St. Anthony's Dune Tour 2012 day 3 & 4

      After day 2 ended with a big wind storm, I could not wait to get out and see how the dunes had changed. as we mounted up and met at the small dune just out the access from Sand Hills Resort (www.thesandhillsresort.com) , we were running a little later than the 10am meet time and the sun was up and warm. The Quartzite sand peaks glistened in the bright morning sunshine.
       We headed west through the middle of the dunes hitting what felt like endless bowl after bowl, with a mix of exciting lips and transitions into and out of the bowls. The smile inside my helmet would not go away, even when I was running as high as possible in a bowl and blew out the lip with the left front, causing the Big Brute to make an immediate hard left at high speed and launch out of the bowl , rev limiter popping, with a surprisingly smooth slight down hill landing after an unsettling amount of air ( someone suggested that I do it again for a photo op... I declined).
      It was an incredible sight to see all the Side by Sides and quads running in a extra large version of follow the leader up dunes, over lips, and right side bowls to left side bowls, for what seemed like miles, with the leader occasionally looping back around the whole group to make sure we were all there. Giving those of us with on board cameras some fun group shots.

      We reached our fist stop at Thunder Mountain. and once again several in the group made assaults at the large hill, reaching the top in some cases , side hill crabbing in some cases and high marking each other. "OH-Oh , I think he's stuck " , came the call. A gaze upward confirmed that indeed one of our group was bogged down almost at the top of the gigantic dune. I held my breath as he started to back up and slide sideways, When he had the machine almost completely cross ways to the top, a generous whack of the throttle and he was headed down.

 We re-grouped and headed off, rolling through the mid-day heat. Rolling edges , taking in the incredible scenery and leaving our mark on some more big bowls, rolling through the steep sides and popping out the often uneven exit, then uphill and a right or left and downhill on to the next approach.

Our next stop was on a dune overlooking Egin Lake, and what an amazing view ! Egin Lake has a BLM campground, a small store and public bathrooms. Although we did not stop in this time, we did hit the store and bathrooms on a few occasions.

As the group was stopped and visiting, a few machines peeled off and down to our left, where there was a spot that provided a good little jump for the SxS's. I was watching the action instead of taking pictures, but did manage a few shots of one of our friends from Washington, putting his stock Commander through the paces. 

The group split from there, as some had to head back for a town run. I followed the group heading back (4 of us) and we ran a majority of the "designated" route. We ran some great sidehills, smaller bowls, and trails all the way back to the Resort.

Later that afternoon a couple of the ladies wanted to make the run back to the Egin Lake store to pick up a couple souvenirs, and Jennifer wanted to get her banshee (The Joker) out for a ride, so off we went 2 XP900's a banshee and a bruteforce .

 Running somewhere along the "designated route" markers we just took it easy and cruised for the most part. As the girls were getting their memento's, we got talking about geocaching. "There are a couple really close to here, if you wanted to check them out" offered up Ed (he and his wife Pat do a lot of geocaching. Absolutely was the group reply, so off we went around the shores of the lake following the GPS, finding one on an obscure hump under a tree. I have to admit it was pretty exciting as they searched and found it.

That evening we had a potluck BBQ and birthday party, for our friend Gary, Who due to an unfortunate mechanical problem, was not able to make the trip, But many best wishes were sent his way via the Internet, and HEY the party must go on !

Day four, Saturday, our last day at St. Anthony's. Several in the group had to head home today, and pulled out early. We got up to the sun shining and the promise of another fantastic day.

As we the remainder of us gathered for a morning ride, we were down to RZR 800S, and me with the BruteForce.

We headed west toward the bigger bowls and dunes taking a northwest trail approach this time, right along the edge of the rock and desert grass, this approach provided some challenges to the group as some of the northwest trails end in rock crossings (lava rock + paddles = NO). So we had a few group reroutes on the way. Finding some fun along the way

We had a great time just playing follow the leader through fast trails, and sidehills and some bowls, making a big loop crossing the central dunes where the majority of the bigger bowls are. Transitioning from bowl to bowl, and heading back in the direction of camp.

Late that afternoon we headed back out straight up the gut middle of the dunes, to Thunder Mountain, for some final play time before we had to leave. 

As the sun began to set on this fantastic adventure, it provided some great photo op's.

"HEY JAY ".... "Move your head to the right just a bit"... "got it, thanks".

As we headed back with the sun setting on our backs, I took one last opportunity to catch some action at sunset, The sun and dunes were more than happy to co-operate and provided some incredible backdrops. Complete with smoke from a local fire creeping through the valley's and peaks of the dunes.

As we said goodnight and goodbye to St. Anthony's Dunes Tour 2012, we could not stop playing.... or smiling.

