Ignorance is not BlissRegarding the letter by Robert E. Tron on the status of dune closures in the Nov. 19 I.V. Press, I have some points to clarify. Speaking from experience as a former Bureau of Land Management employee, I know off-highway vehicle users were informed or at least the attempt was made regarding the status of closures in the sand dunes. Many OHV users tend to ignore signs altogether and seldom consider the consequences of their contempt.These people, for example, tend to disregard common-sense speed limit signs in highly congested areas, causing accidents, then sue Honda or the BLM because they are unwilling to accept any responsibility for their actions. I also know from experience they would pay no heed to a flag or ribbon defending any plant. Surely if Mr. Tron stood beside Highway 78 and took a good look to the north then south, he'd realize that vegetation to the south is largely missing. Any plant, especially the milk-vetch, stands little chance against a hoard of speeding dune buggies.
Obviously Mr. Tron never paid a visit to the Cahuilla Ranger Station on Gecko Road, which is loaded with information and educational materials, then he could have helped pass the word. I've learned from frustrating experience that signs or anything resembling a regulatory notice or of educational value not only is ignored but also often vandalized. Ignorance is not bliss, and whatever happened to common sense? In this case, stupidity and disregard mean many years for plants to grow back. It can often be a year between rains at the dunes and then what rain there is may not be enough for plant growth.
While OHV use is not my recreational activity of choice, I realize it can be fun. I also realize that without some regard to nature it can also be extremely destructive. Off-road riders are interested in speed, horsepower and mechanics and have little curiosity for nature. Perhaps this is the wake-up call for the participants of this activity they've long needed. Considering the outrageous price of gasoline, perhaps it is time to get off their machines to stop and smell the milk-vetch.
JOHN T. WHITEHEAD
BrawleyGLAMIS... A sign of the times?
The presidential race is lost in confusion. Middle East peace treaties become void before they are even started. Now Southern California's Algodones Sand Dunes region has been thrust into a bitter fight for control, fueled by high emotions from both sides. A sign of the times? Maybe. However, there is a solution that needs to be addressed before we are buried in litigation, appeals and useless bartering.I have been an avid recreational off-roader for nearly 25 years and have enjoyed more than 20 of those years riding in Glamis. There were always talks of closure, rumors more than anything, but when I heard of the impending settlement, I became involved in finding a solution that could benefit both sides.As much time as I have spent in Glamis the past 20 years, not once did anyone from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Sierra Club or the Center for Biological Diversity inform me about any endangered species that live in that area. For something as important as the endangered Peirson's milkvetch, you would think someone from one of the organizations would take time to educate the people about the "sensitive" ecosystem inhabiting the dune region. The BLM pleaded no contest in upholding the Endangered Species Act, basically giving up. It is time for the people to find a solution, and here it is:Literature providing information about Peirson's milkvetch could easily be distributed to the people who use the dunes. These pamphlets will provide a history of the milkvetch, pictures of what it looks like and even maps on where it is located. Utilize recourses such as the Glamis store, Crazy Craig's, the store at Gordons Well, volunteers, rangers and the surrounding communities to aid in distribution. Ninety-nine percent of the people I talked to had no idea Peirson's milkvetch even existed; 100 percent of those people agreed if they knew, they would respect it and steer clear.Mark the locations of the milkvetch by using signs, ribbons, tags or marks. Signs can be placed in areas of highest population of milkvetch. On these signs could be a brief history of the plant, a picture of what it looks like and a statement of "PLEASE TREAD LIGHTLY" or something to that effect. Ribbons or tags of a certain color could be placed on or next to individual plants identifying it as the milkvetch. Signs placed in washes and trails that lead to well-known hills could easily inform and mark areas of milkvetch growth. The energy and time spent enforcing a lockout could easily be spent informing and educating the people, ultimately keeping the dunes open. Peirson's milkvetch is endangered because it grows only in these dunes, not because of off-road activity. To close the doors now would be a violation of our human rights and freedom. There is much confusion in the world; there is no need to feed more fuel to the fire. People have ways of escaping the turmoil involved in presidential elections, Middle East peace treaties and terrorist attacks; going to Glamis happens to be one way for hundreds of thousands of people.
Closing any part of it would be devastating to that well-being of many and have a significant effect on the economy. This is the only solution. The trust has to start right now!
ROBERT E. TRON
San DiegoGlamis made a REAL Difference in my life
When I was about 16 or 17 my life was headed for the fast life which is
becoming familier and affilliating with bad people. Then it started to get
really bad and then drugs started to be introduced to me. I started to do
really bad in school and getting into trouble. Then my uncle Fernando
introduced me to my first bike which was a HONDA ATC 200x and I was hooked.
After he gave the bike he took me to my heaven on earth
known as GLAMIS. Glamis is a place that cannot be explained until you are in
the middle of the dunes just looking at all you can ride. This is an
experience that people should try to experience once in there life. What I
am really trying to say is that Glamis saved me from being another punk in
the streets and having to get my thrills from stealing and getting high!!!!!
I ask please that you show this to the person who is pursuing on closing
down the one place that had the biggest impact on my life, and i want you to
know that if this place goes down thousands of kids like myself will also be
affected not just "as one place of many," but as the biggest life saver of many.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED HELP IN ANY WAY
ANTHONY GOMEZ
Get involved, respect the desert
5 years now, and I look forward to going
each and every year. However, the recent closing of OUR area is totally
un-called for and should be reversed. How can someone (or entity) tell
me that this weed doesn't grow on the side that's already closed off to
plant, bugs, and wildlife. Are they going to tell me that a paved road
distinguishes whether a plant will grow or not...let's get real.
In addition, if these groups want to shut down Glamis, and take the food
out of the mouths from the families of the adjacent cities over a weed,
then they don't have concious's. We have been providing extra money for
these cities for years now, and they also look forward to the revenue
generated from the Winter weekends at Glamis. And why shouldn't they.
I have to agree however, that the punks these days are much more rowdy
and disrespectful to the land, and the law. I used to be a punk-kid
myself (now 36), but respect was always given, and I always spent 4-10
hours on a weekend to help P/U trash (always). I was at Glamis last
Thanksgiving and saw the officer get hit over the head with a full
beer-bottle, and frankly, I felt like going over to that person and
shove my fist down his throat. This is one of many situations that also
causes groups to re-think and place lawsuits. I know how the BLM works,
and frankly they are hated by the farmers, who sometimes shoot them if
they step foot on a farmers land, and this goes back to the 1920's.
However, they are trying to keep the peace at Glamis, and if everyone
just got a grip, the I sincerely believe that the land would not be in
jeopardy of closing.I just think this whole idea about preserving a weed over generating
revenue for the cities, is outrageous. I urge everyone that appreciates
Glamis like I do, to get involved in protecting our right to common
sense and release our land. The right thing to do is to continue giving
the adjacent cities the revenues they deserve, while preserving our
right to ride on our public land.
Sincerely,
Ken Le Jeune
Tustin, CA 92780
klejeune@pacbell.net
crtlabs@pacbell.net
Volunteers needed for Thanksgiving
In an effort to help inform dunes users of the closed areas, we will be posting people around the perimeter of the areas handing out fliers and information, as well as putting caution tape up from sign post to sign post. What I am asking for is HELP !!! I need volunteers to help me string caution tape from sign post to sign post around the closed areas, a "make-shift" fence if you will -- which will make it more visible for those duning when they come up on a closed area to stay out of it, especially at night. The signs that the BLM are posting are not very visible and this will greatly decrease the risk of someone accidentally passing into those closed areas. All I am asking for is a little of your time and a donation of one roll of caution tape per person, although I definitely would not object to more !!! This will also show that we, the off-road community, is coming together and uniting -- working together to KEEP OUR DUNES OPEN !!!Also, there will be a staging area set up Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun mornings at 8:00 am every day where you can find out how to help keep the dunes open. This will be located at the Gecko Campground Sign on Gecko Road. There will be a couple of big red banners that state "HELP KEEP OUR DUNES OPEN" to mark the spot. The GPS coordinates are:
32 degrees North
56.389 minutes
115 degrees West
08.577 minutes
Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have... I appreciate everyone's help in advanceLet's work together
Every day there are workers that transplant plants, trees, bushes, and
many other house hold and endanger plans. Has anyone ever thought to try
this? Because of fear of extinction conservationists have saved whole groups
of species. For example the Timber Wolf in the Yosemite National Park. Their
species was almost extinct. Then scientists intervened and now that animals
species has made a come back and is growing rapidly, with much success!
