The New Desert Rats...

A group of motorcycle riders, mountain bikers, horseback riders and other folks who love the desert and are working to preserve it for future generations.

Right now the deserts of the Southwest are under assault as never before. Recreational ATV's and some other OHV users are destroying the land at an astonishing rate. With oil at $100/barrel the oil companies incentive to drill even marginal areas has increased tremendously. And finally, there are more humans building more houses in places that can't sustain them, straining precious water resources.

Deserts may seem harsh and Tough but, in reality they are some of the most fragile and sensitive ecosystems on Earth. Once the delicate, protective soil cap is crushed, the land begins eroding quickly from water and wind. An afternoons recreation on an ATV can leave scars that last for centuries. In fact, in the New Mexican high deserts around Santa Fe and Albuquerque, it can take 50-200 years for ATV tracks to disappear (if they disappear at all...more often they become new arroyos). In the Mojave, it is estimated that tank tracks from WWII will take 1000 years to be covered up.

As a dual sport motorcycle rider I have respectfully ridden on designated trails and roads in west Texas and New Mexico for years. I have used my bike to get deep in to the desert and then turned it off and sat quietly listening to the migratory birds in the cactus or hiked up in to remote areas south of the majestic chisos. That desert has given much to me and now it is time to come to it's defense.

New Desert Rats is a non-profit group that works with environmental and community groups to preserve the deserts of the southwest for the majority of responsible and quiet users from wanton destruction by a minority. The group also promotes the proven and successful private "ski area" model for ATV enthusiasts where costs are more equitably born by the users and the deserts are largely spared.

We understand that our motorcycles, mountain bikes and horses can cause harm also, so we live by and promote a strict code of desert behavior.

We manage to have some good fun while doing some good.

If you are a dirt bike or atv rider that insists on riding on National Forest land, won't stay on a trail, and generally dosn't give a shit about anything or anyone but you and your mates then this is NOT the group for you.

If you love the desert, are revolted by what is happening right now, please join us.