DDR News

Summer is coming!

As we get into the summer months, not many of us think about doing any weekend trips to Dumont due to the heat. We think about hitting the lake or trail riding up in the mountains somewhere. Triple digits set in and Dumont isn't a very refreshing place to be. Temperatures get up over 120° in the summertime. However, if you are dedicated enough and love the sand that much, nothing beats a sunrise ride through the dunes in the summertime. Not a sole is out there and the dunes are the smoothest ever. Keep an eye on "Dumont Happenings" and hook up with the DDR group when we go out. We usually plan at least a couple each summer. It's always more fun and safer to go with a group. See you in the sand!

MLK weekend

It's not a busy weekend, but some duners make it a duning weekend and avoid the crowds.

forum discussion: http://www.dumontduneriders.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=18161

President's Day weekend 2013

It's one of the most popular weekends of the season at Dumont. It's been 40+ years since the Las Vegas Jeep Club started their annual Jeep Drags. This year will actually be 41 years!  Can you believe it?

Come on out and join the rest of the Dumont community that lines the dunes for 3 days to watch these guys battle it out every year. No matter how much the performance technology advances with sandrails or Jeeps, there is always a special feeling of nostalgia that the Jeep Drags bring to Dumont. Whether it be that certain grudge match from last year or the newest build that veterans "fear", there is always a strong competition and value of entertainment.

Las Vegas man dies at Dumont over Thanksgiving weekend

On 11/24/12, at approx 10:50 AM, Bureau of Land Management Rangers were flagged down and notified of a collision between a quad and a sand rail in the Competition Hill area of Dumont Dunes. Baker Ambulance responded and found the driver of the quad, 40 year-old Craig Sauve of Las Vegas, Nevada, unresponsive. He was transported to the Dumont Dunes Command Station to await transportation via helicopter to a medical facility. During this time, he went into cardio respiratory arrest and advanced cardiac life support was initiated. The driver did not respond to treatment and was pronounced dead at 11:38 AM. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

All of us at DDR send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Craig. May he rest in peace and never be forgotten.
 

More information on our forum: http://www.dumontdu....showtopic=18034

Thanksgiving Weekend 2012 is here!

Time for horsepower, sand, and turkey! Duners from all over are eager to pour into Dumont and celebrate the holiday Dumont style. Stay posted on the forum for live updates and pictures from the weekend. You can also follow us on Facebook.

forum link for Tday

Veteran's weekend finally brings in the cool weather

Maybe you can say dune season has finally come. With highs in the upper 80's last weekend, it sure doesn't quite FEEL like dune season yet. Well, get ready for a quick dip in temperatures. The highs will be going from the 80's down into the 60's this weekend. Vetaran's Weekend is never a very busy one, but expect a handful of duners to be going out to get their next fix of sand since Halloween weekend has passed.  

Weather forecast for the weekend

Forgot your DDR log in name or password?

	If you forgot your password, click this link, Password Recovery Link and you can reset it yourself using the email sent to you. If you forgot your login name, please e-mail pete@dumontduneriders.com with "Forgot my Login Name" as the subject.
	Sign in here!

Halloween weekend and the Fox family's DUNESHAUNT 2012 is getting closer

Wondering what weekend Halloween is going to be celebrated at Dumont this year? Well, traditionally it is always the last weekend of the month in October. Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year so expect the crowds to be celebrating Halloween weekend Oct 27-28th. The Fox family is once again putting together an even bigger and better DUNESHAUNT. Be sure to stop by and check it out. They do a spectacular job every year.

More info on the DUNESHAUNT 2012 here, http://www.dumontduneriders.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=17651&hl=&fromsearch=1

Don't gloom in June

OK, we admit June isn't the prime time to spend an entire weekend out at Dumont. However...it is a great time to hit the dunes early in the morning. Keep an eye on the forum and get in on a group dune ride put together by members. You might even be able to hitch a ride with someone and carpool making it a cheap, quick fix. The temperatures do get up in the triple digits, however the mornings are very nice and allow for a few hours+ of great riding on some virgin sand!

Cleanup weekend was a success despite the crappy weather!