Another example! The Native Americans!!! We took them out of their native
area's, and transplanted them (so to speak). We took them out of their native
environment for our own benefit. The land where the Native Americans were was
much better to grow crops on, and for the livestock the land was much more
beneficial. On the flip side of this. We took the Native Americans to a
place were they had to struggle to live. The land there was dry, and hard to
grow crops. For a long time the Native Americans struggled in this new area.
This was done to segregate them, and for our own benefit.
Then there comes the topic of the destruction of these endangered plants.
These plants have sharp needles, which can puncture any off road tire. This
is one really good deterrent. If we are spending rufly 2,000.00 to 1,500.00
dollars in tires. What is the pay off of running over these plants? This is a
good reason for us not to run over these plants. It costs us an immense
amount of money! So for the time being there is a restriction on this area that is ment to
keep people out and to protect these endangered plants. You can guarantee
that you will see me at the fence line handing out fliers and to help the
awareness of this newly closed off area. Like the Mexican and American
border. You can expect that there will be people that will try to cross this
line for there own reasons. You cannot expect that here is going to be 100%
cooperation with this new boundy. Myself and many others have invested time, money, and months gather numerous different buggies, atc's, and quads. Along with all of the camping
gear, and trailers. What are we to do with these things if Glamis is closed?
I won't be able to sell, or use these items anymore. I have been going to
Glamis for the last 5 years, and I would like to see if kept open for future use.
Thank you for your time, and hopefully support on this issue.
Robert Manhart
Message for Andre, Blake or Mike
This message is for Andre, Blake, or Mike, I met all of you guys out at
glamis I road around with you guys for two days straight on Saturday My
friend and I were riding in the back of your truck when you were going to
drop us off and he jumped out the truck to help those people who got stuck in
the sand anyway when he got out he forgot to get the camera, and I didn't
know it was still in the truck so we look for you that night and the next day
we couldn't find you, but now we need the camera back because my friend Steve
who's dad the camera belongs to really needs it back because there are
important pictures in the camera that he needs for work or something, Now
this Jen girl who is writing you messages too about the camera, I don't know
what her deal is but she changed my first message to you somehow and made it
her own and if you don't believe me finish off the roll of film in the camera
and develop the film! I'll even pay you back for doing that and you'll see
that the camera belongs to me cause it has pictures of me on it and not her,
just e-mail me and I'll send you my pic if you don't remember who I am.
Thanks a lot Andre and once again tell Blake and Mike I said hello
J.P.D.U.N.E. (The solution)
HERE'S A NEW ONE...
NEW ACRONYM FOR US MALIGNED DUNERS:
D.U.N.E.= Duners United Nurturing (the) Environment---the GOOD guys
VRs. the bad guys---THE ECO-ELITEST OR ECO-SOCIALISTS
WE CAN NO LONGER CALL THE OTHER SIDE THE ENVIRONMENTALISTS!
I consider myself a duner/environmentalist. In our posts when we call them
'eco-elite' or simalar non inflamatory names, it paints them in a more true picture.Duners-it's what we are...United-it's what we must stay...Nurturing-it's a warm fuzzy word, that let's the world know we aren't all WWF bad ass types...even if some of us are (LOL)Environment-it's what we protect/enjoy/live to be in...D.U.N.E. IT IS US!!!! WE THE UNITED MEMBERS OF D.U.N.E. THE MILLION MEMBER D.U.N.E. MARCH...WE SHALL OVERCOME...
from OBSESSED.AKA..STEVE BROOKS>>>>>-sdOBSESSED @CS.COM
MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOT AN EXCUSE!!!!
Who's side are they on?
Help me to understand. So you are saying the BLM is not on our side??
I have been hearing so much info to support both sides. I just need to know
what we are dealing with.The reason I ask is because my Father whom used to race in the desert
many years ago and he was always bashing the BLM for coming in and closing the
races down. Mind you this was in the 60s. The Barstow to Vegas race.
Heard of it??? According to my Father The BLM has never been on our side
nor will they ever. Government agency???
Thank You
Janine RiouxCenter for Biological Diversity
When I first heard about the dune closure, I was furious--but was willing to accept at face value the CBD's claim that their interest was in protecting Peirson's Milk Vetch. However, the CBD has posted an inflammatory article on their website that has nothing to do with the plant, threats to it, or protecting it. This makes it crystal clear to me what their real agenda is: eradicating off-roading in the dunes. I no longer believe they'll settle for the closure they've achieved thus far. And I am willing to believe that they'd resort to "dirty tricks" like filming themselves riding in the closed area in order to accomplish their goal. We need a strategy to deal with this legally and effectively. The only thing I can think of is to set up comprehensive monitoring of the closed area ourselves, and carefully tracking anyone we find violating the boundaries. This may mean following people and writing down license plates, green sticker numbers, etc. It does NOT mean physically confronting ANYONE. Physical confrontation will look far worse to any judge than would riding in the closed area. Be smart, don't get baited into a situation that harms our cause, and lets see if we can outsmart these guys!
Who is behind the posts?
We really dont know who is behind all the bs being posted lately. As far as we
know it could be the same people trying to shut glamis dow posting these
messages just to take them to court to use against us. It's truly something to
think about because the can't really prove it.
Protecting the Closure!!!
The New closed area is a set-up. We only need to take a page of history
from the Logging community in in the Northwest. Their battle was over
the infamous "Spotted Owl". I this case it was proven that the enviros
actually went around killing the owls then "framed" the loggers for
doing it. The rest is history, towns, communities, ways of life were
lost forever. They even went as far as to "Spike" trees. When a chain
saw hits the spike it sometimes meant death or dismemberment for the
operator.Now how can we learn form the loggers experience?
The CBD can get Glamis closed is by showing people riding in the
closures and how can they accomplish this?
One way is to rent quads, break the law, and film themselves doing it.
Even if we prove that the law was broken by the enviros the law is
written in such a way that it almost does not matter.
We need to be extremely careful. One idea is to watch for people
showing up for the day on rentals with camera equipment.
The enviros are 10 steps ahead of us. They have experience and the law
on their side.We need to come up with a unifying symbol that is obtained through proof of OHV ownership.
Keep thinking, Keep organized.Erich
Used Banshees wanted!!!
Do you guys offer any listings for used 4 wheelers? Went to Glamis last
Thanksgiving and was hooked. Need to pick up two banshees, one for me &
one for my 15 year son.
In Sand
Kent
kestes@attglobal.netLost Dog
"Lost Dog, tan female German Shepard mix, medium sized, has a tan collar
with no tags, lost Sat night 11-4-00, were camped at Cement Flats off Gecko
Road near Ranger Station. Her name is SATURDAY!! If you have any
information please call (714) 523-3952 OR (714) 396-6826"
Lost Camera
I lost my Camera. If you found a camera please contact me.
Did the Sierra Club ride the dunes to find a milk-weed?
This is bull crap that they are trying to close glamis because of a milkweed.
