider in your group.

Lead rider safety tips

• Have a plan if your trail group gets separated.
• Only ride at a speed comfortable for the most novice rider in your group.
• Ride in groups of seven or less.
• Stop at all intersections and check on riders.
• Assign an advanced rider to ride in the back and act as a ?sweeper.?
• Have and use mirrors to regularly check on riders.
• Never compliment or criticize a rider for their ability to keep up (or not keep up).
• Ensure riders make it home safely to family and friends.