Trail riding and tours

We constantly get asked about trail riding in Yuma Arizona. We are working on getting that put together for our customers and Yuma locals there are tons of places to see and ride at. I will keep you posted on the latest updates. The tour will be at the end of March. I'll keep you posted.

Law enforcement at Imperial Sand Dunes out of control?

I read the paper this morning to hear about an unfortunate story. I have heard recently several stories regarding abuse of power. One person told me about how a law enforcement officer at the Imperial Sand Dunes gave everyone at thier camp tickets for this that and the other. They justified it by saying they had to meet thier quota. The article in The Sun (Yuma Newspaper) talked about a couple that has invested over $70,000 in a rail to drive from Canada to ride the Imperial Sand Dunes. One argument was the leos at the sand dunes were too agressive with the people going over to the Southern California Dunes. Some arugued the stiffer control by the leos was due to people's carelessness. Personally my thoughts on this is, there is always three sides to a story. Side A side B and the truth. Some people might say the Law enforcement is out of control but if they are you can always visit their office and talk to someone about the Leo abuse. I had at one point received a citation by the highway patrol for not having the insurance information for the vehicle I was driving. It was not mine and I was borrowed. I couldn't find the information so I told the officer " I don't know where the insurance is." Out of frustration (I hope) the officer reached in the car opened my glove compartment and started to look through the paperwork in the vehicle. I was scared at that point. He should have never reached in my car to get anything unless I was acting weird or gave him a reason to search my vehicle. If he had probable cause he could search it but there was no probable cause no search warrant. He opened my back pack and was asking my why I had so many cameras. I explained to him it was because I was a photographer and was on my way to the college course. He gave me a ticket and sent me on my way. I called his supervisor and told him what happened. I obtained a lawyer to fight the traffic ticket in court. A few days later the ticket was dismissed by the highway patrol. Some issues can be resolved when you speak to the supervisors. If you have witnesses it always helps to have a written statement of what happened. Be careful at the dunes! I have personally witness people drinking and driving out there. I scared me enough to where I don't drive at night at the sand dunes. For the article in the Yuma sun check out http://www.yumasun.com/news/_47364___article.html/_.html

Bored Riders?

There are lots to do in Yuma Arizona. I will bring you more information about riding in Yuma soon, in the mean time Yuma has its annual Lettuce Days Festival. If you didn't know Yum is the lettuce capital of the world. Over 90 percent of the winter vegetable crops are grown in this area. When I arrived there was so many people one could hardly even walk. There was so much going on, food venders, such as Ice cream, chocolate covered strawberries, little donuts to yummy organic candles, little girls dresses. There was so much to see and enjoy there. The Yuma Lettuce Festival is every year. Thier attractions and events include the southwest longest salad bar, tour of the agriculture, belly dancers, music and muppets, square dancing to name a few. There was a few rides for the kids, and plenty of tasty treats. I tried to take as my photographs of stuff as I could, I will post them up for you so you can enjoy them. Tomorrow is that last day to enjoy or purchase items at the festival. It will be going on from 10 untill 3:00pm. So if you happen to be in the surrounding areas stop by, you will have a blast.
For more information on the festival check out, http://yumalettucedays.com

MX Riding Places in Yuma AZ

I apologize for not blogging for the past days. I have been busy with new upcoming events that I will blog about later in the future. I have mostly focused on atvs, and Imperial Sand Dunes but there is a little hidden treasure in Yuma Arizona that I have not told you about. For those of you that are interested in Motorcross there are some places that you can go and ride in Yuma, there is a Motorcross in Yuma Arizona! The track is located on County 13th st and east canal. Take Ave B to get there and go on 13th st all the way to the canal bank. The owner of the track is Chris Strebe, he maintains and runs the track. The track is open Saturday nights from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. Adult riders cost is only $20.00 minor riders is $15.00. Spectators cost is only $2.00. For more information check out http://happytrack.com.