The only way you can get to that weed is by dirt bike or quad and no one is
going to waste there time to run over a stupid weed. Man I hate the Sierra
Club. They would not even now about the milk weed if one had not rode to find it. They
should should not close it down because they dont have
lives. They should let people have there fun and shut up.
Ryan LewisA Poem Inspired by a First Timer
>From falling leaves and ice cold wind,
hugging slick country roads that bend,
Fly west my soul to beginnings when,
I was just a youth again.
The wind blew sand in fury fast.
Roads streached to horizons vast.
Mountains called in purple haze,
And dunes were where we spent our days.
Instead of Kentucky tobacco fields,
grapefruit and pomagranets at my heels.
Where quiet things in the desert sleep,
This is a memory I will keep.
Thanks for the gift to ride again ,
gasping air at top speed.
Take a hill and see smooth sand,
jumping a tumbleweed .Donna Weixler - WeixlerD@aol.com
Policing Ourselves on Thanksgiving
I have to say I agree with HondaBobs email. The CBD is using these
reports or what they have made up in a very poor manner.
What does BLM report have to do with the PLANT anyway. Since when do
drugs and alcohol have to do with the saving of the milk weed????
Very ironic that I have alot of friends that have never been to GLamis
and they all say "What is a Milkweed" and "Who cares about it anyway".
I think if the majority of the population knew what the CBD were doing or have done. They would freakout!! All as I can say is someone better stop these radicals because they are headed for the Colorado River next. May I ask What kind of free country allows things like public land to be
taken from the public. One more point. Very nice though how the CDB is going to have us
Policing ourselves out there on Thanksgiving. Very strange how the
system works. They close our land so we have to keep our off roadpartners off of it or we will lose it all. Ok that makes sense.Is Ecology the Real Objective?
In one of the recent emails you posted, the writer indicated that at the
CBD web site they had make a lot of negative comments about problems at
Glamis. Here's a portion of what he wrote;
"Its web site, sw-center.org, has news releases about death and
paralysis on Halloween weekend dated 30OCT2000. I saw that on
02NOV2000. More about how BLM employees are subject to life-threatening
situations regularly, and a 43 page Dept. of Int./BLM report
concerning how alcohol, drugs, and lawlessness render the area unsafe
for family recreation." by Clay, Dana Point, CA.
Well, when I first read his comments, I didn't give the reference above
much thought, but as the day went by and this whole Glamis closure thing
drifted around through my thoughts. It dawned on me. Why would the CBD
be posting news articles about death and paralysis on their web site if
the main purpose is ecology? What we do to ourselves or each other has
nothing to do with ecology. Don't get me wrong, I don't support people
hurting themselves or anybody else. At the same time I don't live and
breath ecology issues like the CBD does either. So I went to the web
site indicated by Clay and sure enough there it was; "Breaking News,"
are two links to articles about Glamis, the first is; " SPECIAL
EVALUATION: ALGODONES DUNES "UNSAFE FOR FAMILY RECREATION ACTIVITY DUE
TO THE USE OF DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND THE PROBLEMS OF LAWLESSNESS", and the
second is; "ORVs TO BE PROHIBITED ON 48,000 ACRES TO PROTECT RARE
CALIFORNIA DUNE ECOSYSTEM"
The link takes you directly to a reprint of the BLM report, dated
Feb.16-20 2000. I don't consider something 8 months old breaking news.
There was a problem and everyone is working to correct it and trying to
make sure it doesn't happen again. However, the BLM report is about
drinking, drugs, etc. it had nothing at all about the Glamis ecology or
plants. The second link deals with the current closure, which is fine,
but imbedded in the article is reference link to the above noted BLM
report as well as a reference link to a Imperial Valley Press article
dated November 29, 1999, regarding the bad elements at Glamis. Again in
the Imperial Valley Press article there isn't one word about plants or
the ecology at Glamis. Why does the CBD have such a keen interest in
drinking, drugs and lawlessness?
As I have said on your BBS and others, these people are using the
Endanger Species Act to get EVERYONE off the public land.
Now, you have shut down your BBS because of negative comments about
plants, of which CBD supporters most likely posted. The CBD
was using these postings against us in court. I would certainly hope
that someone is monitoring their web site in and effort to prove in
future court battles that the CBD real agenda is to get OHV off public
land the ESA is just a ruse to accomplish their goal.
Thank You for you time and your web site.
HondaBobLarry Jowdy, TRT Vice Chairman
I understand your frustration regarding the temporary closure of
Glamisonline.org and Glamisdunes.com bulletin boards. However, we feel that
environmentalist have infiltrated our boards and have used information
against us. It is also very possible that the environmentalists have posted
inflamitory remarks dealing with civil disobediaence and destruction of
endangered species only to print them out and present them to Judge Allsup to
"prove" that we are a bunch of wild law breaking cretins. And in fact, the
environmentalists did present postings from both boards stating that these
posts were proof positive that we were going to harm the plants. Freedom
of speech is great however it's only great up to point that it causes someone
else harm. In these cases, any reasonable person can see ! that the only wise
thing to do was to temporarily close the bulletin boards down.
Larry Jowdy,,TRT Vice ChairmanSAMPLE LETTER IN PROTEST
Here's a letter I have written which I will be sending to every public
official that I can find an address for. If you feel it is appropriate,
please feel free to post it on your web site. Maybe people could copy it,
change the names, and send or email it to other public officials. Feel free
to edit it as you see fit.
Thanks,
RobC
RobC100@aol.comI would just like to voice my opinion to you on the recent closure of approximately 75% of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) in California. It is absolutely insane. A few environmental groups, namely the Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club, have managed to close this huge public recreation area due to a WEED. A weed, that if anyone found in their yard, they would immediately kill. This first area closure is also just being used as a ploy to close the whole desert area to offroad vehicle use.
There are tens of thousands of people who take their families to the dunes numerous times throughout the year. To us, it is a way to get away from the city, enjoy nature, and spend quality family time together. It is a HUGE part of enjoying family time. These feelings are shared be myself, my family, and all of my friends. This closure has placed a WEED in front of family values. Is it really that important to save a WEED? Was the Endangered Species Act really enacted to place a WEED in front of the values of hundreds of thousands of outdoor recreation enthusiasts? To me, family time together is much higher on the scale.
I have been going to the dunes yearly since 1990. I was now planning to take my 5-year-old daughter there to enjoy the experience I have known for years. The recent closures have put a great damper on our plans. This closure is forcing more people to camp and ride closer together. This makes it much more dangerous for all of us. The closed areas offered us a way to spread out, which made it a lot safer for everyone.
I beg of you to help reverse the recent closure decision. If this WEED is really in danger, I have no problem with closing a SMALL area and planting thousands of these WEEDS there. If possible, why not transplant them into the areas of the dunes that are already closed? I am sure the offroad community would agree with this and would be willing to help in the transplanting. The designated area would be left untouched by offroaders. Offroaders do not want to run over plants, trees, or anything else out there. We fear putting holes in our tires. This is simple common sense.
A two-year-old study is what the recent closures have been based upon. One of the closed areas, the small central area, has some of the highest offroad use activity. If offroad use is destroying this WEED, how could it be thriving in one of the most densely populated riding areas. This makes no sense. This only proves that offroaders avoid the plant and animal life as much as possible. If we didn’t, this WEED would have been eliminated from this area long ago.
I also want to point to the fact that family and individuals spend thousands of dollars annually on our sport - fuel, food, camping fees, etc. A major portion of this money goes to the cities bordering the dunes. This amount does not even include the TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS families spend on trailers, motorhomes, bikes, quads, sandrails and accessories. This is a MULTIMILLION DOLLAR industry. The effects of these closures will be enormous. I don’t feel that the plaintiffs in the lawsuit to close the dunes even considered this issue.
