Walker Recap

Walker River Resort Ride

August 15-17, 2008

RUTS North had its 2nd annual Walker River Ride. Thanks to Dave and Marianne Arney for planning the trip. We had 4 families for a total of 11 RUTSsters. Bryon and Jamie Lowney made the trip all of the way from Santa Rosa. They have recently been blessed with a second child, 4 month old Piper. Their 2 year old son Ryder also made the trip. Both Bryon and Jamie managed to get some riding in, tag teaming the babies. Also Jamie’s folks showed up and baby sat for a while.

Our new co-webmaster Greg Bates came too. What a difference the desert was from his home turf in Minnesota. We are so glad to have you as part of our family Greg!

The Arney’s brought their entire family. It was great to see both Brenton and Devon. They were joined by a family they met at WRR last year.

Friday night and all day Saturday was taken up by free riding out to the various mine shafts and surrounding hills, swimming in the river and pool, and lots of great fellowship.

Sunday morning we got up EARLY, and left camp at 0600 for a ride out to the “Ghost Town”. The ride was led by camp neighbor Dave without whom we never would have found the mining town. (Note to self…do not follow quad through the desert into the rising sun) Once the dust settled we found we were at the top of a hill looking at a well preserved cemetery from the late 1800’s. We then went over a rise and found an old hotel, school house, and mining equipment. The trip was fun. On the way back Bryon led with Brenton and friend hot on his heels. It was a fast, fun trip back to camp.

The entire weekend was wonderful. Walker River should probably become a regular club ride. I am thinking fall might be a little better temperature wise. Thanks to all who participated.

In Gods Glory,
Elizabeth L.

Walker River Resort Ride

August 15-17, 2008

Four families attended the ride in Smith Valley, Nevada. We stayed at the Walker River Resort which was full of campers with ATVs and dirt bikes. The resort allowed for riding right from your campsite to the many trails. The afternoon temperatures were in the upper nineties, but the evenings were cool.

The riding consisted of sandy and rocky trails through the high desert. I could see for miles from the hilltops. We found a narrow dry wash area that switched back and forth through the hills that made for a fun trail. The bottom of the wash had deep sand with some large rocks to be avoided. The best way through was to lean back and keep steady power.

The trails took us past the ruins from a large mining operation as well as many smaller abandoned mines. Some mines were dug straight down vertically and others tunneled horizontally. We got off our bikes to investigate some of the mines. We tossed rocks into one mine to gage its depth by listening as the rocks hit the bottom. One horizontal mine had an opening the size of a single garage door. When I got close to the opening, I could feel a strong, cool draft blowing out from the mine.

The RUTSters went out for rides on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was my first time riding in the dessert and it was fun. We all had a great time and look forward to going back next year.

Greg B.

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