If you are out of Yuma Arizona and are looking for a place to ride your dirtbike check out http://wheretomx.com. There is nothing like the feeling of flying in the air with your dirtbike. Hope you enjoy those websites :)

Imperial Sand Dunes first ATC

From time to time I meet people that share their experience regarding the Imperial Sand Dunes. Some of the earlier stores that I have heard are about Yuma Locals that had one of the first OHV modified Ford Model A. It is awesome to hear stories and watch their eyes light up about growing up by Imperial Sand Dunes. My curiosity lead me to have a conversation with Mark, now I have blogged about Mark going to the Imperial Sand Dunes when he was young. He began to tell me of the first ATV that he remembered his brother had. He remembered his brother had a ATC that went back to 1971. The first one to create such a vehicle was HONDA. I went online and found a website that featured the first ATV later ATC. The ATV was first introduced in 1969 by Honda. It was called ATV US90 and was later changed to All Terrain Cycle 90. It was powered by an 87cc four-stroke single cylinder engine. It had a 7 horse power and automatic clutch. I found it funny because Honda has a Honda 90 that is now a childs quad. The ATV 90 had a ballon looking tires and tiny rims it was created so it has a smooth ride the ballon tires would absorb the rough terrain. This is what began a billion dollar industries, this little quad had a bit a power but I don't know if the engineer Osamu Takeuchi ever thought about how much this ATV would influence generations. Over 30 years later ATV riders passion for them has only grown stronger. For more info on the history of the first ATV or ATC check out http://atc90.tripod.com/hondaatc90/id17.html More ATV history coming up!

Imperial Sand Dunes Trash Issue UPDATE

According to The Sun newspaper, Dumpsters will stay at the Imperial Sand Dunes, through May 30th 2009. The Imperial County Board of Supervisors Chairman Wally Leimgruber said $150,000 has been secured to pay for continued trash pickup for the next four months. The BLM had stated that due to the economic crisis there was less money available to pay for the trash collection. The BLM had to make a choice between keeping the emergency services, law enforcement and trash services, so the latter just could not be paid for. Although the the trash services will continue until May we encourage people to pack thier trash. Littering at the Imperial Sand Dunes is illegal, if you are caught then you will be fined. Martin Luther King Holiday weekend is here and serveral dune visitors will be headed to the Imperial Sand Dunes. So play safe, and pack it up. For more info check out
http://www.yumasun.com/news/dunes_47126___article.html/funds_pickup.html

No Riding in YUMA? ARIZONA no ride zone.

Growing up in Yuma, Arizona was lots of fun. Especially if you love motorcross and most motorsports there was tons of places to ride. Now, the City of Yuma had developed most of Yuma County. There for eliminating some of the "riding spots " in Yuma. I called the Arizona BLM in Yuma Arizona, to find out about a riding hot spot called "The PIT". That has been a favorite riding place of Yumans for over 30 years. The Yuma BLM office directed me to the Bureau of Reclamation . I had no idea what that agency did or what it was. So I called the number and was directed to speak to Anna Pinnel. After playing phone tag for a couple of minutes, I finally was able to make contact with her. I couldn't keep up with all the information I was reciving. When I asked about the famous "PIT" she said that location was completely off limits. That land is a part of the Bureau of Reclamation which is an organization wich was established in 1902 to serve the people of the United States and assist them in managing the water in the west. The Pit is used by the Bureau of Reclamation as a borrow pit. They borrow the dirt to help with a canal that is near by Interstate 8. The use of that dirt comes in very handy especially since it has clay like properties. It is also home to the flat tail horned lizard. This lizard has been on and off the endgangered species list for some time now. Any OHV can be a threat to this animal. Ms. Pinnel made it very clear that anyone caught riding on that land is traspassing and if more and more people decide to ride in that area they can petition the BLM to patrol it. Traspassers will be sited. Although at this time the Bureau of Reclamation does not have the funds to patrol it if caught the Sherrifs office, Highway Patrol and BLM can and will site you. So please stay off of the pit. I was curious to see if it was possible to host an event there. I asked Ms Pinnel of any chance that the "Pit" might be open to the public anytime soon and unfortunatly that is uncertain. Some of the land that was handed over to the Bureau of Reclamation in 1902 has stayed in possession of the BOR since then. There have been several people, organizations, clubs, and companies interested in that land but the BOR is not going to give it up any time soon. I went down there to take some photos of the land so people could know what I was talking about. Unfortuately due to technical difficulties, I was not able to take the photographs, however I was able to get video footage of people riding around the pit as we were getting ready to leave. Check out NO RIDINGINYUMA . For more information regarding the BOR you can also check out http://www.usbr.gov/. I will keep you posted on riding places in Yuma Arizona. Keep check out this blog and check out http://jetrentyuma.com