If the real reason for the closure is the BAD ELEMENT that has shown up in the dunes in the past couple of years, you should go to the WWW.GLAMISDUNES.COM web site and review some of the comments people are making. A real negative attitude is building from the REAL DUNERS towards these troublemakers. I strongly feel that this BAD ELEMENT will be eliminated real soon.
I BEG of you to please help us get the recent court ruling overturned. Public recreation areas are meant to be used by everyone. The Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club have gone too far. We need to work together on these issues to make everyone happy
CLOSING THE IMPERIAL SAND DUNES RECREATION AREA IS NOT THE ANSWER! PLEASE HELP US TO KEEP THE DUNES OPEN!
CAMERA FOUND
I found a camera in the back of my truck Sunday morning of halloween weekend. It's a pretty nice camera. If anyone was riding in the back of a lifted black Sivlerado on Saturday night, please post a message w/ your email address and I'll contact you.Glamis is NOT just for families
I read a note from a guy saying that Glamis should be for families and the
"dune party" people should leave. He gave an example of Thanksgiving weekend,
which we all know is the busiest weekend out there. I feel if you are going
to Glamis with your kids, why would you go on the biggest weekend of the year
and complain. I am not saying some people don't go over board, but you will
find that everywhere. Some people just never learn. I am saying you could go
to Glamis the weekend after and you would see bare to none. There are tons of
weekends that not many people go, that would be safe to bring younger kids.
On Thanksgiving, whether or not there are "dune party" people it gets
extremely busy and unsafe for younger kids. I wouldn't even bring my kids out
to Glamis on Thanksgiving if they were young, it is just to hectic. I have
been going to Glamis for 18 years since I was 2. Now I am 20 and have started
going with my family friends kids. I plan to continue going to Glamis till I
am old, but for now people should think when to go to Glamis depending on the
age group. And when it comes to riding on a big weekend there is so much
UN-rode Glamis sand that people don't even use. There are the popular spots
i.e. Competition hill, Oldsmobil hill, Sand drags but you can always find
nice riding out in the Middle of Glamis (Meaning not at the popular spot.) I
totally agree to TAKE TRASH HOME, and I feel the drunk drivers and litterers
will get what they deserve. I hope to see you out at Glamis on Thanksgiving,
BUT remember this will be the BUSIEST weekend of the year. So plan
accordingly.
Take care and be safe
Jennifer BolanisWe can only help Ourselves
We must realize that the CBD in reality cares less about the Peirson's milk-vetch than in accomplishing its ultimate goal of complete shutdown of the Algodones Dunes (Glamis) and whatever is next on its agenda. Its website, sw-center.org, has news releases about death and paralysis on Halloween weekend dated 30OCT2000. I saw that on 02NOV2000. More about how BLM employees are subject to life-threatening situations regularly, and a 43 page Dept. of Int./BLM report concerning how alcohol, drugs, and lawlessness render the area unsafe for family recreation. Understand that the Peirson's milk-vetch is merely a vehicle. We are up against a formidable foe. The modified closures have an oval shaped area right between Gecko and Olds. This was by design. Part of the settlement involves joint overflights and ground monitoring of violations. Enough violations and total closure will result. These folks are so confident that we will screw up and violate enough times to qualify for total closure that they have already filed appropriately, to start the 45 day wait clock ticking. Sound grim? It is. It's not about stopping them from closing part of our dunes anymore, it's about working hard to hang on to the portions we have left. Hard work it will take. It will take me, you and everyone that cares standing out there at the closure lines handing out info to the uninformed about to barrel through. These areas won't be fenced, just marked with a red stake every 1/4 mile or so. The opportunity for perimeter violation, even unintentional, is almost laughable. Only it's the otherside doing the laughing. The odds are against us. The opposition is certain they have won. Even the BLM, who is on our side, can't help us. We can only help ourselves.
Clay, Dana Point CAGLAMIS IS FOR FAMILIES
Just a few words about all the "dude party" people, GET OUT!! My family has
been coming out to Glamis for at least 10 years. This is a time we enjoy
spending together, my son's first trip was at 9 monthes of age, same with his sister.
The dunes are a place to have fun and also relax from the stress of everyday life.
Last Thanksgiving weekend some "dude's" changed all that. It started when
some "young" truck campers decided they needed to park next to us. Well, I
know you have all had those "young" one's keep you up at 2 am, but I don't
think they did it with gas in a beer bottle thrown in the fire. One word to
the BLM, you should have reacted more strongly, KICK THEM OUT! Make people
like them who have a complaint, from more than one person, LEAVE
IMMEDIATELY!!! Well, my only revenge is... they had cold dinners the next
day!! WE LEFT! I couldn't take the chance these idiots would not run over my
kids the next day, because they drank to much and were underage and not
paying attention to people around them or just didn't care.
We have had many fun trips out to the Dunes, I hope people can learn to TAKE
TRASH HOME!! The dunes don't need to be just a big trash dump.
The BLM needs to reinforce the rules, DRUNK DRIVERS = JAIL.
LITTERERS = TICKET ($1,000.00). If this was done I think the "dude's" would
think twice about a "party" weekend out a Glamis.
Have fun and be safe.
BJONES5452@aol.comMore Checkered Flags
To All Dune Riders
Instead of just putting a checkered flag on your toy. Put one on your personnel vehicle. Lets show the treehuggers just how many we are. Let the flag stand for two meanings, First SAVE GLAMIS, Second SUPPORT THE BLM. Lets Get The Word Out.
PalealeHalloween a big Hit
I have to say the first big weekend back to glamis was a hit. Everyone was respectful and totally cool. In a nutshell, it was a perfect weekend. See ya'll at Thanksgiving Weekend. Hope the weather is as good. :)
Be Smart this Thanksgiving
PLEASE BE SMART AT GLAMIS THIS THANKSGIVING THERE ARE GOING TO BE AS
MANY REPORTERS AS RANGERS AND POLICE LETS SHOW THEM WHY GLAMIS IS SO
SPECIAL TO ALL OF US RESPECT THE BLM THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO MAKE THIS
HAPPEN THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO MAKE GLAMIS SAFE THEY ARE NOT OUR ENEMY
AND I HOPE IF I EVER NEED MEDICAL TREATMENT IN THE DUNES THEY WOULD SAVE
ME. THEY ARE TRYING TO STOP THE VIOLENCE AND ABUSE SO THAT WE WON'T
SOMEDAY LOSE IT ALL KEEP IT CLEAN AND SAFE AND TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS
THE SAME .....VOTE FOR BUSH
JACK SAULNIER 13 YEAR GLAMIS VET.Big Trap
I have look at the new map on the closed areas and I see a trap the areas just east of Gecko road. It will take a lot of work to keep people out of that area. We need to get there early on Thanksgiving weekend and inform the people that this will be there last trip to the dune if they don't stay out of the closed areas
Bill Baston
La Mesa, CARail for Sale
V-W TWO SEATER FOR SALE,
HAS MOTOR PROBLEM,
HAS TRAILER, NEW SEATS, YELLOW, NEW RIMS AND PADDLES,
3500.00 OBO apurfect@aol.comWhen to say When
I've been going to the dunes since I was 6 years old, that would be 33 years and I have seen a lot of things that happen there and most of the bad things were because people don't know when to say when drinking to much.
This does'nt just happen at the dunes it happens everywhere, if you have been drinking a little to much you should not be driving your death machine and hopfully you have friends that will tell you this also. as of now this has been on a honor based system that has not been inforced.
I'am not trying to preach that you should stop drinking and having fun, but when something bad happens it's usally when you nail some inocent kid on a quad.
If you are truely a friend of someone you would help them when they are ripped so they won't harm themselfs or others or pretty soon you won't be able to have that beer out in the dunes. Just respect it and you won't loose both legs like I have.