Despite the crappy weather forecast, the 10th Annual Dumont cleanup presented by Friends of Dumont Dunes was a success! A special thank you goes out to the president of FoDD, Terry Allen. Year after year he puts in many many hours of his time helping to keep Dumont clean, safe and fun place to dune for us and future generations. Many thanks also goes out to all the dedicated duners who put in their time and effort on Saturday cleaning up our sandbox. Cleanup reports are starting to trickle in on DDR. Post up and let us know how your weekend went! http://www.dumontduneriders.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=17375

10th Annual Dumont Cleanup Presented by FoDD

It's the 10th annual Dumont cleanup! Friends of Dumont Dunes in cooperation with the BLM will be hosting the annual cleanup ay Dumont. Come on out, sign up and help make a difference and give back to Dumont. All volunteers get in free to Dumont that weekend. Free lunch, raffle prizes and trophies will be given out as well.

more info: http://www.dumontduneriders.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=17246
 

Fatality on Comp Hill President's Day weekend

On 02/17/2012 at 10:45 PM, in the Dumont Dunes off road vehicle area in rural Baker. Nicholas Sean Blanchette, age 24, a resident of Riverside was riding an ATV on the "Competition Hill" and struck a sand rail broadside at about 40 MPH. The ATV rider was ejected from his vehicle. Paramedics that were stationed in the area responded to the location and transported the driver to their first-aid station and then pronounced him dead at 11:25 PM. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the collision. The driver's name will be released when next-of-kin has been notified.

forum topic: http://www.dumontduneriders.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=17271

source: http://www.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/coroner/pressrelease.asp

New Years Weekend, 2012 is here!

What better way to start the new year than out at the sand dunes. The weather forecast is looking very good with little to no wind and highs in the 70's. The dunes are currently very smooth and razored out so the lines should be nice and flowing. Be safe and happy new year, everybody! New Year's Eve thread

Christmas Eve Ride Report

Click on the photo for a complete ride report with with pictures!

Fairly mellow Thanksgiving weekend, but still plenty of action

This year was a bit more mellow out at Dumont Dunes compared to previous years. It may be because some people make a week long trip out of the holiday due to more time off. Some of the crowd was on the way out while duners passed them heading in for the holiday. Many duners use this time to relax at the dunes too.  Dune Masters group put on their annual showing with their "slow drags" style hill climbs at comp hill.

There were a few reported accidents as expected on a holiday weekend. The weather was great but the dunes became hammered from all the dune traffic.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2011

Bust out those deep fryers and start planning your Thanksgiving dinner for the dunes! It's one of the most traditional weekends at Dumont Dunes. Since Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday, many duners make a full week out of the holiday weekend.

Four Stroke Association's Rumble to the Summit

Four Stroke Association's Rumble to the Summit takes place Nov 12 at 10:00 AM. It is located at Banshee Hill and usually runs all day long until mid/ late afternoon. Spectators are welcome to come out free of charge, but must stay back behind spectator lines. For more race info go to www.fourstrokeassociation.com/forum/  or www.dumontduneriders.com/events.html

Veteran's Weekend: Nov 11-13

With dune season well underway, we approach the second holiday weekend of the 11-12 season, Veteran's weekend. It isn't a big, busy weekend like Halloween, but it is a nice weekend for duning and for those who don't like the crowds. Four Stroke Association's Rumble to the Summit is also that weekend so you can check out some super fast quad drag races on Banshee Hill. Note: entrance fee is waived if you go out ON Veteran's Day, however you may have to still pay if you stay all weekend.

BLM: Very large turnout for Halloween Weekend

BLM reported the most season passes sold in years. Since the recession and huge slow down of visitors at Dumont, this Halloween showed an increase in duners over the past 3 years. With over 3600 vehicles on their ticker and an average of 3 people per vehicle, it is safe to say there were over 10000 visitors at Dumont for Halloween weekend.

Fox Family's DUNESHAUNT was a huge hit

The Fox family put an enormous amount of time into preparing and setting up their haunted house and graveyard setup for Halloween weekend at Dumont Dunes. Their goal was to set up an even bigger and better display compared to their last year's which got destroyed from the high winds. Well, this year they went above and beyond everyone's expectations! They had everything from a giant military tent converted into a haunted house full of props and scary monsters to a full on graveyard out front with additional decorations and light displays. Hundred of duners lined up throughout the night waiting to check out the haunted house and a total of over 1000 people ended up coming through! The price was right too....FREE! The Fox family did this as a family fun project and also to give back to the community. It was by far a huge success and they already have plans to make it even BETTER next year. Two thumbs up for such a cool thing to do for all the fellow duners of Dumont. All of us at DDR thank them very much! More pictures and discussion here
 

Haunted Graveyard at Dumont Halloween weekend

The Fox family, members of DDR, are putting together their own haunted graveyard in their camp Halloween weekend. Their haunted graveyard will be on display for duners to see and experience Friday and Saturday night. Last year the weather did not cooperate and ended up destroying all their works so this year they are stepping it up and are even more prepared and will have even more elaborate decorations. Be sure to stop by and check out all their hard work. The kids will love it. Admission is free. Their camp is usually just to the right of the main entrance road across from bathroom 10. For updates and pictures of their progress check out the forum, http://www.dumontduneriders.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=16511. 

