A Storm Is Coming
Guests and Vendors Prep for a Downpour of Visitors at Sand Hollow
They call it the calm before the storm. From a distant observer, the scene may have appeared like an easy-going Wednesday. No big commotion, no huge ruckus, no wild parties (not sanctioned ones at least). But it’s more like buttoning up before the storm unleashes its hellfire on Hurricane, Utah. The Trail Hero has been open to the public for a few days at this point, but the festivities have only just begun.
An exhaustive list of activities scheduled over the next three days (Thurs – Sat) will undoubtedly squeeze every drop of energy from those trying to complete the marathon. So, having a soft launch to warm up to the Big Show became a fairly desirable opportunity to those who made the trek when doors first opened on Monday.
Bright and early, once again, The Trail Hero presented another Access Breakfast Ride, this time aimed to offer young adults facing any number of challenges a chance to let the wind whip across their faces, to climb to new heights and to experience the outdoors in a way only motorheads can appreciate.
Because once you do, when you feel your heart thump cresting a dune or surmounting a rocky ledge or just gliding through a winding, sandy halfpipe, there’s no going back. It may take a few trips into the woods or the desert, whatever ground is at your disposal, for that emotion to emerge. But then you too might become a combustion engine convert.
The air was brisk when participants arrived at Lonny Boy’s today. Guests were excited to receive their commemorative T-shirts and meet the volunteers. They were even given a choice of vehicle according to their unique tastes. And it only became better from there. Fast, flowy twists and turns were on the menu and drivers were happy to serve up a big helping in their few hours together.
Rocks made their appearance here and there during the journey, but only one instance really stood out. A modest crawl moment to most of us in the community was just menacing enough to the novice passengers to make that blood start pumping. Every car that cleared the obstacle rode away full of smiles. Well, some were a bit more like nervous smiles, but smiles nonetheless.
Meanwhile, a medley of machines from mini to MASSIVE rolled, slid and skrrrt’d all over Sand Hollow State Park, rightfully cataloging the complex network of two-track and barren wasteland to rubber stamp. By morning, the conditions could change dramatically/drastically and these free-wheelers might find themselves a little less alone on the trails. And perhaps, the terrain a bit less pristine. A bonus of showing up early. The availability of fun, relatively empty routes close to home become a bit diminished as the floodgates unlatch to make way for weekend warriors – a crowd of historically substantial proportions.
At 2pm, the Sand Outlaw track surrendered to the smattering of hopeful entrants to heat up their tires and record some times. While engines roared across the beach, onlookers from Vender Row continued to set the stage just up the hill from the drag strip. Back at the resort’s Rock Bowl, tables and chairs were laid out in anticipation of a sunset gala.
One of several gatherings crafted to bring together the most dedicated fans, big names and prominent industry figures over cold beers, tasty cocktails and a hot meal. This arena was built for the Golden Hour. As the sun dipped behind the giant rock outcroppings which surround the venue, light painted the vertical surfaces brick red before the shadows followed and sucked up any color in its path. Ambiance then relied on string lights and stage cans to maintain the glow at night.
There isn’t a day which isn’t jam packed with public and private meetups alike. Whether they’re fooling around on the trails or clinking bottles by a fire, attendees of the 2022 Trail Hero share in a feast of good times and lasting memories. Some ride all day and drink all night and come dawn, the button resets, ready for a brand new set of adventures. Having Thursday, Friday and Saturday stacked with events, the few days’ grace at the beginning of the week to exercising those ankles, arms and livers, might just make this formidable occasion survivable. In the best of ways.
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