MAddOG Morrel Motorsports would like to extend a very special thank you to

Chad and Jennifer, without you this trip would not have happened !

Ed and Pat , For having the coffee ready every morning... and sharing.

Kevin, for the instant coffee to hold me over.

Cliff and the RZRForum.net group for letting me ride along, report, video, and stop to take pictures.

Jeff Hausmann, for the example of caring and compassion he set for all of us.

Also

Thanks to all our sponsors, who keep us doing what we do !

MUZZYS

St. Anthony's Dune Tour 2012, Days 1 & 2

  

After arriving at 4:30 AM and a couple hours of sleep , we awoke to a beautiful, sunny day. In looking around there was sand almost all the way around the Sand Hills Resort. It was like a little oasis in the middle of the desert.

    Kicking back and relaxing for a bit after the 14 hour drive , we visited and I got to meet some new friends. I ran the Brute across the road and into the closest dunes to set the MUZZYS DigiTune fuel controller as the altitude here is 5,000+ feet. 

   That task being done, we made the decision to go into Rexburg to check out Bear World, a drive through wildlife park with everything from grizzly bears to albino elk. Most of the animals (bears in particular), are rescues from Yellowstone National Park. The Large variety of wildlife is amazing and some of the bears will gladly walk right along side, or in front of your rig.  If you are planning a trip to St. Anthony's , Yellowstone Bear World is a must see. Plan a couple hours, as you can drive through the park as many times as you want.                      

After a good nights sleep, it was time to head out on a group ride (we had an international / multi state group Canada, Oregon, California, Utah,  and Washington). We all met at the top of the mini dune just outside the Sand Hills Resort dune entrance. The group consisted of  3 RZR XP900's, 2 RZR 800's(1 turbo'd) , 2 - 450 quads, an XP900 /Apex with turbo conversion, A Commander,The BruteForce, And an XP900 turbo.

As we headed out I was in awe of the sheer beauty and contrast in the scenery. 

  We headed out into the dunes with the RZR XP900/ Apex Turbo leading us in a snaking line over lips, humps, fast flats and great bowls. I couldn't help but think how amazing these dunes were.

 As we got further west, and closer to the foothills, the dunes and bowls began to grow in size to some the biggest sharpest dunes and bowls I have ever seen. as we snaked our way, we came through what I would find out later was the middle of the westerly dunes, and began to climb a series of large , what I would best describe as giant sandy steps. As we all came to a stop at the top, I dismounted and walked over and looked down the steep side of what I would consider the biggest freaking sand dune (mountain) I have stood on.

   "Welcome to Choke Cherry" one of the guys said."Thanks, this is amazing I stammered",almost dizzy from looking down the hill. The next thought I had was, OK how do I get to the bottom without going straight down? I spotted my exit to the east in the form of a nice trail that wandered down and around until it appeared to get to the bottom. Guess I am not the first with this thought, Thank Goodness. We watched from the top as some of the  machines played on the massive slope.

Yes those are full sized SXS's at the bottom.

 A few of the guys made runs towards the top, with only the XP/Turbo/Apex conversion and the Turbo RZR making it over the top (a few times). The call came out to mount up head down as the ride was going to continue from the bottom. As side by side after side by side dropped over the edge and out of sight , I realized , This is something I had to do, just to be able to say " yeah I been on Choke". Over the lip and down I went braaaping the throttle to keep the engine braking from kicking in and lightly riding the brakes enough to maintain control. There is very little run out at the bottom of the infamous hill, so maintaining some control on the way down is very important. As everyone gathered at the bottom ,the turbo guys made a couple more runs at, and over, Choke before we headed to off and into a fast trail that nicely covered everything from side hills to bowls to jumps/whoops and flat trail through the grassy sections and carry's over to Devil's Dune to check out a massive bowl. When we arrived at the amazingly large bowl you couldn't help but jump in line and run through with the group, all in line. 

I found quickly that on the big beasts if you carry enough speed into the bowl, and don't check up or loose confidence, the G force will actually hold you in your line, to the point of compressing the suspension. 

Some of these bowls are really deep, and funnel down to a pile of lava rocks, so you definitely do not want to bail out. On the other end of the spectrum, many of the tops, or lips,  on these giant eyes are very sharp and provide a somewhat disturbing feeling as you lip over-twist into the bowl and sometimes out also, if you run a little too high on the edge.

      Heading out from there, it was time to head back to camp... The long way, my favorite. We snaked our way west to the edge of the dunes and than southwest, through more incredible bowls, transitions, drops with lips and jumps and rolling almost flats. Rolling up over the top of a larger dune the scene got even more surreal, as there it was, a lake in the desert dunes. What a beautiful back drop right on the south border of the expansive sand is Egin Lake rec. area. They have a small store, and BLM  campground, but most important BATHROOMS ! We all pulled in for a rest and for some of us, a much needed bathroom break.

