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Whether the Rebel Outlaws, an all-terrain vehicle group, is slinging mud or kicking up sand, they always seem to find adventure. The Rebel Outlaws started with three founding members. Dawn Byrum, Raymond and Heather Evans are from Kansas, OK.
"We don't have any ATV clubs or groups in our area. We first joined another ATV club in Northwest Arkansas, but quickly discovered we didn't belong," said Dawn Byrum. "Four of us left that club and created the Rebel Outlaws in July 2004. Shortly after, Janetta and Chris Brown joined our group."
The ATV group took the name Rebel Outlaws because they felt the name described them well. They go out on the trails, play in the dirt, sling mud, have mini drag races, and find fun anywhere they ride their ATVs. On the other hand, they help promote a safety and family-oriented group.
"We thought we were rebels because the other club we were involved with thought the four of us were wild and crazy ATV riders. We go find the big mud holes to play in and get muddy!" stated Raymond Evans.
"Our name describes our members well, but we are safety oriented as well. We always have our children on the trails with us, so safety is always on our minds," adds Heather Evans.
The ATV Group is also unique because they do not charge membership dues, elect group officers, or have group rules. They want to have a group of riders who want to enjoy the sport and ride as many designated ATV trails as possible.
"We don't collect membership dues because we don't think a person should pay to ride his or her own ATV, be given a set of rules, and told what to do or not to do. We are here to do something we love to do and have fun," said Dawn Byrum.
They have also chosen to Adopt a Highway in Oklahoma. The Adopt a Highway program requires a two-year commitment and picking up trash four times a year on a two-mile stretch of highway.
"While at Lee's Creek in Van Buren, AR on Memorial Day weekend, the group picked up trash that other campers had left behind. At that time, we decided that adopting a highway would be a great idea. We thought we could do something positive for the community," stated Dawn Byrum.
The ATV group rides many different designated areas. In Oklahoma, the group rides at Keystone Dam, Disney Dam, Salina Dam, and Appalachia Bay. In Missouri, the group rides at Chadwick. In Arkansas, they ride at Mill Creek, Lee's Creek, Mount Magazine, and Prairie Grove Outlaw Trails.
The group also competes in ATV competitions. They have competed in shodoes and jamborees in Claremore, Wyandotte and Miami. Also, they have competed in Oswego, KS.
"Basically, a shodeo is like a rodeo except riders use ATVs instead of horses. We have competed in several area competitions and we have won over 36 trohies and awards since April," said Dawn Byrum.
"We compete, but we also host our own competitions," adds Heather Evans. "Our last competition was held at Cedar Tree Arena in Kansas, OK. We had nearly 50 riders and had a great time."
The Rebel Outlaws will host their second competition on September 10 at Cedar Tree Arena. They will have barrel, cone, and flag races. For this rodeo, they are adding timed drag races. Events start at 4 p.m.
"We have a great competition lined up. Competitors will win some awesome trophies. Spectators can expect to win some great door prizes too," added Raymond Evans.
The Rebel Outlaws have a webpage at www.rebeloutlaws.freehomepage.com. They have a variety of information including riding areas, ATV links, local ATV events, guestbook, and member spotlights. Also, they have a forum located at http://rebeloutlaws04.proboards31.com.