While it might look like these riders were having a good time, they were working - and working hard. After an ordinance was passed in March 1987, a Tucson Police Department unit was formed to patrol desert trails, the Santa Cruz River and the Tanque Verde Wash, looking for illegal off-road riders. The law prohibited use of any motor vehicle - motorcycle, dirt bike, truck or all-terrain vehicle - off roadways within a quarter-mile of any structure. The team spent time finding popular off-roading trails and telling riders about the new rules. It was dusty, dirty work, but somebody had to do it! PHOTO BY JACKIE BELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR 1987