Utah governor hits the track

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. (left, above) issued a proclamation recognizing motocross as "healthy and responsible outdoor family recreation" and then did what any enthusiastic motorcyclist would do: He went for a ride.

Huntsman took to the track as part of a “Ride with the Governor” event at the Utah State Parks and Recreation Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle Center in Salt Lake City on April 9.

"We've got the most awesome gov in the nation," said OGIO Dealer Manager David Crapo, whose gear bag and backpack company backed the governor's proclamation of Utah's "Motocross Kickoff Day" and "Motocross Safety Week," which was signed at the track.

"He's been into riding since he was a kid," Crapo said, "and now his son is huge into the sport as well."

Huntsman's proclamation, which made April 9 the official Kickoff to the 2005 Motocross Season in Utah, noted that the popularity of motocross is growing, that the state provides riding opportunities for residents and that the industry contributes to Utah's economy. The proclamation also credited safety and education programs with reducing the number of rider injuries from off-road riding.