Halloween Weekend marks the first big weekend of the season

Now that October is finally here, Halloween is fast approaching. It is the first big weekend of the season and, for most duners, is their first trip back to the sand box. Kids usually trick or treat on Sat night and comp hill becomes packed with partiers in full costume.

Service determines Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard does not require protection under the Endangered Species Act

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service News Release

Contact: Lois Grunwald, 805/644-1766, ext 332
SERVICE DETERMINES MOJAVE FRINGE-TOED LIZARD DOES NOT WARRANT PROTECTION UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today that it has completed a status review of the Amargosa River population of the Mojave fringe-toed lizard (Uma scoparia) and concluded based on genetic evidence that the population is not a distinct and separate population of the Mojave fringe-toed lizard and as such cannot be considered for listing as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The Service made this finding after a thorough review of all the available scientific and commercial information on the species.

In May 2006, the Center for Biological Diversity and a private citizen petitioned the Service to list the Amargosa River population as a distinct population segment (DPS) under the ESA. In January 2008, the Service published a 90-day finding that concluded that the petition contained substantial information to indicate that listing may be warranted. In the 12-month finding, the Service concluded the Amargosa population does not constitute a DPS. 

A DPS is a subgroup of a vertebrate species that is discrete from other populations and significant in relation to the entire species. The ESA provides for listing species, subspecies, or distinct population segments of vertebrate species.

The Service asks anyone with new information regarding the status and threats to the Amargosa River population and the species overall to submit it to the Service. This information will help the Service monitor and encourage the ongoing management of the Mojave fringe-toed lizard. 

The population of Mojave fringe-toed lizards that resides near the Amargosa River occurs at several dune complexes on Bureau of Land Management land about 30 miles north of the city of Baker. The lizard also occurs at Ibex Dunes, which is within Death Valley National Park. 

The Mojave fringe-toed lizard species is native to southern California deserts and a small area of western Arizona. It is widespread geographically across this region in Inyo, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties. In Arizona, the species occurs in La Paz County. The Mojave fringe-toed lizard species is not listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. 

The Mojave fringe-toed lizard is in the family of North American spiny lizards. It is distinguished from other fringe-toed lizards by crescent-shaped markings on the sides of its throat and a conspicuous dark black spot on the sides of its belly. The lizards are believed to live out their entire lives in sand dunes or other sandy areas. During breeding periods, the bellies of the adults are yellow-green and their sides are pink. At other times, the lizards’ color mimics the sand dunes, rendering them nearly invisible to predators. 

The lizard feeds on insects, seeds and flowers. Annual plant species provide important forage in the spring. It derives most of its water from eating insects and plants. 

An advance copy of the 12-month finding can be viewed online today at the Federal Register Public Inspection Page. <http://www.ofr.gov/?...CookieSupport=1> When the finding publishes in the Federal Register on October 4, it will be available athttp://www.fws.gov/ventura or at http://www.regulations.gov. For further information about the Amargosa population of the Mojave fringe-toed lizard and this finding contact: Michael McCrary, Listing and Recovery Coordinator, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office by mail at 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 92003 or by calling 805-644-1766. 

The Service is working to actively engage conservation partners and the public in the search for improved and innovative ways to conserve and recover imperiled species. To learn more about the Endangered Species Program, visit http://www.fws.gov/endangered/<http://www.fws.gov/endangered/> . 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.cno <http://www.fws.gov/cno> . Connect with our Facebook page athttp://www.facebook....acificsouthwest <http://www.facebook....acificsouthwest> , follow our tweets at http://twitter.com/USFWSPacSWest<http://twitter.com/USFWSPacSWest> , watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws <http://www.youtube.com/usfws> and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.co...sfws_pacificsw/ <http://www.flickr.co...sfws_pacificsw/> 

-FWS- 

Cooler temperatures indicate DUNE SEASON is near!

It is that time of year. We all sit patiently, waiting for September to end. But before we know it, the triple digits are gone and it is dune season again! This has been a mild summer so let's all hope October starts out cooler than it usually does. Last year was very warm for "kickoff weekend", but if the temperatures cool down soon enough, we may all be in for an early start at Dumont Dunes.

DAC meeting to discuss user fees at Dumont Dunes

• What's working and what needs improvement for the BLM's user fee policies in the California Desert?

• What feedback does the DAC have about current fee schedules and any proposed changes?