Adobe Wall By Imperial Sand Dunes

I finally found it! I found the information I was looking for. I was looking for the answer to my question. Why is that wall there ? Is it a stage coach horse exchange? After trying to find out who the mayor of Winterhaven California was I found out there was no mayor. So I called the Winterhaven Court and they said they had no mayor, no city council, no city administrator nothing. The Winterhaven Court referred me to Sheriffs office and I was transfered me a couple of times before I spoke to someone. They referrd me to the Quechan Indian Tribe Administration. I called them and they had no idea who to call. Then I called The Yuma Crossing Historic Park and they had no idea what I was talking about. At this point I was getting desperate. I called the BLM I was transferd a couple of times then was told they would get back to me. I didn't get a call back so I called the Arizona Historical Society in Yuma Az. I was given a conact name of Carol Brooks. I called Carol and she was able to give me what information I was looking for. Ms. Brooks told me that adobe wall was thought to be a Stagecoach Horse Exchange. According to a letter dated 1910 the adobe wall that is still standing was a pump house for the American Gold Mine. They would have pipes from the river to the mine and pump the water to the American Gold Mine. Ms. Brooke said it could not have been a Stage Coach Horse Exchange because it was too close to the Crossing. The Stage Coach Horse Exchanges would be posted 5 miles from each other and since there was one in Yuma the next one would be close to or located by Pilot Knob. What is now an old Adobe wall also may have served as a boating dock although it is unclear wheather it was or not. The adobe wall could have been constructed some time between 1850 -1880 that was the time the American Gold mine was in it's peak operation time. So to answer my questions, was it a Stagecoach Horse Exchange? No it was not. Although it has a lot of historical value the owners of that land are the Quechan Indian Tribe. It would be up to the tribe to preserve it. That wall being historical remains of a building. I can tell you that many times I have gone through the freeway not even giving that "wall" a second thought. I would never have thought that such a wall would have so much significance. If you are wondering where the American Girl Mine is, according to http://www.gamineral.org/rr06_yuma-az_ogilby-road.html the way to get there is go down Ogilby road untill you cross a rail road track. Then you turn ride on American Girl Rd, there are a lot of RVs that are dry camping there. And according to Gold Rock Ranch Rv Resort they are located 12 miles away from Yuma, and there are tons of trails to ride and you could actually access the Imperial Sand Dunes from there. This might be a point of interest for people that are out there dry camping at Imperial Sand Dunes and have nothing to do. Maybe someday soon I might blog about it. Mission accompished mystery solved. To see pictures of this wall check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/jetrent/sets/72157612463726441/

Veronica

Adobe Wall in Imperial County- Imperial Dunes Plank Road

I was doing research on Imperial Sand Dunes and the old plank road and I came across a photograph about an adobe building that can be spotted from Interstate 8 from Yuma going West to Imperial Sand Dunes. I have been on the phone All day. I first called the court in Winterhaven and they directed me to the Winterhaven Sheriffs Office. I called the Sheriffs office and they directed me to the local Tribal Office and I was transferred to several departments. Finally I was directed to the BLM office. I have not been called back about the mysterious wall. Why am I so concerned about this wall in the middle of no where? The photo I had found said that this was a Stage coach exchange. A place where you could go and exchange your tired horses. It peaked my intrested because of the Old Plank Road. Old Pank Road was a road constructed out of planks that went across the Imperial Sand Dunes and helped paved the road for the firsts OHVs. After going to the location and taking as many pictures as I could, someone made a joke about the wall. The wall was made of adobe, mud, small pebbles, and hay. Their comment was " I can't belive this wall is still up if it was a stage coach exchange, then again, it never rains in Yuma. " I hope than I could find the answer to this mystery soon. I thought the Yuma Historical Society would have some information for me but I might have gotten an old number. So untill I have more info check out these pics

Imperial Sand Dunes ????

I am lost. Completely. I have not kept with my blogging duties and I have to say it's really not all my fault. It's my time managing skills fault it's 11:55 pm and I can't type fast enough to have a blog posted today I had a wonderful blog set for you unfortunately I couldn't find the information so I promise to come up with a juice blog full of pictures tomorrow. In the mean time check us out on Face book I get on it everyday and soon will have some pictures of our business and moi!

