County, Opinion

From My Window: OHV rendezvous good for county; lessons may be learned from event

Sean McMahon, Editor
Sean McMahon, Editor
Since Thursday, everywhere in Rio Blanco County and particularly on the east side near the Flat Tops and the mountains south and north of Meeker one saw a lot of four-wheelers and off-highway vehicles (OHVs).

It all started on Wednesday afternoon with the OHVs arriving for Thursday’s start of the 2016 Wagon Wheel OHV Rendezvous, sponsored by the Meeker Chamber of Commerce and by Rio Blanco County.
This is the fifth annual rendezvous and easily can boast of having its largest participation yet.
When it first began, there weren’t many more than a handful of participants involved in the rendezvous. But that number has grown substantially, and by Friday officials with the event announced that at least 160 OHVs were registered with one, two, three or four persons in some cases (families) linked per vehicle.
Ever constant in discussion regarding Rio Blanco County has been the Better Cities plan, which involves Rio Blanco County and the towns of Meeker and Rangely. The idea in a nutshell is to put river walks along the White River in both towns, to make the downtown areas more tourist friendly and to turn the county into a giant recreation area with, at least at this time, an increase in emphasis on archery and other outdoor activities.
That is a tremendous idea if the plan is able to see fruition. A year-round recreation haven for outdoor enthusiasts would be great. The entire area would be able to cater year-around to archers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. It would attract hikers, campers, more hunters, horseback riders, more fishermen and women and just about anything else that can be done outside as well as many aspects of the outdoor life being drawn inside during winter.
The idea is great. The need is probably great and the draw could incredibly enhance the economy/employment within Rio Blanco County—something everyone would agree is much needed.
The dream is going to be an expensive one and it is not going to happen over night.
I understand the forces are at work behind the scenes to make some of this stuff happen before it might be expected, but any progress is progress—and that is a very good thing.
The spectacular growth seen this year at the 2016 Wagon Wheel Rendezvous, headquartered at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, was another equally important event for the county.
With an increase of nearly double in attendees over last year, this year’s event showed that people will travel to Meeker and its surroundings if there is some form of recreation to be found that piques someone’s interest.
Rio Blanco County has a phenomenal trail system that leaves little beautiful county terrain uncovered. No one wants a trail every 150 feet throughout the area, but the trails have been judiciously selected to showcase the area with a variety of rides.
There are rides out there for the beginners and those who are reluctant to take risks and there are trails out there that would make your hair stand on end.
That’s what is needed.
The trails have been tailored and will continue to expand and be tailored with diversity in mind, and that could help take the pressure off the all-the-eggs-in-one-basket feeling some folks have toward the Better Cities plans.
There is so much more that can be done with the OHV fanatics around the state, region and nation, and what better place to do that than right here.
There could be a gold mine in pushing and pursuing a draw for the snowmobilers in the area, state and nation—and, God knows, we have certainly had the snow to handle a large winter event or two.
We have the hotel rooms now, we have the restaurants that can handle an abundance of visitors, as they showed last week with the OHV riders, and, hopefully, as these events grow, the towns of Rangely and Meeker will grow and Rio Blanco County will grow and start to prosper again.
The OHV riders ate at our restaurants, they drank in our bars, they shopped in our stores, they stayed in our hotels and motels and they stayed in our campgrounds. These events do make a difference and they all—from events like these in Meeker to events like Septemberfest in Rangely—draw attention, people and dollars to Rio Blanco County.
Those at the rendezvous were outspoken about how well they were treated, how well the rendezvous was run and how friendly the people at the hotels, motels, restaurants and businesses were while they were in Meeker.
No, the county population isn’t going to double in three years. The businesses that are struggling aren’t going to wake up to pots of gold in the yard right away. The incomes of area residents aren’t going to triple and the rents aren’t going to come down to what they should be.
But in time—hopefully not too much time—all of these things will begin to make a difference.
Rio Blanco County has seen more than its share of ups and downs, and we know that those have been linked to the energy industry. Oil and gas may indeed come back into prominence in the county once again and the severance taxes may again flow like water as they have a couple of times.
But enthusiasm is the only outlook to have at this point. If not for enthusiasm and hope for the not-real-distant future, what are we doing here?
We have beautiful mountains and valleys; we have an abundance of water; we have terrific schools that will only see improvements; we have healthy lifestyles and terrific athletes; we have great air quality as often as almost anywhere; we have a college; we have some of the best hunting and fishing around; and we tend to have all four seasons—sometimes condensed—and some of the clearest skies around.
Put all of those ingredients in a bowl and you have a heck of a recipe for recreational success.
What about cross-country skiing or snowshoe trails? What about hiking trails throughout the county during the summer? How about horseback rides or summer pack horses on two-, three- or five-day trips? What about fishing on some of the high-altitude lakes in the Flat Tops?
The possibilities are endless.
Let’s face it, if the weather is good, folks in Colorado and folks visiting Colorado are probably up for it if they know what about it. If the weather isn’t quite so good, you have the tough winter enthusiasts in Colorado and throughout the West who are probably up for it—if they know about it and if it is promoted enough.
Meeker has something nearly every weekend from late April until the Meeker Sheepdog Classic, which is the second full week in September. That’s actually only a five-month period with so much planned.
But, by golly, that leaves actually more than half the year with only a couple of events that draw outsiders into Rio Blanco County.
With indoor and outdoor activities and facilities, there is no limit as to what can be done in Rio Blanco County.
Towns like Durango are certainly not on the beaten path and the narrow gauge railroad doesn’t run year-around, but Durango is busy year around. Vail, Steamboat Springs, Aspen and places like Copper Mountain are winter resorts. But they keep the condos and hotels full in the springs, summer and fall as well.
Am I crazy?
Maybe.
But I am using my imagination and looking at the possibilities that could become a part of Rio Blanco’s future reality.
If we all sit back—even those in Rio Blanco County who are non-believers—and tell ourselves that we are dying and half way to dead, then we are doomed. But hopefully there are enough believers out there who can see that there could be a bright future worth investing time, money and effort.
Some folks have sat back long enough and let the oil industry and the gas industry do all the work for us. Few are those who have made good money here who have jumped up and lent a hand in time, energy or bucks to help make a difference.
Rio Blanco County is a fine home and has treated its long-timers pretty well. Maybe it is time for them to get involved in spirit and reality and take a role that could lead to the area becoming everything it could be.

The Four-Mile Fire burned about 400 acres south of Rangely. The Blair Fire burned roughly 1,000 acres in an area north of Highway 64 about 20 miles west of Meeker.
The regional, state and national firefighting teams are staying in area hotels while they fight the local fires and they travel through on their way to fight other battles.
This is just a request to be extra careful while out and about as there is a lot of dry grass and foliage that is tinder dry. Please put all cigarettes out inside your vehicle, don’t throw matches out of windows and please be super careful when dealing with any kind of match or fire in a camping ground or outdoor area.

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
6 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!