Have Fun! and don't let them take it away from us.
Voice your Opinion
Below is the link to a BLM statement regarding the OHV Management
strategy. They mention different dates than what I have seen posted
on your websites. I also wrote them the following note. I hope every
true long time Glamis goer makes the time to voice their opinion before
it's too late. Keep up the good work - and let us know what more we
can do to help.
http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/draft_ohv_strategy_comment_per.html
Dear BLM OHV Management team:
Please do not make any hasty decisions when it comes to the
closure of parts if not all of Glamis. My family and my husband's
family has been going there for over 30 years and think of it
as our home away from home. The majority of people who go there
are just like us - we do not support the rowdy crowds who have recently
been giving us the bad press.
There must be some way that we can join with you to maintain open
riding areas (larger than the proposed - it is just too small and will
instigate many more accidental collisions) and provide a safe,
responsible atmosphere for our recreation.
The majority of people abide by all of the rules. We have greenstickers.
We pay our seasonal fees. We are mindful of the currently
closed areas. We clean up after us and others. Please take the
time to further educate us as to how we can help you keep this area
available to us. I would gladly welcome an entry registration,
a membership, or ?? that would allow you control of the population,
but also provides me with the Glamis Dunes I love. I can't imagine
the day that I would not be able to share this love with kids of
my own.
Please help us.
Sincerely,
Sandra DesLauriers
e-mail: marcnsand@onebox.com
Help Wanted
I raced the desert in the 70's and watch the BLM and
government agencies close most of the desirable land, now we race in the
rock quarries. My wife and I have been riding in the Glamis dunes for ten
years, and yes I've seen some problems cause by irresponsible people. But
who 's to say that the environmental support groups aren't infiltrating, and
making the Glamis goers look worse to the Park Rangers and other officials.
Who Knows? Soon Glamis will be reduced too 85,000 acres from 133,000, for
now. Next step will be one sand hill for 30,000 people, beware. Please
post the government web sites, so that the Glamis users that want to help
can. And any other tools that maybe useful for us to help keep one of the
last large family places open.
Please send me anything, which I can do to help as well.
Thanks,bradley.king@westboeing.com
First timer had a BLAST
What is up with the Bureacrats and Glamis? I just spent my first
weekend at the Glamis Dunes. We all had a blast! Being a dirt biker and
camper from Northern California, I had to find a place for doing the things
I love; Riding, BBQing and having a good time with my friends. Glamis is
the place for all of that. So with that said, dont we have constitutional
rights concerning public land? After all, it does really belong to all of us.
Casey C. JohnsonTell them what you Think!!
There is a website called planetfeedback.com where you can write a letter to just about any organization or public official. I found a link to write a letter to Al Gore at http://www.planetfeedback.com/LetterGenCompany/0,1272,0-999-100101-146507-2-D,00.html <http://www.planetfeedback.com/LetterGenCompany/0,1272,0-999-100101-146507-2-D,00.html>
I am also attaching a copy of the letter I wrote, please feel free to post any or all of it.
Thank you,
Bryan HenryLost Dog at Wash #12
While at Glamis (wash #12) Oct. 27-29 we lost our dog. She is a spayed, reddish brown, Australian Shepherd mix. She was wearing a collar with her name, Zoe and phone number (619) 464-3352. Please let me know if you know anything about her whereabouts!
Kay Byrum
Marvin Elementary
5720 Brunswick Ave.
San Diego, CA. 92120
(619) 583-1355
(619) 464-3352Very Satisfied!!!
Hello fellow duners, I just wanted to write a small paragraph on how
impressed I was with my first ever visit to the Glamis Dunes. I am a
racer, completely and foremost, but I had the chance to visit the dunes
over the Halloween weekend, and I have to say, I liked what I saw.
I was very delited to know that the people were genuinely freindly,
everyone we were camped around was very nice, offered fire wood, of
course we were un-prepared for the first time, they offered to help fix
my broken machine, offered parts, anything you can imagine. I was also
impressed to find out that these small 'stores' if you will, selling
shirts, food, bike parts, were very honestly priced. I mean I figured
that being down there in the middle of the desert and needing a part, or
some food you forgot to bring, you would pay an arm and a leg. So not
the case here, the prices were very freindly and welcoming, especially
for bike parts !!! anyway, I just wanted to pass the good word onto
those who have never tried the dunes, or have heard bad things about it,
I had a great time, and being a complete racer, not ever wanting to go
to sand to have fun, I had a great time !!! I would recommend it to anyone !!
Thanks to all whose involved with the Glamis atmosphere !
Xtreme 88Support
I have been going to Glamis since my mom was pregnant with me and I have
grown to love it!! Ihope everyone does all they can to save it. I will be
going there next weekend for halloween 2000. good luck and I support Glamis
100%!!! KristenGlamis Pay Phones
Can anyone tell me if NEXTEL phone work anywhere in the Glamis area. Gecko Park??? mobilecom@home.com
COORS and the Sierra Club
I have contacted Coors Brewery and they told me that they DO NOT SUPPORT the
Sierra Club in any way. They sent me documents of all of the organizations
they do donate to and the Sierra Club is not on them. They also sent me an
application for donations and I'm going to pass it on to the ASA. That's it
for now...Proglamis@aol.comAbout being judgemental
I am writing the board to address those people who believe that non
green sticker vehicles should not be allowed in the dunes.
I come from a family of Glamis regulars beginning in the early
1960's. Back before there was even such a thing as a green sticker
vehicle, Jeeps and other 4x4's have been driving in those dunes.
I understand how many people think that the "truck crowd" is the
main source of problems- this is not always the case. Alot of people
with sandrails, bikes, and quads party too...
I would really be sad if they made rules that didn't allow me to
drive my Jeeps in the dunes, or my truck... I love Glamis and have other
toys and would probably go anyways, but it would certainly be
unfortunate. I think a more effective way of stopping the bad element
would be to crack down on them by law enforcement, and letting them know
that they are not welcome and their behavior is not acceptable by those
who are truly there to ride, and enjoy the dunes, and not to purely
party, cause trouble, and incite violence.
I don't even want to bring my truck now because I don't want people
looking at me and assuming I follow the stereotypical suit of someone
who goes to Glamis with nothing to ride and have no business being
there. I have been going to Glamis for 20 years and don't deserve that.
I guess the main point of my message is: Don't judge people based
on what they are riding or driving. If you see someone in a truck or a
Jeep, don't assume they are the problem - just because they don't happen
to be riding a bike or quad or driving a rail. Some of those people in
trucks are fighting just as hard to keep the dunes open as you are- and
they may just have a tightass rail or bike back at camp :)
Stacy Hardy
Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
Sierra Club and Beer
Hi - I am a 22 year old college student in San Diego. Just got back from
another great weekend at Glamis. I have been going out to the desert, Glamis
and Ocitillo Wells, since I was born. I have heard that Coors Brewing Co
supports the sierra club. I don't know how true this is but would like to
confirm it so I can start a boycott against all Coors products. I am also
trying to find out if there are other companies out there who support these
nuts. I think one way to stop these mad people(sierra club) is to cut there
supply off at the source. I am sure all of the dunners in Glamis who find
this out would switch over to BUD. Again I am not sure how true this is but
would like to confirm. I do have to say that there are way too many crazy
people out there, most of them seem to be in high school still. If only
their parents knew what they did to their(parent's) truck over the weekend.
P.S. I don't know what I would do if I could not ride. I would like to one
day, when I have kids bring them out to Glamis to enjoy it as much as I do.
Matt
glamisdunner@hotmail.com
Keep it open for the Children!!
I HAVE BEEN GOING TO GLAMIS SINCE I HAVE BEEN A LITTLE KID WITH MY PARENTS.