Heading out the Egin Lake dune access road and back into the dunes requires a trip over a section of wide but whooped out trails right along the lake. Peeling off east, we rolled on through the south eat section of dunes and trails. The designated route from Egin Lake back to The Sand Hills Resort is conveniently marked with brown marker poles so as long as you keep the farm land on your right and marker in your sights it is an easy trip. Cruising over the rollers and edging along steep lips, you can't help but appreciate the sheer wonder and beauty of these inland dunes.

Arriving back at Sand Hills, you can access the camping area from 3 different entrances, that drop directly into the campground from the dunes.

Stay tuned for Days 3 & 4 

MANY, MANY thanks to Chad and Jennifer for making this trip a reality, and hauling my butt across 2 states, and sharing this AWESOME adventure with me.

Thank You to my sponsors 

I was WRONG ....

      I wrote an article about a year ago, after the untimely deaths of several professional off-roaders, about how those of us that choose to push the limits know the risks, accept the risks and downgrade (or ignore) the potential end results. About how we do not grieve. 

      I was WRONG ! As I sit and contemplate and put together my ride report for my recent trip to ST. Anthony's dunes, I can not clear my head of the sad situation where a family lost their 4 wheeler loving 13 year old son, who passed away September 5th. , 2012 , riding at ST. Anthony's.

      I am grieving, for the family and friends that lost their family member / friend.

      Our most sincere condolences to the Christensen family and friends.

                                                            R.I.P. Hunter 

Hunter Bret Christensen, age 13 of Lewiston, Idaho passed away from a 4 wheeler accident on Sept. 5th, 2012.

He lived life to the fullest, whether shooting guns, hunting, 4 wheeling, snowmobiling or playing soccer, the grass didn’t grow under his feet.

He has been his fathers right hand man on his small ranch in Lewiston, Idaho. He could handle all of the tractors and equipment.

He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America and had just received his life Scout Rank. He had a goal of achieving Eagle Scout before his 14th birthday. He has completed his duty to God and was serving as senior patrol leader in troop 145.

Hunter was a very spiritual young man and sought out the young men in the deacons quorum that were needing a friend and included them.

Although his time in this life has been short he has left a lasting example of friendship, integrity and an unwavering moral courage.

He is survived by his parents, Bret Boyle Christensen and Eddieka Bach Christensen; his siblings, IlaMarie C. Palmer, Julianne Christensen, Andriana Christensen and his little buddy Trevor Christensen; his grandparents, Mark E and Patricia B. Christensen of Idaho Falls, ID; and Edwin L. And Michiko Bach of Hollister, MO. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jenna May Christensen.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Pratt Cemetery at Alta, Wyoming under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the Lewiston LDS Chapel on Ripon Ave., in Lewiston, ID.

      From Flamm Funeral Home, Rexburg, ID.

      

DuneFest 2012 Morning rides and adventures

At the very top of Banshee Hill
Photo by Jon C. and property of UTV Guide.net

                                         DuneFest 2012
      Being in the sand and not being able to ride was killing me. I knew it was only a matter of time before the sand would be junk, because of all the traffic, after all it was DuneFest and there was talk of an attendance record.
      It was day 2 (Thursday) and I hadn't even unloaded the Brute yet. The early morning rides have always been one of the highlights of my times at DuneFest, held in Winchester Bay, Oregon, and this morning the anticipation was killing me. We were scheduled to ride with Jon and Jason from UTV Guide (www.utvguide.net) for a photo shoot.
      The sky was blue and the sun was out (a real treat in the morning) as the group started to come together, at a chipper 7:30 am, we talked some and got some instructions on where to meet, at the top of Banshee Hill. I was ready, I had had plenty of coffee and a less than healthy over sized fresh brownie for breakfast.
       I decided I would meet them at the top by taking the direct route, straight up through the trees to the top. As I rolled up to the bottom and grabbed a thumb-full of throttle, the BruteForce screamed to life and accelerated hard through the bottom section and up into the trees, as I started to clear the the trees and enter the upper bowl the sand began to feel loose and I could feel it robbing power, and dragging down the top speed.

Banshee Hill, in the background
Photo property of MAddOG Motorsports

       Meeting the group at the top, Jon gave me some instruction on how close to get to him and where he would be. Off I headed to the bottom to make another blast up as I was rolling up the top bowl I could see where they were and found a perfect spot to do a little showboating, and pulled the front end with a slight braaaap of the thumb. "Too far away" he reported, "I have the close up lens on". Down the hill I went ( I wasn't comfortable hooking it around in the loose midsection). I stopped at the bottom to make a slight adjustment to the DigiTune, and headed back up, pulling another wheelie right at the top but still not "real Close".

