With the busy summer riding season upon us, the ATV Safety Institute (ASI) encourages kids to enter the “Do the Ride Thing” Video Contest. Sponsored by the ASI, the contest runs through September 6, 2010 and offers 10 prizes totaling $10,000. Students ages six to 18 may enter. The winning 30- and 60-second videos will be used as public service announcements (PSAs) by the ATV Safety Institute.

“What better way to motivate and inform people – especially kids and their parents – about the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles than to have kids create videos that highlight one or more of the ATV Safety Institute’s Golden Rules?” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president, ASI. “By harnessing the social networking power of YouTube, it gives kids the opportunity to ‘Do the Ride Thing’ and help other kids ride safe/ride smart.”

To enter, kids create a 30- or 60-second video/PSA, upload it to YouTube, and submit an entry form on the ASI website. For official video content requirements, contest rules and entry forms, visit http://www.atvsafety.org/ATV_PSA_Contest/index.html.

There will be three winners in each of the three age categories: 6-10, 11-14, and 15-18. 1st Place winners earn $1,100, 2nd Place is $800, and 3rd Place is $600. Plus, all age categories are eligible to win the $2,500 Grand Prize. The ten prizes total $10,000. Contest posters are available for download at atvsafety.org.

Operation Desert Fun will be held once again this year at Ocotillo Wells SVRA near San Diego on October 15-16, 2010. It is open to all off-road vehicles, as well as ATVs and dirt bikes. Your support benefits Cal 4 Wheel and the Cal-Diego Paralyzed Veterans Association.

Go to this link to find out more. Registration is available online and by mail.

Join us in Visalia for the annual convention, being held on February 25-27, 2011. The event begins with hospitality night where we catch up with old friends, share photos and great food.

The next day it's on to the vehicle show. We also have a general business meeting where we elect new association officers, discuss and vote on bylaw changes, and make other important decisions regarding the association's business. In the evening we host our annual awards banquet, with excellent food and plenty of lively conversation.We also give away the sweepstakes vehicle (a new Jeep!), and other great prizes.

Registration now open for Winter Fun Festival is coming up on January 14-16, 2011

Maybe it will be helpful in the summer heat to think snow! Registration for the 29th annual Winter Fun Festival are open now. Several of the more popular runs filled up at the last event, so here is your chance to get your first trail choice. For more information about the event, visit the main event page here

Runs will be happening Friday night through Sunday at many different levels of difficulty, as well as lots of things to do while at the fairgrounds. Grass Valley and Nevada City are filled with historical sights and many places to shop.

Register online at cal4wheel.com/store