I THINK IT IS REALLY A BUNCH OF CRAP THAT THE BLM ALWAYS WANT TO RAIN ON OUR
PARADE. GLAMIS IS A PLACE THAT ME AND MY FAMILY CAN GO AND PLAY, AND GET
AWAY FROM THE CITY. I STRONGLY SUPPORT AND WILL DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO MAKE
SURE GLAMIS WILL BE THERE FOR MORE KIDS AND FAMLIES,SO THEY CAN SHARE AND HAVE A
GOOD TIME. PLUS THE DUNES MAKE THE GREATEST JUMPS !!!!!!
IF ME AND OR MY FREINDS CAN HELP PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO
ENJOY GLAMIS FOEVER. IM NOT ONE FOR DUMONT DUNES.
Kurt,
I just wanted to say you're doing a great job with this web site. I respect
you're decision to shut down the bulletin board due to the negative
comments. The last thing we need is for the negative attitude of a few to
be perceived as the attitude of all of us. Keep up the good work.
Thanks,
RobC
There is an online petition:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/glamis/
Contact Duncan Hunter
My name is Dwight and I live in the district of Duncan Hunter who also has
the Imperial Sand Dunes. For all of us that live in his disrtict please let
him know that we need his help. This all can be done on-line and only takes
a few minutes. Spread the word!
Thank you,
Dwight Flesher
Stand together to fight closure
I think people should stand up for our rights. These do gooders could
spend the money and time to go out and fence these plants like they do
in other places. Why do we have to pay the price of losing places to
enjoy our lives . Each year some place closes or gets smaller.
I'm from Louisiana . In 1990 the BLM decided to close all public
properties and no person was allowed on the lands they controlled .
Everyone kept quite thinking it would never happen . Well it did and now
you can't go on any of the land because it is all leased up . So in
short the land we grew up hunting on all our lives is no more unless you
can get these big shots who doesn't even live in the state or area to
let buy into the lease for a small fee of $1200.00 and up per year .
The very land I grew up own hunting and learning about life and my
father and his on and on did as well . If you are found on these lands
without a lease card you pay a heavy fine and or go to jail .
In the whole thing if people would have stood together and fought this
we may could have stopped it. The sad part of it is that it's all about
who has the most money . Not the protection of the land. These people
who set this up probaly has never been on a family outting at Glamis .
They don't leave their office or get out and injoy what God put here for
us to injoy. If they wanted they could fence these plants and everyone
would help to care for the areas. If you have one plant in a 10 mile
area why close off 20 ?
I say enough is enough. I for one will never respect their dicision and
will never give in. They can all go to you know where.
Linda Mccullough rooster50@earthlink.net
| No Camera, No Cheeze
You know what they say, Disneyland is the happiest place on earth? No, GLAMIS is and I would like to say that I love Glamis and I hope nothing ever happens to it! Oh....I also lost a camera out there and I was wondering if anybody found it cause my mom is really mad at me and she wont get over it. well, have a great rest of the day, a glamis ridder, Monica
Stay Out..Stay Alive TRUE STORY..THIS PAST DUNE SEASON... A PERSON I KNOW (NOT A FRIEND) DECIDED TO GO FOR A LATE NIGHT DUNE RUN IN HIS BUGGIE ALONE AS HE AWAITED FOR HIS SON TO ARRIVE. PARKED AT PAD 4 HE HEADED SOUTH... GOT TURNED AROUND, OOPS HE FORGOT TO CHECK HIS GAS...OUT! SO HE DECIDES TO WALK BACK TO CAMP. HE CRESTS A SMALL HILL AND SEE'S WHAT HE BELIEVES TO BE ROADRUNNER CAMPGROUND STRAIGHT AHEAD...HE WALKS AND WALKS FINALLY HE COMES UP (IN HIS MIND) TO THE GECKO ROAD BURM...HE SEES ROADRUNNER STILL IN DISTANCE...TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD AND FALLS HEAD FIRST INTO THE CANAL!!!!!!! WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS ROADRUNNER WAS INFACT HOLTVILLE!!! WELL HE'S NEVER BEEN IN THE CANAL BEFORE AND BY THE TIME HE REALIZES THERE ARE LADDERS EVERY SO OFTEN, HE'S SURE HE'S GONNA DIE...FINALLY HE GETS TO A LADDER (AFTER FLOATING DOWN STREAM/CANAL) A COUPLE OF MILES..FINALLY HE GETS BACK TO CAMP WET/WEAK/BLOODY BUT ALIVE,AND SOBER. MORAL OF STORY...#1-DONT DUNE ALONE #2-CHECK YOUR GAS #3-DONT DO SHOTS OF TEQUILA WITH MY WIFE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH-OUCH Hello I got a little story about trying to find the hill on President's weekend. We looked around for the hill for about an hour. We even had a GPS with us, but it was the first time trying to usethe GPS and we were having some problems figuring it out. We must have been right on top of the hill when we decided that we should stop listening to the GPS and go to Boardmanville instead. We rode right past hills 3 and 4 on the way to Boardmanville.The worst part is, when we were in Glamis towards the middleor end of January we found China Wall without the GPS. Guess we should have left it at home again. Mark Riverside, Ca
No Fair OK I have been going to the dunes since 1965. I can out with my girl friends family. All their was at that time was cars with the body taken off with only a bench seat and stiring wheel. They would weld rims together for floatathion. And jeeps too, very few VW belly pans. I helped to change all that. I have a buggie business in 1970 and I started shortening pans and put the roll cage on them for safty. I am 52 now and I still am going out. I think it is unfair for people to take out their RV's and leave them, and come back on the big holidays. If people don't attend their RV's they should not be allowed to leave them to save a spot at the best camp sights. I want to know the rules on this situation, if there are any. Please contact me. I need to know what to do about it. John Bruce Coffee
A letter from a serious Glamis rider I just picked up a magazine from a local dirtbike shop. The magazine is called "Dirt Wheels". There is an article in there about glamis and the recent Thanksgiving weekend. It urges riders to email or attend glamis meeting's, therefore I am writing. Use this letter for whatever you need, heck use it at the next meeting. I do agree that Thanksgiving weekend was out of hand. I also agree that the rangers need more personel. I STRONGLY disagree that glamis should be shut down. This place in the desert is a great place to ride for both adults and younger kids. I personally have been going there since I was three. I think that if you dont have a bike you have any purpose camping there. If you don't own a bike the only reason you would go out to Glamis is to get drunk, something that I strongly disagree upon. I attended presidents weekend at glamis, I saw many accidents and two trucks flip. I think to stop that the ranger's need more personel to patrol the sand and ticket violater's for driving there vehicle ment for the street in the sand. Its just not safe for the driver or other off-roaders. I think it should be mandatory for all rangers to inspect an ice chest if some even appears to be under age. Shutting down glamis is not the answer. For one many or all places that sell dune buggy's and things for the sand will go out of business. Even if there are other places to ride in the sand i bet that over 50% of these places customers are headed for the Glamis. Glamis is a great place to camp and do what many enjoy, ride until they cant ride anymore. I would like to thank the BLM and all of the ranger staff at Glamis for keeping it as safe as possible. Sincerley, Brock Bitrich Corona Ca Funny... Hey boys, look for a girl drinking DANK BEER with Blue hair and blue leopard pants... She'll have a cute friend by her side!!!! Then we'll come back and tell our fun stories!!!!!
Great Job! This is the best Glamis page out there. Thanks for all your hard work. A picture of us in our buggy wound up on your page to my surprise. I screw off at work quit a bit, and well, your page is always the first I go to for all the up to date information on my FAVORITE place to be. By the way, next time you are in Glamis come by and say HI....maybe at Olds or something. I maintain our web page at work and would love to meet another desert rat/computer head. We are the buggy on your Dirty Pics, New Years Gallery #2, top row, fourth picture from the left.....or easier said picture "ny13.jpg". I'm assuming that your name is Kurt by your email address. My name is Kim and my hubby, Jim. Our buggy is called "Pure Attitude," see the pic attached. If you see us...come by and say HI. Keep up the great work. Kim Nice Page! I'd like to compliment you on your web page. It has a nice, clean and organized look, no overkill with animated graphics! Appreciate the news articles also...... What a surpise to look at the pics and see our buggy! Keep up the good work!
