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By: Robert Janis
Tennessee ATV Club
Encourages Members to be Involved
There are clubs that are introvert, only
caring about their own members and their
concerns. Then there are clubs like Windrock ATV
Club (WATVC) in Tennessee. A handful of
enthusiastic ATVers who rode the trails every
weekend started the group in 1993 and, according
to club member and President Doug Murphy, it has
had up to 300 active members who live in several
states throughout the country. A membership
includes all immediate family members which
permit Murphy to estimate that total membership
can be 1500 to more than 2000.
WATVC is the largest ATV club in Tennessee and
one of a small number that is actually
chartered. Members also belong to the American
Motorcyclist Association, All Terrain Vehicle
Association, Blue Ribbon Coalition, Tread
Lightly, and the National Off-Highway Vehicle
Conservation Council. Members are encouraged to
more than belong to these organizations. They
are expected to participate, noted Murphy.
And, unlike many clubs, WATVC supports other
clubs within the state including the Soggy
Bottom Boyz, Royal Blue Rangers, Quad Abusers,
East Tennessee ATV Riders, Southern Off-Road
Riders, and the Harlan County Ridge Runners.
To show its concern for the protection of riding
areas, the WATVC partnered with the Coal Creek
Mining Company to create and maintain a 72,000
acres off-road trail system known as the Coal
Creek OHV Trail System. In 2008, the group
ceased being the official manager of the area,
but its members still volunteer to assure that
the site is clean and safe for riders. The club
holds clean up days at Coal Creek and continues
to promote the sport of ATV riding and
recreation there. In addition, it gets involved
in the community and sponsors local charities
and events and participates in holiday
activities including the local Christmas parade
and does fundraising for the less fortunate.
The club is not confined by the borders of the
great state of Tennessee. It also promotes
several other areas for riders throughout the
southeastern region of the U.S, explained
Murphy. Riders of the region are encouraged to
use the forum of the group’s website to exchange
information. Moreover, the club sponsors rides
in locations throughout Tennessee as well as in
surrounding states.
According to Murphy, the major issue concerning
ATVers in Tennessee is trail closures. “We
support many foundations that ‘take a stand’ in
keeping OHV areas open,” he said. “We have an
active member going to Utah to participate in
the ‘Take Utah Back Rally and Parade.’” He
explained that the ‘Take Back Utah’ movement is
a grass roots effort of many local and regional
organizations to make certain that lands remain
open for ATV use. “We are committed to
responsible use of and access to public land in
Utah,” he said.
Anyone can join the club. Simply visit the WATVC
website at
www.windrockatv.com and complete an
application. Membership fee is $20 a year, and
membership covers the family members living with
the joining individual.
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