Off-road enthusiasts hit paydirt at Auburn Extreme Powersports

A longtime recreational vehicle enthusiast is translating his expertise into business.Applegate resident Jeff Barbarick opened Auburn Extreme Powersports in early May.This is Barbarick's second retail venture. He ran Auburn Powersports from 1995 to 2007, when he sold it to OTD Cycle Sports."I had a crooked bookkeeper stealing all the tax money," he said. "I got audited by the state Board of Equalization, which found out I was $120,000 short. I found out the bookkeeper was taking the tax money. I filed charges and she went to jail and is serving time."This time, Barbarick has taken on a business partner, Auburn resident Jack Casper. "He actually was a customer of mine," Barbarick said. " … He's also a big-time (off-road) enthusiast and has a son who's an enthusiast."The store carries Polaris ATVs and UTVs (utility vehicles) as well as side-by-sides. There are also Victory motorcycles, street bikes, dirt bikes, personal watercraft and snowmobiles. He's also a full-service dealer."We sell and service them, and have parts and accessories," he said. "Any offroad recreational vehicle, we take care of it."The store's staff includes three mechanics. And they're all avid off-roaders.Barbarick has a Kawasaki dirt bike, Victory street bike and a Ranger side-by-side. He enjoys motorcycle riding with his sons, ages 18 and 15."We go to Mammoth (Bar) and out to tracks in Marysville," he said. "They like the sport as much as I do."One of his favorite off-roading sites is Moon Rocks near Reno. "The terrain is perfect for dirt bikes and side-by-sides," he said. "It's got tracks, wide open trails."No license is required to drive an off-road vehicle, but there are age restrictions depending in the size of the ride."For a full-size adult machine, you have to be 16 years and older," he said. "For ages 16 and younger, there are youth machines."Lessons aren't required, but Polaris offers a "really good safety program," he said."You can go on (the Polaris) website and take it," he said. "They also offer safety training you can attend. The company offers a $100 coupon toward accessories (for those who attend the course)."Future plans include bringing in the Kawasaki brand. "We're trying to bring in Honda power equipment – lawn mowers, generators, weed whackers," Barbarick said.Over the weekend he had a booth at Hangtown Motocross Classic in Prairie City."We're also a sponsor of Fast Fridays," he said.Reach Gloria Young at gloriay@goldcountrymedia.com.-------------------------------Auburn Extreme PowersportsWhere: 446 Grass ValleyHighwayHours: 9 to 6 Monday-Friday; 9 to 5 Saturday, 10 to 3SundayPhone: (530) 885-7175Website: auburnextremepowersports.com