Speeding I have been coming to glamis for about 5 years now, with my family. The problem I find a lot is speeding up and down next to campsites and small kids , who are learning to ride. I camp at Glamis Flats most of the time. Can anything be done about this? It is dangerous and someone or some kids are gonna get hurt. Thank you. I know the rangers are doing their best.
Camping Well we finally made it out to Glamis last weekend. After months of my husband bugging me I finally gave in. I have to admit that we had a great time. I didnt think the desert could be so beautiful. I was most impressed about the people , I cant believe how nice & helpfull everyone is at Glamis. My husband's bronco stopped & landed almost sideways while he was offroading & in no time there were all kinds of people there to help him push it & start it. I have enclosed some pictures of this if you would like to see them & a couple more of us having fun. Thanks & will see you at Glamis soon....
Tired Of The Dam Cones Tired Of The Dam Cones. To whom it may concern, I have been going to glamis for the past twenty years, and love the weekend I get the chance to go to glamis. The thing that is getting way out of hand is the guys saving a three grayhound bus spot for there friends to arrive later. The last time I was there I talked to a ranger about it and he said that people cannot do that. He also gave me a sheet with the rules, and said to go find a conned spot and tell the people to move them and if they dont to come back and get him and he will have the cones removed. This is not right , we are paying to get into glamis and ride now, And I know the rangers cannot do evrything but I think they should at least make people remove there cones and if they put them back out give them a ticket. I like to save a little room now and then but I usually use my truck and trailer then when my friends come down I back my trailer into the sand to make room. It said on the rule sheet first come first serve on a spot. I also say ticket the assholes that are littering and leaving broken beer bottles at the camp areas, I picked up three six packs of broken glass at our camp one time. You people out there know who you are, come on guys this is way stupid. Just once I would like to go to a camp site without my little girl picking up a bunch of glass and trash. Its sad that we have to throw our problems on the rangers and make them babysit people who cannot follow the rules. Hope we dont loose our freedom here because of a few dumb asses. P.S Its getting harder and harder to find a spot anymore.
Response to Marauding Cretins I felt I needed to get this off my chest to someone who might listen to me whine. I am quite certain no one else will listen. Hey maybe you could forward this to someone who even gives a dang. This is in response to the Marauding Cretins article I just read on your Glamis Dunes.com website. I mostly agree with Ms. Rice and her opinion in the article. I also believe that the attack of the BLM rangers is appalling. Even more so the trash morons leave behind. It is as if they are paid saboteurs for the radical conservation groups that would love nothing more than the desert to be closed down, not for preservation, but because they feel they have to win some war against offroaders. I view it as more of an ego thing. But Patricia, really, the National Guard? Are you attempting to incite a riot all by yourself. Maybe you need a ticket. I have been going to the Glamis Dunes for many years now and have seen the slow increase of what we like to call the "Dude Party" crowd. Whose name came into play one weekend that a young group of kids (we'll say 16) camped very near us, even though we were the only other camp in sight. So near we could hear every word they were saying. Of course every other word was "Dude". We literally counted the number of "dudes" we heard in five minute increments for fun. Of course they partied all night, left a ton of trash, rode right through our camp and had a typical who care's attitude. Now, I am an objective person, unlike Ms. Rice, I have to say that most desert goers (not some as she implies) are responsible family people who want their kids to enjoy the dunes and pack their trash in and out. I am going to be objective here and say that a good 1/3 of the Dude Parties are A.O.K. We all used to be that age. Those 1/3 are out there for the same reason I am. The other 2/3 are just out there to party, trash the desert and buck the system as much as possible and are totally out of control and need a serious attitude adjustment that can only be given by their peers or law enforcement. I am all for ticketing drunk and drugged out drivers, confiscating vehicles, ticketing people for not wearing helmets and not having whips, etc. However, closing the dunes, as Ms. Rice implies would of course punish everyone for the actions of a small percentage of idiots who even I as an avid offroader would love to eradicate from my desert. ( I am certain I speak for 80% of offroaders) Ms. Rice, who even admits going to the desert herself and therefore also an offroader, must have also "wreaked havoc on public lands." OK for her I guess. Close the Glamis Sand Dunes? Don't even go there. Learn to share the land - the other half of Glamis is already closed. If the offroaders can share - certainly the radical conservationists who deem themselves so responsible can rise to the same level of comradery. What we need to do is just what the BLM rangers have suggested. Clean up the bad Dude party crowd. I caution the BLM however to be open minded and realize that not all the Dude parties are the same. Open your eyes when making accusations and arrests. Don't go into a campsite with the attitude (you know what I'm talking about) The easiest way to turn an ally into an enemy is to unfairly bomb them. And then your new enemy's allies could then become your newest enemy as well and rightly so. Let's not start a war. Let's do this objectively. Scare off the losers by ticketing their brains out. I'd like to see more ranger ticketing for littering. I have never once seen a ranger ticket for that and I have seen many litterers who would have been discouraged if they felt there was some financial cost for doing so. Don't ticket that dad who's trying to teach their kid how to ride so as not to endanger their little life so much by putting the child on the front of the bike with them. Don't ticket people simply for watching the drags, Don't come in with a cocky I'm in charge attitude and you will have a much better response. Please remember that a lot of people don't know all of your rules. If you let them know they are breaking it, they will probably stop doing it. Remember, most of us are on your side and much like we don't want our bad apples, we don't want yours either. Let's be a team, not opposing sides. (By the way, you guys did a bang up job on New year's weekend ticketing folks for all kinds of things. However, I have to tell you that standing at the drags, I thought you were going to ticket me for standing there. But you didn't. Keep up the good work, if you are reading this. Fortunately for us and for you, it was a pretty small crowd this New Years.) If you are a dude or dud and are reading this and don't know if you are a dude or dud, here are some telltale signs: 1. If you ever leave your trash in the desert. Trash is also firework debris. (On a big weekend especially because you idiot - On a big weekend It isn't hard to find a big green trash can at the end of every major turnoff and if it isn't a big weekend, it's your trash anyway. Take it home!) If you are a person who is likely to throw away trash in the desert, the take it home trick may be a good influence on your parent's who obviously didn't know any better and were too ignorant to teach you. 2. If you ever camp ride or allow your kids to: ride through other people's camps, ride directly around their camp even though there is tons of desert all the way around, or don't decrease your speed when you have no choice but to ride right near someone else's camp so as not to dust them out. (You know, common courtesy stuff that you would want someone else to do for you.) 3. If you don't have a silencer and on top of that you insist on camp riding. 4. If you get plastered and think it would be fun to go for a ride. 5. If you let your young kids drive around in your dune buggy (even around camp when there are other camps about) without an adult in the vehicle cause you think it's so cute. Or you let your kid ride around on a bike that is way too large and powerful for them. I have more than once seen a kid under 10 on a Banshee. There's some brains in that family. I own one of those bikes and know how easy it is to get out of control and know well how heavy that bike is when it lands on me or on someone else. I have also seen a couple of kids in dad's dune buggy, right in front of dad - who wasn't paying attention anyway, almost mow down some unsuspecting bikes. (These type duds have a complete lack of disregard for other people's lives, not to mention the life of their kids. Best to give up offroading altogether if you are this kind of dud.) 6. If you go out to Comp or Olds on a big night and you build a campfire with wood that has nails or burn other items that would other wise destroy someone else's tires. Also, you are the most ignorant dude if you think it is fun to dig sand trenches, fill them with gas and light them on fire at the bottom of Comp or olds. Besides the obvious stupidity, you could maim someone for life or destroy their vehicle. 