Innovation, Safety, and Community on Full Display
Date: May 2–4, 2025
Location: Sunnyview Expo Center, Oshkosh, WI
Hosted by: Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association (WATVA)
Participating Partner: RideSafe Foundation powered by BRP
A Milestone Weekend For Off-Road Safety Advocacy
The inaugural Let’s Ride Powersports Expo hosted by Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association (WATVA) at the Sunnyview Expo Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on May 2-4, 2025. The off-road community, industry innovators, and safety advocates coordinated from across the Midwest for three high-impact days in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Vendors, club leaders, law enforcement, safety instructors, and families gathered to celebrate the world of powersports—while focusing on education, rider awareness, and youth safety.
The RideSafe Foundation played a central role kicking things off on Friday with RSF co-founder Kristen Almer delivering a 2-hour keynote presentation to WATVA club leaders and numerous local, county, and state law enforcement agencies from across the region. The session focused on presenting crucial statistics, injury prevention through rider safety education, and how to engage with the communities at multiple levels.
Kristen also led round table discussions on the issues surrounding Off Highway Vehicle safety that are national in scope and designed to establish a coalition of entities dedicated to reduce in injuries and fatalities.
At the heart of the event was the RideSafe Foundation, delivering dynamic activations, cutting-edge training previews, and heartfelt recognition to those making a difference in OHV safety.
🧠 Launch Of G Factor VR Safety Training
A standout moment of the expo was the U.S. debut of immersive virtual reality training developed by Reese Garnder and G Factor Technology from New Zealand. This pioneering safety tool uses headset-based simulations to teach riders the fundamentals of ATV/UTV control, terrain navigation, and crash avoidance.
Virtual Reality gear in combination with specialized UTV/ATV training and safety modules had never been established and deployed until now. This is ground breaking and will have tremendous impact across the board moving forward.
G Factor:
- Developed three demo modules specifically for the U.S. powersports market
- Flew a team from New Zealand to test the technology in person
- Delivered demos to event attendees, including club leaders, DNR officers, safety instructors, and youth
Early feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a game-changer for rider education. RSF is now exploring how this system can be used in schools, dealerships, and rental training programs across the country.
🎓 Youth Engagement: Safety Made Fun
RSF believes that early engagement is the key to long-term change—and the Let’s Ride Expo was a perfect opportunity to bring that mission to life.
Interactive Activities Included:
- Helmet decorating stations using RSF’s popular reusable vinyl cling sticker kits
- A 6’x9’ Hubert character safety display, where kids dressed the mascot in proper gear
- Screening of the Gear Up Guardians animated pilot episode
- Masters of Safety pledge station, where kids completed a learning activity and signed the RideSafe flag
Every child who signed the pledge received a sticker badge and became part of the growing RSF movement committed to smarter riding.
🤝 Agency Involvement That Mattered
Unprecedented level of support from top-tier agencies and leaders across the region, including:
- Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources (DNR) – multiple wardens and leadership
- Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator | Conservation Warden Lt. Jacob A. Holsclaw
- County Sheriff and Sheriff Deputies
- Arizona Game & Fish OHV Law Enforcement
- National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC)
The sheer volume and variety of support underlined a vital truth: these communities are desperate for effective, trusted tools to educate young riders—and RSF is answering the call.
🎖️ Honoring a Hero: Warden Jamin Leuzzo
RideSafe Foundation powered by BRP was honored to contribute to a special recognition for Conservation Warden Jamin Leuzzo of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). He was presented a custom one-off painted helmet designed by Brandon Zook of Zook Designs. The helmet was furnished by Fly Racing with support from Western Powersports and BRP.
This is not just an off the shelf generic helmet. It is a unique one-off helmet fitted to the officer, adorned with their agency insignia designed to commemorate them on their work. ”We are ever grateful for the tireless work ethic and self sacrifice of the law enforcement officers who enforce the laws their communities set forth, and also show up to shield us in the most terrifying moments of our lives.” – Kristen Almer
Leuzzo was presented with a custom-painted RideSafe helmet and applauded for his role in Wisconsin, which leads the U.S. in ATV/UTV registrations with over 500,000 vehicles and 65,000 miles of riding routes.
“As the surge in ATV/UTV ridership continues, these officers are overburdened—not just enforcing laws, but educating the public. Their compassion and dedication inspire us all.”
— Kristen Almer, RSF Co-Founder
🤝 Collaboration Across Communities
RideSafe’s programming over the weekend was enriched by partnerships with:
- Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association (WATVA)
- Professional Powersports Industry Athletes, Photographers, and Branding Experts
- WATVA Trail Ambassadors
- ATV Safety Institute Certified Safety Instructors
- Association of Snowmobile Clubs
- Western Power Sports (WPS)
- Miss Snowflake, ambassador for Wisconsin snowmobile clubs
- Numerous trail ambassadors, club leaders, and school officials
Roundtable discussions led by Kristen Almer covered how local communities can host RideSafe events, incorporate VR training, and integrate safety curriculum into youth programs.
🏁 Moving Forward
The Let’s Ride Powersports Expo marked a turning point for the RideSafe Foundation’s outreach. It was a weekend of hands-on learning, technological innovation, heartfelt community engagement, and critical momentum.
RSF will continue to bring its mission to schools, dealerships, and trails—ensuring that safety isn’t just a message, but a movement.
