“I’ve Created A Monster…”

There have been a few times in my relatively short yet illustrious career when, without really trying, it seems that I somehow ‘inspired’ someone else to make a change in their previously planned approach to things-in-general. There are those who would (and occasionally do) question whether I actually possess some unidentified characteristic which might influence the behavior and/or actions of others. I sometimes question that possibility myself, although it is not entirely difficult to comprehend how large numbers of people might be inclined to ‘follow my lead’ in some instances. But I digress…

Regardless of whether most people believe it, there are numerous cases which support the theory that I can be quite the motivator. I won’t go into a lot of boring detail regarding several trips to the Principal’s Office by numerous groups of relatively innocent fellow students who found themselves caught up in some ‘extra-curricular activity’ during my high school years behind which I ‘might’ have been the ‘creative genius’ (not that I claim to actually be a ‘genius,’ although no test has ever actually disproved it, either).

It was really mostly the result of ‘tall tales’ & unsubstantiated urban legend (as opposed to any direct influence from me) that that motivated a former fellow trail-rider in the early 1980’s to ask himself “What would Fred do…?” just before he decided that it seemed like a good idea to go blasting down the sidewalk on his old IT175 through the middle of a few hundred students changing classes at the local high school. {It is documented history that it actually was not a good idea, but now that the Statute of Limitations has run out, I feel comfortable in bringing it up. Although there is no solid evidence of my ever having performed any act of a similar nature, I have always felt a little guilty for allowing the ‘mythology’ to grow to such a proportion that others might be motivated to attempt to ‘express themselves’ in a potentially hazardous manner in an attempt to emulate something I may or may not have done before. But again, I digress…

Even though it seems a little far-fetched to consider myself (a mere innocent and unassuming participant in Every-Day Life) to be something of a motivator and inspiration to others, there are a few instances of my having done so in which I take real satisfaction. Having ‘motivated’ the 2002 SERA Masters’ B Class Winner to ride in ’02, as opposed to lounging around the house growing old, comes to mind as a relatively recent and relatively monumental feat (especially since I was totally unaware, at the time, of the positive impact I was having). From what I understand, I have also had the effect of ‘inspiring’ a few other enduro riders to NEVER again want to ride another enduro, although this is actually somewhat questionable.

I suppose that, if the definitions of the terms ‘inspire’ and ‘motivate’ are tweaked slightly, it could conceivably be said that I have ‘inspired’ and/or ‘motivated’ a few U.S. Forest Service Officials to modify their previous attitudes ands outlooks a time or three (again, with both positive and negative results).

After 20+ years as a prominent and influential member of the Southern Enduro Riders Association {I actually just got off the phone with the former SERA Chairman who had the honor (horror?) of signing me up as a New Member, as a matter of fact; although he has long since forgotten that} I have come to realize that I can, on occasion, have some ‘bearing’ on the outlooks, attitudes and/or aspirations of a relatively insignificant number of people in our geographic area.

However, it appears that my ‘influence’ has evolved to a much higher degree than anyone previously realized. History has recorded numerous instances of what has come to be known as “unintended consequences” following some formal action undertaken by various high-profile individuals and organizations. Had I realized what I might be setting into motion a few short months ago, I figure I would have taken a whole different route, thereby avoiding the serious situation currently playing out.

It really seemed like a good idea last March when I composed my April installment of this column in which I claimed to be (like Brett Favre had recently announced regarding his professional football career) retiring from Off-Road Event Promotion, but then went on to point out that I actually would be back and continue to forge ahead building whatever legacy might result.

Honestly, I had no idea that I might be ‘inspiring’ and ‘motivating’ Brett Favre to change his outlook, want to continue and, from all indications, throw the NFL into a state of total confusion.

What can I say ? It can be an awesome responsibility being such a trend-setter…