I hear a lot of stories about people getting hurt in the dunes. I'm planning a month long dune trip for May and don't want it to get cut short because of something I wasn't aware of.
I've never been riding in the dunes before, what are some of the things I need to watch for. Hopefully I will meet up with some of you guys and you can show me around.
I'm looking forward to May and can't wait to get out of this snow.

 

Dont ride by yourself and ride with someone expiernced the first trip.I broke my back in the dunes, would hate for someone esle to go through the same.

 

I heard those witches eyes are pretty bad. Do they just develope anywhere. Sorry to hear about your back. Hope you're doing ok. How did it happen.

 

Riding at the dunes is about the most pleasurable experience to be had on an ATV. But you must be careful. Dunes limit your visibility of others and others seeing you. Be aware of riding up a dune and the possibility of someone coming over from the opposite direction.

Also, the nature of the dunes is changed by wind. The dunes vary in size and shape and some amazingly surprising drop offs (razorbacks) can be found. The other side of a gradual dune may just be a huge drop off, so always climb them carefully and be wary of the other side.

I hope you enjoy yourself. But remember, help can be a long ways away. So dont ride alone and prepare for the unknown.

Ride safe, hope to see ya out there sometime.

Support Oregon's Dune Fest. 1st weekend of August 2004.

 

DSXBear, thanks for the info. The oregon dunes will be my second stop after St. Anthonys. Hope to see a bunch of you guys out there. I guess it's a pretty big place, where do most people go.

 

The dunes are a blast, for someone who has been there tons of times, and for a new comer, just take it easy your first time and dont try anything too crazy and you will be fine. I have never been to Saint Anthony's, but I have been to Oregon, and they are the best looking dunes there is in my opinion. I ride at Dumont, Pismo, and Oregon, and Oregon by far is the best one for breath taking views, and the dunes are a blast to ride in also, I hope you have a great time on your trip.

 

I agree with the others buddy riding is the ONLY way to ride....Have a spotter at the top of the dune if running up and down jumping ETC...If your going to night ride make sure all your lights are working and I would suggest putting a couple of glow sticks at the top of your whip(for night riding)...Always expect the unexpected when riding at the dunes...I had a spotter(suppose to be spotting Must of been spotting a hottie)that was at the top of the dune I was riding..I was headed back towards the razorback.. And I got to the top and a rail was coming up the razorback and my spotter didnt spot him and luckily I was causiouse and I got to the the same time the rail did and he nailed the front end of my quad....Only a little damage to the quad but I was more thankful It was just alittle damage to the quad and not alot of damage to me...

Note the rail did not have a spotter either....Snake Hunt is coming up at Little Sahara OK April 16-18... Hoping to be there...Safe riding

 

Starky if you're going to St Anthony, watch for the sharp dropoffs into the lava rocks. There are many of them, especially when you are riding in an easterly direction. Just remember, if you can't see over the next little dune, take it easy until you are familiar with the area. We've hauled lots of busted up people out of there that thought they knew what was in front of them, and dropped off 15 feet into a rock pile.

Most people that get hurt in the dunes do so because it is such easy riding they lose respect for what can happen. Witches eyes, razorbacks, and cutaways are to be watched for. Other than that, you can see forever (see my pix) so pick a good line and open 'er up!

 

Oh and if you're going to be at St Anthony let me know love to meet up and buy you a cold one.

 

when your at st. anthony the theres witches eyes all over the place"steep drop off with rocks at the bottom" four about the first 5 miles. My first time to st. anthony, my friend went strait into one at full speed and my step brother was right behind him going end over end. so be careful until you get into the open.