• What are the suggestions for ways that BLM can communicate and administer fees more effectively

Comments on how the program could be changed and improved to be more effective will be helpful to the DAC members, such things as:
 

• Desire for a second vehicle permit

• Desire for a daily permit fee

• Better notices of fee program details

• Advanced notices of fee changes

• Reports of where the fee revenue is spent

At the last Sub-Group meeting, the BLM reported:
 

• They spend more to provide services than is collected from all sources of funding.

• They are falling behind in maintenance and improvements due to funds received.

• User fees have not been raised for many years.

• User satisfaction surveys have dropped from previous levels to near 84%

You may address the DAC in person at this meeting, or, you may mail your written comments to the California Desert District BLM office at:
Desert Advisory Council
c/o Bureau of Land Management 
External Affairs 
22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos 
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Information on the location of the Barstow meeting and field office reports are available on the DAC website:
DAC website
The information provided to the DAC will help the DAC members better understand the public's concerns and recommendations for changes to the user fee programs at recreation areas in the California desert.
This is your opportunity to inform the BLM of your views on fee increases.

Would you like to keep Sperry Wash the way it is, OPEN for riding?

Show your support and help protect our rights as off-roaders by showing up for the BLM/ public meeting in Tecopa on Sept 14th at 7PM. Let's keep Sperry Wash the way it is.

BLM Schedules Public Meeting Seeking Input on Amargosa River Management Plans

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a public scoping meeting in Tecopa, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 14, 7-8 p.m., to garner comments for developing a management plan for the Amargosa River area.

BLM’s Barstow Field Office is initiating a joint management plan for the Amargosa Wild & Scenic River (WSR) and Amargosa River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The WSR and ACEC are located in northeastern San Bernardino and southeastern Inyo Counties, Calif., near the communities of Tecopa and Death Valley Junction. The plans will guide management decisions and actions affecting the river and surrounding areas. The BLM is inviting public input to help identify resource conditions and management issues to be addressed in the joint plan.

BLM anticipates that the planning process will take approximately one and a half years to complete; while input throughout the planning process is welcome, comments received during the initial scoping period – Sept. 1-30, 2011, will prove more beneficial to the planning process. Comments may be submitted in writing to Chris Otahal, BLM Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311; however, e-mails to amargosa@blm.gov are preferred. A short presentation regarding the planning process will be presented at the scoping meeting and " written comments will be solicited, but oral comments will not be taken".

The public scoping meeting will take place at:

Tecopa Community Center
400 Tecopa Hot Springs Road
Tecopa, CA 92389

The joint plan will consist of 1) a Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) for the Amargosa WSR and 2) an Implementation Plan for the Amargosa River ACEC. Wild & Scenic Rivers are designated by Congress to protect their free-flowing condition, water quality, and “outstandingly remarkable values.” The Amargosa WSR, designated in 2009, possesses “outstandingly remarkable scenic, geologic, recreational, fish, wildlife, cultural, and historic values.” The BLM is responsible for preparing a CRMP to protect and enhance the values of the Amargosa WSR. 

ACECs contain historic, cultural, or scenic values; fish or wildlife resources; or natural systems or processes of substantial significance and value. The Amargosa River ACEC was established in 2002 to protect the important resources of the Amargosa River area. The implementation plan will define management goals for the ACEC and outline a long-term action plan to strategically implement those goals.

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

More discussion and information here, http://www.dumontduneriders.com/invision/index.php?showtopic=16578

2011-2012 Dune season is coming! Are you ready?

October is right around the corner and you know what that means, DUNE SEASON! That's right. Better start running those RV generators, looking over the sand toys and making to-do lists, and get back into the and groove soon so you are ready to go as soon as the cool weather hits!

July 25, 2011

3rd Annual ATC70 Regatta write-up

It's been a few months, but check out the recently completed write-up from the 3rd Annual ATC70 Regatta presented by DDR. It will for sure get your blood pumping and get you in the spirit of the ATC70. Maybe it will inspire some to get going on a summer project for the 4th Annual ATC70 Regatta planned for early February! Date and details will be posted in the beginning of the season.

 http://www.dumontduneriders.com/70cc-regatta-3rd-annual/report.html
 

July 25, 2011

Night Drags round 2 of the summer

Get ready for round 2 of the night drags at Dumont! It's the second time this summer that racers will be lighting up Banshee Hill and racing into the night. There will be a full moon too. With the daytime temps over 100 degrees, it's the only way for some to get a sand fix. The date for this is Saturday night, Aug 13th at Banshee Hill. For more info visit the forum or YFZTech.com.

