A Diamond in the Rough: Christmas Valley Sand Dunes

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MSRP on a Honda TRX 450R: $6,999.  Enough gas to make it there and back: $200.  11,000 acres of windswept, untouched sand beneath your paddle tires: priceless!  For one sleepy little town in central Oregon, Christmas lasts all year long.  At least for the ATV enthusiasts that live there that is. [Read more]

Goin’ for a test ride

My first opportunity to work as a test rider for ATV Sport Magazine was nothing short of spectacular. Back in July, ATV Sport Editor and chief Jerrod Kelley contacted me about participating in this new blog. I was ecstatic for the opportunity to be considered for the position and set out immediately in hopes of making an impact on our sport.

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A Word with the Champ: Dustin Wimmer

I recently asked Dustin Wimmer, 2008 AMA Pro Grand National Champion, if he would be willing to catch up for a few minutes about his successful 2008 racing season.  He graciously accepted and I picked his brain for a few minutes about his racing career and what life is like after winning the championship.

 

 

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Divine Revelations

 

There are moments in life that teach us valuable lessons which, for better or worse, stick with us until the day we die.  Inevitable “ah ha” moments when our vision clears and we gain a greater understanding of why things are the way they are.

My first racing experience was one such occasion which I will recount for you in a series of revelations.  What I refer to as divine revelation may be old news to you, or perhaps basic knowledge that any self respecting ATV enthusiast should already know.  I must, however, share what I have learned as I feel it valuable and if nothing else, entertaining for you to laugh at my shortcomings. 

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Flipping Amazing!!!

Two wheels or four, the world of freestyle motocross has come a long way from the days of Jeremy McGrath and the nac nac. I realize this is an ATVBlog, but then again my area of expertise as they call it is “lifestyle” so I figure that encompasses all aspects of the motorsport world. This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit the home of Justin Homan a freestyle MX rider from central Oregon. Depending on which day of the week you catch him, you’d probably never place this guy as one of the founding fathers of freestyle motocross. [Read more]

2008 Oregon Dune Fest Part 2

 

As promised, I have completed the second of the so called highlight reels from this years Oregon Dune Fest. Sadly, inclement weather made for a whole lost day of shooting so most of this action was from Saturday’s events.  Please don’t hesitate to leave feedback on the videos and also check out other related videos on my website at www.LocalHeroesNW.com  Enjoy!!! [Read more]

2008 Oregon Dune Fest

 

 

 

Aw the sweet sounds and sights of thousands of ATV enthusiasts gathered together, united by a common goal:  Hardcore duning!!!  If you’ve never been to an ATV festival I strongly urge you to attend one at some point in your life. [Read more]

Labor Day…A Day of Rest (yeah right!)

Taking a vacation can be an awful lot of work, especially when your idea of a vacation is an overnight stint at you favorite riding locale.  Unlike most vacationers we can’t just hop on a plan and relax all the way to our destination, only to exit the plane and commence more relaxation, all while in the shade of a palm tree with a fruity drink of our choice complete with a little umbrella.  No for the ATVer its much more work to plan even a simple two or three day riding excursion.

Changing from paddles to knobbies or vice versa, re-jetting, looking for that whip flag you know you put somewhere that you’d be sure to remember, gathering an endless amount of camping gear, grocery shopping since you’d like to eat while your gone, and then wrangling the kids into the rig only to spend an un-godly amount of time on the road all the while convincing yourself, “Its gonna be worth it.”  Yes vacation for the ATV enthusiast can often times be a lot of work as I was recently reminded while making plans for Labor Day weekend.  From my experience, I’ve discovered what I believe to be the 4 most important steps for a stress free vacation. If nothing else, feel free to laugh at my misfortune and by all means, share one of your own vacations that took a turn for the worst. [Read more]

Living the Dream?

Ok, so I’m told that my “area of expertise” on this blog is the ATV Lifestyle.  My first thought is “shoot, I’ve been 2000 miles from home attending college for 4 years without even a car, much less having my quad around to ride.  How am I considered knowledgeable on the ATV lifestyle?”  While I’ve tried to stay in the loop as much as possible, and take every opportunity to indulge in the sport I love, it would seem as though the only lifestyle I’ve been living is that of a college student striving to make it to class on time and painfully enduring the months between my visits back home. (Any college students out there feel me?)

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Salute to the Weekend Warrior

I work in a bank.  My first love is anything to do with ATV’s yet the harsh reality of life is that we are not all blessed with the opportunity to earn a living doing what we love.  For now, I am ok with that.  As a recent college graduate, I took the first opportunity that came along which happened to be working in a bank.  I’m thankful for the opportunity, a steady paycheck, and consistent schedule however I would much rather be turning wrenches, fabricating a masterpiece of a machine, or racing ATV’s at the professional level. (If I could only be so lucky) No matter, for the time being I am content with enjoying my hobby as simply that, a hobby. Something I can do for the pure joy of it.

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