You've seen them on TV.  Some poor soul doing some foolish stunt in front of a camera for the enjoyment of our fellow couch potatoes.  These shows are usually broadcast at less than prime time viewing.

I've seen them too in brief moments of channel surfing and wondered how many environmentalists were crying aloud "Oh my ... they are spoiling this pristine wilderness."  I want you to understand that there are mighty few things that I would agree with, when someone who eats and breaths "roadless" philosophies disdains, but on this point we do agree. These extreme activities are not only foolish, but they are illegal and of course perilous to life and limb.

I have yet to see one of these extreme adventure shows that didn't demonstrate the poorest judgment of the sport they were representing, no matter what sport that might be.  If you think for even one second that those eager for television fame represent any of these sports, you are sadly mistaken.  This, unfortunately, is true of those who jump their ATVs off cliffs and enjoy the resulting trip to the emergency room.  Even the announcers of such programs will make public ridicule of such activities.

If you have a notion that participating in extreme ATV adventures will get you anything but killed, I would urge you in behalf of all those who truly enjoy the sport of ATV riding,  to NOT give heed to these fool-hardy thoughts.

I can not rid you of your death wish if that is what you possess, but I can assure you that those who know and love the sport of riding ATVs do not look up to the extreme adventurists with any degree of respect, awe or wonder.   There will be no applause from the sidelines, no fan clubs, no autograph seekers.

The best advise I can offer you is to carefully check your life insurance policy.  You will note that excluded from liability are any acts that may cause death or serious disability that are completely under the control of the insured person.   In strait talk, that means that if you die in the act of participating in extreme sports you will have not one red cent to bury your remains.

I deeply apologize if you are offended by such strait talk, but it simply has to be said.  The majority of our ATV enthusiasts are simply looking for a enjoyable and safe time.  We do not appreciate you planting ideas of fame and glory into the minds of our children by your televised suicide attempts.  Not all who watch television have the good sense and maturity to understand that these are unwise acts and not to be duplicated under any circumstance.

Lastly, I point out that these extreme activities do in fact damage the surroundings.  We would rather not memorialize the place where someone lost their life by the remnants and stains of blood on the sandstone.

If you happen to agree with my assessment of extreme sporting programs, I might suggest that you join me in changing the channel and not be held captive by those whose intelligence is evident by the nature of what they consider entertaining.  Eventually the ratings will drive their sponsors to more lucrative opportunities.

Enough said.