Word on the street is that REI gives a ton of money, to groups that really don't like what most of us do. Seems that the Federal Government, the Sierra Club and the like, would really like to see all off pavement trails closed to all motorized vehicles. Recently, the CEO of REI was made Interior Secretary, nominated by President Obama. This puts her in charge of National Park Service, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. I've personally watched as more and more trails have been closed over the last ten years. The Federal government is spending millions of dollars to close trails that have been open for a very long time. I'm not just propagating anti-government paranoia hear. I've witnessed enough of this to believe what many are writing about on the internet. If you care see for yourself, drive Main Divide Road in Southern California. I can't imagine the cost to erect such great lengths of steel railing that closes off trails that have been there for decades. The BLM has taken over millions of acres of land in the last 15 years and is closing much of it off.
Why don't we see REI offering any motorized overlanding specific products? I enjoy dispersed camping. I'm concluding that they don't like what I do.
So what can be done?
REI, is a coop. They are owned by it's members. They spend money to support politics that I do not agree with. I'm no longer shopping there and am choosing to buy products from companies which are either not politically affiliated and or sell overland products. I'm going to support those who support me. I feel like the dollar is the strongest vote that I have.
Why don't we see REI offering any motorized overlanding specific products? I enjoy dispersed camping. I'm concluding that they don't like what I do.
So what can be done?
REI, is a coop. They are owned by it's members. They spend money to support politics that I do not agree with. I'm no longer shopping there and am choosing to buy products from companies which are either not politically affiliated and or sell overland products. I'm going to support those who support me. I feel like the dollar is the strongest vote that I have.