The first official ride day of the 2020 Trail Hero SXS Rally did not disappoint. Kicking off the festivities, Lonny Boy’s BBQ in Hurricane, Utah, would be the meeting point for the morning ride. This was no standard ride where a bunch of fun havers screwed off for the camera. Rather, it was a means to bridge big names with enthusiasts who otherwise would not have the opportunity to ride together. As Dustin Jones, Casey Currie, Hubert Rowland, and a group of others unloaded their UTVs from their trailers, a group of special needs kids departed their bus from the local school, allowing this group of amazing, young individuals to indulge in a ride to be known as Hero For A Day. After a quick speech from the Trail Hero Boss, Rich Klein, the boisterous children strapped into the cars, and the group headed for the water tower. As some of the ride’s participants began airing down, Dustin Jones and his mini-me rolled through bumping toons and dancing like there was no tomorrow, They were fully committed to the fun and after a quick run on a dirt road, they hit the sand that led to the rocks. All the kids were having an amazing time as their drivers showed them the spectacular sites which we know Sand Hollow not to be lacking. Per the norm, Dustin Jones and his mini-me were hitting all the large obstacles on the route with their passenger’s smiles stretching ear to ear. We all see these guys at races and with their game faces on, but it was very impressive and heartwarming to see them not only volunteer but want to take the time and genuinely have fun with these kids.
Following the morning ride, preparations were under way for what would turn out to be an epic night ride for all that showed. Starting a little over an hour from sundown and departing from the vendor area in Sand Hollow State Park, 30 plus cars led by the Family Adventure Tour Company(FATCO) team would bring a fast-paced, dusty ride to the East Rim where the UTV Sports Magazine crew were lying in wait with fresh carne asada tacos. At the edge of the East Rim, the amazing views were just as endless as the appetite for food after a long day’s worth of riding. Fortunately, 35 lbs of meat goes a long way. As the participants’ bellies began to fill, so did the itch to get back behind the wheel. On the way back, hitting a few rock sections put the Dune and Destroy crew, along with the Desert Whips team, well out of their element. Whereas Sara Price, RJ Anderson, and the rest of the riders on the trail were at home in the rocks. It was out of the rocks and into the sand that those uncomfortable in larger, slick rock turned on the gas in the dark of night, proving the ride was suitable for all challengers. Not ones to back down, Price, Anderson, and Taylor from Amped Offroad traded blow for blow in a final bout on the way back to the vendor station. All in all, the day was a blast and everyone pushed their driving abilities and cars to the limits. Not only that, but the reaches of the off-road community joined together on rides that in normal circumstances, might not have occurred. We are all looking forward to day three of this great event and how it will continue to connect people in the community.
