Teeing Off In Hurricane
Breaking the Ice While the Sun Broke through the Clouds
We woke up to a rumble which usually foreshadows the day ahead, despite a weather report calling for sunshine and sweat all week. To most, the cool morning air was a welcome relief on a golf course barren of tall trees or structures to find shade. Only the enormous crags offered any reprieve (when facing the right direction) from the oppressive afternoon rays to come. But for now, lightning bolts gave an electrifying performance. Subtle, but an ominous warning no less. Yet, the murmur from the crowd of coffee sippers, adorned in a rainbow of “golf” attire, drowned out any sounds or sights which threatened to end the first festivities of the 2022 Monster Energy Trail Hero.
A little rain won’t hurt, right?
It’s the first time Sand Hollow has welcomed this drink and “drive” (get it?) event onto their premiere course. Silent, austere rock giants loomed over the clubhouse cutting a clear jagged line into the gray-blue clouds in the horizon. While the resort has yet to host a proper PGA tournament, the flawless waves of madder-colored sand and crisp emerald grass invites prestige to these greens across all the elite pools of endemic athletes and aficionados.
The rain came as no surprise, but stopped no one from whacking balls and imbibing brews. A comrade of Monster-Polaris Pro Casey Currie confirmed our suspicions: “If golf happens, I’ll take it. But I came here to drink.” There’s no question this sentiment was shared between the dozen or so groups of multifaceted “players” who appeared bright and early to drink, er, test their skills on the green.
Of course, it didn’t hurt that the views were breathtaking and their path carved through massive heaps of porous stone and lush greens. Slabs acted as stairways to elevated platforms overlooking orchards and hillsides and subdivisions. The allure of a few rounds, as they say, is hard to resist, if only to enjoy some fresh air, short bursts of light exercise and the company of your buddies in ridiculous outfits. Let alone drive around in the golf-equivalent of a Barbie Car listening to Top 40 from the Nineties and swilling cold beverages at 9am.
No one here was a professional. No one took themselves seriously. Powersports enthusiasts who dialed down to a snail’s pace to lob shiny white objects towards (sort of) frigid flags in the distance, if not fumbling them a few feet from the Tees. The playing field was even, so good times were never lost. Butts were never too hurt. A great soft launch before the inevitable high-powered mayhem to come.
A variety of tunes blared from the mini speakers of passing carts; everything from Blink 182 and a rendition of Wagon Wheel to Britney Spears’ Toxic and some Too Short. By 9am, despite the rain’s/weather’s best efforts, spirits were high and fun was had… And it had only just started. At around 11am, the sun finally broke through the gloom, just in time for Trail Hero festivities to officially commence. Guests of the Opening Yukon Gear Kick Off Party were dressed to the nines in their finest gala attire, paired with the Sand Hollow community’s quintessential fancy flip flops.
A line stretched down the walkway leading to the Rock Bowl, Sand Hollow’s surreal concert venue. Another pristine patch of grass (surprise) tucked into the center of a sandstone rim. The scene was no better described than a controlled chaos. Choice melodies over the stage sound system matched the loud hum of laughter and conversation, playing a soundtrack to follow/match the many memories being made in that moment. Even the resident owl made an appearance, keeping a couple eyes on the commotion.
Children ran wild through the mass of bodies in the bowl or played Corn Hole or climbed up and over surrounding cliffs, careful not to bother anyone, break anything or fall off the ledge. Anything to prolong their temporary freedom. A condition evident of the carefree atmosphere. Seven years in, the guests trust organizers to give them a full-package event which lets them push their limits and reach far past their comfort zone, but helps reel them back in towards safety when they start to lose grip. Because the point is not to reach the breaking point in your rig. Or to level up your skills. It’s not even about having fun. (Although, that’s pretty important.)
The on-trail action, believe it or not, is secondary. A vessel for good deeds and miracles. When Trail Hero first came to fruition, founder Rich Klein had been coordinating competitive off-road events for some time already. And he wanted to be able to take his know-how to create – some might say – therapeutic experiences for veterans suffering PTSD or battle wounds. Year Zero, there was no single event. As time passed, more outside institutions joined the effort to help find more special guests, build on the cause and expand these rides into a bona fide public event benefiting a number of worthy causes.
The on-trail action, believe it or not, is secondary. A vessel for good deeds and miracles. When Trail Hero first came to fruition, founder Rich Klein had been coordinating competitive off-road events for some time already. And he wanted to be able to take his know-how to create – some might say – therapeutic experiences for veterans suffering PTSD or battle wounds. Year Zero, there was no single event. As time passed, more outside institutions joined the effort to help find more special guests, build on the cause and expand these rides into a bona fide public event benefiting a number of worthy causes.
The only of its kind in the States, it began with tricked out four-by-fours, mainly Jeeps, but Trail Hero has quickly expanded into the powersports sector, bringing in hordes of UTVs to Hurricane, Utah from all over the US, if not the world. Which may or may not have set off when Rich partnered with UTV Sports Magazine on sending Grade A content through the wire. What the team has done together in such a short time is a herculean feat, and their momentum is showing no signs of slowing.
Stay tuned all week as Trail Hero unfolds with special morning rides, favorite vendors, a drag race, concerts, crawling and more. Find the schedule of events here: https://www.thetrailhero.com/event_details