Imperial Sand Dunes Dune Cleanup

In case you had no idea more people equals more trash. That is why the United Dessert Gateway has for the past 12 year organized an annual Dune Clean Up. The clean up is usually scheduled around Martin Luther King Day. It comes at a great time, since I believe that their busiest times are from Thanksgiving weekend until that Martin Luther King Day weekend. I know some people usually stay there from Christmas until New Years. Although the cleanup is scheduled to be on a weekend when people are making plans to ride several people do show up to attend the event. According to United Desert Gateway's Website http://uniteddesertgateway.org the event that was held two years ago over 2000 volunteers showed up for the cleanup. Unfortunately last years numbers were not available on their website. The dune cleanup will be held on Saturday January 17th 2009 at 8:00 PST. That is a complete relief to me since I am in Arizona time and I can leave an hour later! I am so glad it's not the other way around because I doing know if I could be there one hour earlier. There will be prize give-a-ways for more info check out http://uniteddesertgateway.org. Keep the dunes open! clean it up!

Imperial Sand Dunes Latest Issues

About 1 year a ago we heard about a tragedy involving a Rhino and a train at the Glamis Dunes. The Accident involved two teenage girls and a young boy. The accident occurred when they were waiting for the train to pass and since the crossing guard arms were down and One of the victims tried to go around them. As I am looking for information for this blog I almost come to tears, be safe be smart and always look both ways when crossing the railroad tracks. As I did a google search I came across one of the YouTube videos made for the three victims http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdXdaIa8_OU&feature=related Why would I post this? hopefully people realize how important it is to stay off the tracks. The Union Pacific released an article online about putting up a fence around the tracks. I cannot tell you how many times I have physically seen people on OHVs trying to race the train. People the train is not as skinny as rail road tracks. The train actually hangs three extra feet on both sides over the rails. According to the Union Pacific website over 1800 people are killed or injured on or near rail road tracks. Don't race the trains! For the complete article please visit
http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/community/2008/1217_glamis.shtml

Imperial Sand Dunes Emergency Services

I was feeling horrible today and It didn't help because I had to once again open my Mac and type in information about Imperial Sand Dunes. My bones ached and my head hurt. I couldn't hold any liquids in my body I was in a lot of pain. All this time I had in mind " I have to blog I have to blog" A blog would not be a blog if it was done once in a while. Back to my point that is when it occurred to me to write about the Emergency services available for Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. I looked all over the BLM website and I honestly could not find that information. It actually took me longer to put this together than I thought it would. If you ever need the information here it is.

If there is an emergency situations please call 911.

BLM Rangers (714)383-5651.
(I pulled this number off of www.desertusa.com and honestly I'm scared to call and verify it
since its for emergency only. )
Imperial County Sherrifs (760)339-6312
Visit http://www.icso.org/ this was the source
California Highway Patrol (760)527-0294 Non Emergency
Source http://www.chp.ca.gov/depts_divs_offs/601.html
U.S. Border Patrol 1-800-BE-ALERT or 1-800-232-5378
Source http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/border_patrol/
El Centro Regional Medical Center (760)-339-7100
Source http://www.ecrmc.org/
Calexico Hospital (760)357-6522
Source Yahoo Local
Pioneers Memorial Hospital (760)352-3333
Source http://www.pmhd.org/
Yuma Regional Medical Center (928)336-2273 Care line or 344-2000
Source http://www.yumaregional.org/

Imperial Sand Dunes Trash

Imperial Sand Dunes Trash Issue

If you are not from this area then you might not know about Imperial Sand Dunes Trash Issue. Starting February 1, 2009 there will be no more dumpsters in Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. So Pack it home. Problems stemmed from more visitors coming to the Imperial Sand Dunes on a Holiday weekend then actually live in Imperial County. With the hard times hitting our economy something has to give. That is why the BLM can no longer afford to keep providing dumpsters for the Dune visitors. With the cost of emergency services and law enforcement they cannot pay for the trash. So as a service to United Desert Gateway and Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, Jet Rent will be out there for the Annual Dune Clean up, January 19th 2009. Any customers of Jet Rent can request a garbage bag and we will get rid of their trash for them. Please help keep the Sand Dunes Clean. May people have fought to keep it open. Be responsible keep it clean.