Photo by Jon C. property of UTV Guide.net

      We did some shredding in the upper "bowl" while Jon took pictures, and at one point I thought for sure I got too close and got his legs... Turns out he is pretty quick, and STILL got the shot !

Photo by Jon C. and is property of UTV Guide.net

      As we wrapped our part of the shoot and Jon switched to the new Arctic Cat Wildcat, Kelly and I rolled off and down the backside of Banshee. We headed south east to the least traveled area of the Winchester Bay dunes. The further south and east we got the smoother and less traveled the sand was and we were able to open up our machines and let them breathe the thick coastal air.
      We cruised up some big dunes and did some side-hilling and high marking and than rolled into the "trails" along the south out of bounds border (which has been moved north a lot in the last few years). The trails were great, no traffic to worry about and some fun, fast really bermed up corners with humps and jumps in between the sections that run through the grass. We were having a blast but it was time to get back to my other commitments, so we ran to the roller flats all the way to the west and laid pipe on the pin until the first rise. Easing up to the first big rise and cresting the top I was reminded how big DuneFest is as displayed by the row of haulers, toy haulers, RV's and campers right out in the dunes. Across the flat again to the next rise, up and over and more of the same, it was surreal and amazing the sheer volume of people that were camped out in the sand.
      I could tell we were getting close to being back by the traffic starting to show , slowing down and cruising the last several hundred yards into the Manufacturer row area , our Wednesday riding was over.

Photo property of MAddOG Motorsports

      Friday morning the fog was almost on the deck, but we were riding. Heading the most direct route towards the south east corner again, the fog was so bad on top of the dunes I had to slow down. The sand was very damp and was already getting pretty tore up , it was rough with sections of really gnarrly. There was no shortage of traction in the wetter sand, but due to the wind blowing pretty hard some of the bigger dunes had spots about 2/3 to 3/4 the way up with bands of loose puffy sand that would either slow you down or FORCE you to take notice when running the bowl, by falling away under you (Surprise !). The tops of a lot of the dunes had areas the wind had blown small to medium jagged edge troughs, and between the fog and following a well suspended (Elka Stage4) RZR, I got some unexpected turbulence a few times.
      As we started to run out of time, we headed back, crossing through some mid dune trails and over some great, smaller razorbacks that are just enough to get a little air (the Brute is NOT big air friendly), and made things fun and more active than just pinning the throttle and running up the flats/rollers. We finally did hit them and wide open throttle brought some surprises as to how wet the area really was, as it was dragging the top speed down almost 10MPH, although running into a healthy headwind didn't help either.

Photo property of MAddOG Motorsports

      Saturday morning the fog was gone the skies were clear and the sun was back, the wind had let up some, and it was time for my last burn at DuneFest. A group of us met at the MUZZYS tent for a fun ride together. We headed out to the flats and everyone went wide open, as we rolled across the flats I realized just how trashed the sand was and how bad the flats were whooping out, after a close as I wanted to come to a tank slapper event in the first set of whoops, I backed out of the throttle for the second set and watched as the group of SxS's disappeared over the next rise. I was not worried as I knew where they were heading and had a good idea of where I could catch up. I climbed some dunes and messed around on some side-hills , but nothing to crazy since I had no backup if I took a digger. 

Photo Property of MAddOG Motorsports

      I caught sight of the group heading my direction on the flats and crossed over to meet them, yes they were coming to look for me (sorry guys), we met up and headed off to a smoother area of medium to small dunes where we all stopped to take in the view. It wasn't long and Jon had his camera out and the guys were shredding around and looking for a spot to get some air. One of the first ones to air it out was Kelly (who picked up the nickname AirKelly, That was quickly shortened to "The A-K", after a photoshoot earlier in the week)

Photo by Jon C.
Property of UTV Guide.net

Photo by Jon C.
Property of UTV Guide.net

      As  the group ripped around one of the drivers slid into a small gulley at the transition of a dune and ended up almost on his side, requiring a winch out. By the time we made sure everyone was OK and the machine damage was nothing more than some cracks in the plastic it was time for me to head back. Taking off and running through some mid dune trails and across some humpy flats, taking time to get some pictures of the dunes and the sand camps, I couldn't help but smile an be thankful for the dunes , the great group of people I get to ride with and of course the fact we all played hard and walked away fine.

      Special thanks to Jon and www.utvguide.net for the AWSOME pictures they provided, and the opportunity to be on the other end of a camera, To Kelly, the ultimate Dune Attack weapon "The A-K" , and to MUZZYS Performance Products www.muzzys.com. See YOU at DuneFest 2013 www.dunefest.com.