An interview with the newly elected ATVA Director (part 1)
The right guy for the job? We definitely think so. After reading this
interview we think you'll agree as well.
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| Doug has plenty of seat time, more specifically -- (and we're pleased of this) -- plenty of race track time, as you can see. |
ATV Scene: What is your background?
Morris: I spent most of my adult life in
Topeka Kansas (25 years) where I owned my own property management business.
I started riding ATCs in 1986 and became very active with a local ATV club,
the Kansas ATV Association (KATVA). KATVA over the next few years became one
of the most active clubs in the nation. We developed two separate riding areas
on Corps of Engineer property. One at Lake Perry, Kansas and another at Pomona
Lake, Kansas. We were the only club I know of to ever lease property from the
Corps of Engineer to use exclusively for a club riding area. We also worked
with the State of Kansas to use SIMMS gas tax money to purchase land from the
adjoining landowner and then lease it back to KATVA, doubling the size of the
area we leased form the Corps of Engineers.
In 1988 the Consumer Product Safety Commission was trying to do away with ATVs.
I knew if we could cut down on accidents and injuries we could keep our chosen
form of recreation going strong, so I became a licensed instructor for the ATV
Safety Institute (ASI). In 1992 ASI had an opening for a Region Manager of their
Central Region in Louisville, Colorado. I took the job and moved to Colorado.
While working as the Central Region Manager for ASI, I worked with hundreds
of Instructors and dealers in a 12 state region. I attended many land use workshops,
worked with US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and many state agencies
on ATV issues. In 1995 I became a Licensed Chief Instructor for ASI.
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| That's Doug pitch sliding a Honda 300EX on the cover of 4-Wheel ATV Action. |
In 1998 I went to work for one of the largest motorcycle dealerships
in the country, Fay Myers Motorcycle World in Denver Colorado. As Operations
Manager, my job description was very diverse. Fay Myers has to be the most active
dealership in the country when it comes to protecting our right to recreate
on public lands. Because of the involvement of Fay Myers, I worked with most
of the major ATV manufacturers.
I would coordinate product evaluations on new ATVs, combined with where to ride
articles. I did many rides with Bill Lanphier, (former editor of 4-Wheel ATV
Action) and a few editorials with the AMA's, American Motorcyclists. The magazine
articles allow more of the ATV'ing public to see just how much enjoyment is
out there. I worked closely with Jerry Abboud, executive director of the Colorado
Off-highway Vehicle Coalition, (COHVCO). They are one of the most active and
forward thinking associations in country. COHVCO has truly been a leader in
fighting to keep our public lands open to OHV'S.
ATV Scene: Married? Children?
Morris: My wife Cindi and I have been married
for 25 years. We don't have any children, but I have a son (Scott) that lives
in Shawnee, KS.
ATV Scene: Do you ride ATVs?
How long have you been an ATVer?
Morris: Yes! Every chance I get. My son
and I stared riding together in 1986 on a Honda ATC 250SX (shaft drive w/ reverse).
ATV Scene: Ever race?
Morris: Yes I have! I have successfully
competed in every form of ATV competition there is. Motocross, TT, Flat Track,
Ice, Hare Scrambles, Mud Bogs, ATV Rodeo's, Sand Drags, Dirt Drags, you name
it - I raced it. I personally liked the hare scrambles the best. When I lived
in Kansas there was a circuit called the Kansas Motorcycle Sportsmans Association,
in which my son Scott and I raced 1987 Honda 250Xs in
the 4-stroke class. Scott moved up to the 2-stroke class and I stayed in 4-stroke.
I was the KS State 4-stroke points champion for 1990 & 1991.
ATV Scene: Why did you take on this role?
Morris: The main reason is my enthusiasm
for ATVing. For the last fifteen years
ATVs have been the main focus in almost everything I have been doing. I want
to see
it grow into the future.
ATV Scene: Are you aware of the newly formed
National ATV Motorsports Group
Morris: Yes I am aware of them and hope
to work closely with them. We have not yet spoken but hope to soon.
ATV Scene: Any last words
for part one of this interview?
Morris: I hope there will never be a LAST
WORD! I plan on seeing ATVing grow long into the future. I know the AMA is going
to see that this adventure works and I want to be a big part of the success.
I will start Monday March 19th. We'll talk again after I get settled in at my
new residence in Pickerington, Ohio.