Source
http://imperialvalleyliving.com/valley-life/9-valley-life-articles/117-blm-may-stop-trash-collection-at-dunes

BLM Imperial Dunes Website
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra.html
United Desert Gateway
http://www.uniteddesertgateway.org/index.php

Imperial Sand Dunes Films

I went over to the Imperial Sand Dunes today to be more exact Glamis Dunes. I had to take some photos for promos and website information. To my surprise there was a film being shot there. I was really excited yet scared. I didn't think they would allow me to take photographs of the sand Dunes. I saw the BLM there so was a security Guard. I thought man I came all this way and now I can't do what I set out to do. So I held my breath and hoping I could make it to the spot I sought after. I made it... My goal was not to be a movie rat and try to get an autograph, it was honestly to get some pictures. The drive to get there was about 40 minutes and it sucks that I went all that way just to be sent home. I was suppose to meet with someone regarding the sand Dunes clean up coming up on January 17th 2009. I volunteered to help clean up this year, and I was suppose to pick up some posters to post all over Yuma. So I called to let the lady I was suppose to meet up with I was going to be late for our meeting. I called and let her know that I was close but I was still late. She said I'm at this place I will meet you where I said I would in a bit. I was in shock, I was at the same spot she was. So She told me exactly where she was and to my surprise I was standing right in front of her. :) I had so much to learn about Imperial Sand Dunes and what United Desert Gateway does. If you don't know United Desert Gateway works with Brawley, El Centro and Yuma Chamber of Commerce, and BLM. They worked hard to get the Imperial Sand Dunes open after it was shut down. Sometimes we go through life enjoying places or things and have no idea the work people put into them. I can't tell you how many times I have gone to the sand dunes and had a blast and never thought about the time people spent in congress fighting to keep the sand dunes open. THANK YOU United Desert Gateway! I appreciate what you have done. Well, back to my first thought, there have been several movies that have been filmed in Imperial Sand Dunes. Three Kings, Scorpion King, Jarhead, some of the well known are Star Wars, Star Gate, and Wayne's World II. So if any of you would like to film at Imperial Sand Dunes Contact http://www.filmimperialcounty.com/ For more information.

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Growing up in the Dunes!

My family moved here from Phoenix at a very young age when I turned 1. My passion for motor sports started I think about 3 years old. I remember it like it was yesterday I saw my first glorious dirt bike. It sucked me right in. I rode my first dirtbike when I was 5 and have never stopped riding once since then. I my brothers friend had a dirtbike sitting in our front lawn. I took it started it and took off that is when my passion really took off. The awesome feeling of flying through the air and reaching unknown natural hights. If you ride a dirtbike you know what I am talking about. that Superman feeling. I remember being 10 years old begging my older siblings to take me to the "Dunes" (Imperial Sand Dunes). My brother of course would say " Your too young,". I would turn with my sad face and capture my sister's attention and she said " It's ok you can go with me." So I did. It was great. Back in those days there weren't any quads just ATCs. That was how it was for a long time until I could finally drive there on my own. There was no off ramp just a crack in a fence, right were the rest stop is now. One would get off at the rest stop and go through to the sand dunes. There was no BLM at least not one that I saw. If you had an accident and no one to help you, you were pretty much stuck there. We would go and party there almost every weekend it was the HOTSPOT back in those days. I gained a lot of knowledge through my younger years about ATCs ATVs and Dirtbikes. What would work there and what wouldn't. I purchased several equipment through the years some would just be so worn out there was no use to repair. From Yamahas, Suzukis to Hondas, I tried and bought them all. I can honetly tell you that is the reason I rent what I have, is all due to purcahsing equipment and finding out what works for me. I just didn't set up shop and say ok, rent my stuff. The knowledge I have gained about ATVs I have paid for with years of experience. The lessons that I have learned don't come cheap at times equipment is so expensive or the cost to repair is really high. That knowledge no one can purchase anywhere. Growing up in Yuma was great for me. I had the best of both worlds living in Arizona and having a short ride to the California Sand Dunes. I have clients that travel from all over the world to ride the Buttercup dunes. I have had people come from Austria, New Zealand, England, China and India. They all heard the rumor that it's the greatest riding place on earth...:) It's exciting to hear about people being so passionate about it. I remember a young man that had been saving up to come here for his 18th birthday, he had longed to come here since he was 10. They rented some equipment and it was a ride of a life time especially since he had anticipated this day for years! I meet a lot of amazing people who all have a passion for riding. Well c ya later I got to get my dirtbike ready, I'm going riding

Mark