Dune in June Report

There's something special about Dumont in the middle of summer at sunrise. It's more than just the awesome smooth sand and epic riding conditions. It's the magnificent view of the morning sun illuminating the dunes and making them come to life. It's the peaceful, relaxing solitude that you don't find between the months of October and April.  It's a lot of things. You can't fully appreciate it and understand it until you've experienced it for yourself.

Saturday, June 11th was a great day to ride. The temperatures weren't too high and there was a decent breeze all morning which kept it pretty cool. There were some annoying gusts at times, but fortunately they were short and spaced apart. As the sun rose in the morning it was only 72 degrees. The camp area was empty with the exception of one truck with bikes. Riding was limited to a slower pace than normal. The dunes were steep and had sharp transitions. Some areas were so soft it would slow your bike down unless you were hard on the throttle.

Out at the North Pole, decorations and items from last season still hang on the pole. There is still the memorial cross and chest protector from a fallen duner, Chuck Piddisi. It hangs as a reminder how dangerous our playground can be and as a memorial for Banshee Boy. Surrounded by it are many American flags and many pairs of shoes hanging above.

Picking your lines is much different in the summer. The dunes don't have those rideable paths on top like many are used to in the middle of the season. Duning consists of hopping back and forth over many razorbacks. It can be pretty dangerous for amateur riders. Navigating takes a lot of experience as well. Knowing how the dunes swirl and form witches eyes and drop-offs is crucial. It sounds crazy, but it is an adrenaline rush.

As the shadows got shorter, so did the ride time. It became very difficult to read the dunes as the sun got higher. The dunes become very bright and there is no contrast in order to negotiate the terrain. Sticking to the bigger stuff like bowls and big dunes was the plan at this point. It still wasn't too warm to pack things up just yet so we rose until about 12:30. Some duners and racers started to show up for the night drags which were to take place that night.

All in all, it was a fun ride and nobody got hurt. Check the forum for more pictures and trip details.

LINKS

forum trip report

pictures

Dumont Fencing project to start in August

Beginning sometime in August, the cable and post fence project will begin construction. The BLM is putting up fencing in the critical areas of habitat along the boundaries at Dumont. This will help make duners aware of areas they should not enter and will keep vegetation and wildlife untouched. There are two areas where cable and post fencing will be installed; 1) at the south end near the mine and continue towards the Salt Creek Mountains, 2) Out beyond the north pole along the old TRT railroad berm.

BLM/ Dumont Advisory Committee/ public meeting July 9th, 2011

Every few months the BLM meets with the DAC group to discuss concerns at Dumont and open discussion for improvement with BLM related topics. The meetings are always open to the public and there is an opportunity for public comment. However, these meetings are usually on a Tuesday and are held in Barstow. For many duners it is very difficult to attend. The BLM and DAC have created an opportunity for a Saturday meeting this July. The meeting is at 10AM, July 9th, 2011 at the Bartsow BLM office, 2601 Barstow Rd. Duners are encouraged to attend as it is very difficult to schedule Saturday meetings and this is a rare occasion. So please come out and bring some positive feedback if you have some.

DDR forum becomes more mobile friendly

Now you can surf the DDR forum using the Tapatalk app. In addition to the regular already-mobile version of DDR, which some of you already use, you can now use the Tapatalk app. It's $2.99 for the full/ ad-free version in the app store or market so check it out if you want. It's available for Blackberry, Android, and iphone users. It offers a few other features that our mobile version does not so give it a shot if you are always on the move and need a DDR fix.

Redbull Renner Freeride Tour checks in at Dumont Dunes

On Feb 24-26th, Motocross superstar and X Games Gold medalist, Ronnie Renner, made a stop at Dumont Dunes as part of the 2011 Red Bull Ronnie Renner Freeride tour. Renner and other top riders, such as Tommy Clowers, Tom Parsons, Miles Richmond, Steve Haughelstine, Whacker, and Brian Brimhall, hit the dunes scouting out places to go big. Read more!

Chuck Piddisi Memorial Ride report

	Recently in a tragic accident at Dumont Dunes, the dune community lost a fellow duner and great friend of many, Chuck Piddisi. Chuck's family planned a memorial ride for him on Saturday, April 23rd. Family and friends were overwhelmed with the turnout of riders that showed up for the ride. Everyone rode in Chuck's honor out to the north pole. Chuck's daughter, Candice, had recently fixed her father's Banshee back up and rode it that day on the memorial ride. A cross and marker was placed at the north pole as a memorial for Chuck and as an added reminder to duners to always ride with extra caution when enjoying the magnificent dunes of Dumont.