7. If you go to Comp or Old's at night with no light and put other people's lives in jeopardy. If you would kill yourself with your stupidity, that would be asking too much. Chances are, you will kill one of my kids. 8. If you crank your music so loud after midnight that your neighbors are contemplating your certain death the next day, if not that night.(and I do mean loud - I like music don't get me wrong, I even like it loud but I know respectful time limits and how far I am or am not from the next campsite) 9. If you dump your black water out at the desert - and that goes especially for the port a potty folks who can go to the first dump station or regular large port a potty and dump that stuff now that they are available. There are also dump stations in Brawley, Westmorland, Two of them in Octollio Wells. I believe, besides one in Octollio, they are all free! If you are going home the other direction, take your shit somewhere else. If you are from AZ, take your shit back to AZ and dump it. (Don't dump your black water out at the desert!) 10. And the number one indication that you are a dude and/or a dud: If you feel compelled to or have pushed, shoved, stolen keys, basically harassed the BLM. You, in particular, are making a large effort to close our desert down. Get out, you aren't wanted at Glamis!!!!!!! We want no trouble with the BLM and we don't want your kind of trouble either. I think you'll find that if the BLM doesn't begin to do something about it, the offroaders are going to begin taking matters into their own hands. On a separate note. I am also opposed to the fees. After all, unlike other public park goers, we have paid many green sticker fees to a) Keep Glamis and other offroad parks clean, b) to keep them accessible c) to pay for the ranger's salaries d) to grade the wash road e) for dust control, etc. We have paid and paid and paid. Think of all the gas taxes we pay, the registration fees for our bikes, buggies and trailers, the companies, not to mention entire towns, whose boat we float. I don't know about everyone else, but I am tired of paying more than my share just because I am an offroader wanting to use public lands. I also believe that 50 injuries is not much for a crowd the size of which attended on Thanksgiving. Where else can you go in America that you can confine so many people in one area (and I heard estimates between 250,000 to 500,000 who attended on Thanksgiving). There are no stoplights, no traffic signs of any kind, no designated side of the road ,no indication, other than a whip that there is someone on the other side of that next dune you are coming over, many tipsy if not drunk drivers, young kids actually driving, the dude crowd factor, the extremist freestyle jumpers(way cool to watch by the way), and the fireworks. Let's review this. Only, 50 injuries? For how many people? That offroad crowd is starting to sound pretty responsible even with the dude factor. Imagine how much less injuries there would be without the dude factor? Thanks for listening to my whining, Whew! I feel better. Spittin' In The Wind We took a friend out to Glamis several years ago and his goal was to find Boardmanville, I don't think he ever did. He had already consumed several barley pops and was feeling no pain and could not find wash 10, after a while he was sitting at our fire and fell asleep deep enough that when he put his leg into the fire and melted his sock to his leg he didn't feel it. The next night he was trying to get to Boardmanville and he left with his sleeping bag strapped to his grab bar of his bike and headed for wash 10 he showed up several hours later dragging his bag and never finding boardmanville. Same trip, same guy, but on the way to the dunes he needed to relieve some of the fluid that he had already consumed, every time we pulled off the road, there was a hiway patrol car. After a couple of tries he decided that climbing out the pass window of the truck and crawling to the tailgate, while driving down the freeway, would suit his needs. He found out the hard way about wind turbulence off the back of a truck, lets just say it's like spittin' in the wind and not recommended. Mike Gillespie The Black Side I'm a 31 year old mother of two boys ages 8 and10 and would just like to thank all the BLM rangers for making Glamis a safer place for my family and friends; and although there is still a lot more weeding to do, the efforts of the rangers needs to be recognized. It is unfortunate that the Glamis of the early 2000's is no longer the same Glamis of the early 1990's; a time when we were able to enjoy the dunes without the trouble caused by the partying. The saddest part is that it will only get worse. It seems that 10 years ago people simply had more respect for authority and now the "black side'' of this sport has reared it's ugly head. My only hope is that the BLM Rangers can try to get this under control. Now I know we can't single out any one group, but from watching these changes happen right in front of our faces, it seems like it started getting bad when the trucks (with pick-up beds full of misguided youth -Ed.) started coming in. In short, if the BLM were ever to ban these vehicles I would support them 150% and I'm sure that there our a lot of other dune addicts who would agree. We must get control back in our beloved dunes, so they may be there for generations to come. Thank you, Trash Pick-Up My family was out at glamis the weekend of the 8th.I was told that clean up day was next weekend,and I will not be able to attained. Sorry. I did hear there was a meeting also on friday with the rangers for any suggestions that may be given to clean up and make glamis a better place to bring our family.Here's mine.At olds. and comp.hill have trash bins put out there for the trash. Don't take no for an answer,have someone make it happen.We are paying fees to stay here, I'm sure someone can come up with an idea.The last thing we need is the sierra club (wackos) to see how some people are treating the dunes and love close it down.
Water Fountain?? Where!? Please help us solve the "Myth of Glamis" & let us know if there is truly such a place. With the help of GPS our group has explored the dunes quite completely. We have visited each of the 7 hills, 2 tubes, airplane crash, ore bucket patton valley shade structures (Do you guys know about these?), but no Water Fountain! Someone said that it was pictured in "Dirty Pics" from Thanksgiving, but no GPS data was given. So What's up ? I check your sight out weekly. You have done a great service to duners everywhere. Keep up the good work! Thanks, Doug
Off Road Expo We would like to link your site to ours at www.offroadexpo.com please respond to offroadexpo@aol.com. On behalf of Olympic Event Services, I would like to take this opportunity to announce the October 2000 arrival of Off Road Expo at Fairplex-Pomona. Off Road Expo is an exciting and innovative exposition geared toward bringing the best products in the off-road industry to racing professionals and enthusiasts alike. In addition to introducing new product development to the off-road community, Off Road Expo will feature a wide array of vehicles including race cars, sand cars, ATV's, 4x4's, pre-runners and motorcycles. Also on display will be an assortment of products from engines and suspension components to communication systems and tracking devices. A Tradition of Excellence The Fairplex's extensive history with the automotive and racing world makes it a perfect choice for a show of Off Road Expo's caliber. Home of the NHRA Motorsports Museum and the West Coast's largest antique auto show, the Fairplex also plays host to the drag racing community, where competitors start and finish each season at the Pomona Raceway. Just 30 minutes east of Downtown Los Angeles, and with nearby hotel accommodations for thousands of exhibitors and guests, Fairplex-Pomona is the ideal location for any show. Racing Toward the Future Off Road Expo hopes to appeal to a wide audience. Off road fans at every level will enjoy top-notch displays from product manufacturers and distributors, automobile factory representatives, race teams and promoters. Exhibitors will appreciate the convenience of the full service accommodations provided by Olympic Event Services. With over 60,000 square feet of indoor displays, plus outdoor vehicle demonstrations, Off Road Expo will have something for everyone. Interest in off road racing has grown tremendously over the past ten years and the excitement looks to be continuing into the next century. Do not let this opportunity to participate in Off Road Expo pass you by. For more information, please contact Off Road Expo at (626) 599-8622. Sincerely,
Please Print This... I am a Glamis lover...I have been one of the many thousands of riders who loves Glamis. I ride a 1999 Yamaha banshee. A 7.5K investment. I never drink and ride. I do drink, but never do I drink and drive, or especially ride. Over halloween 1999 I was broadsided by a sandrail. The driver was obviously drunk. He fractured 4 vertabrae in my back, cracked 2 ribs, split my head open, along with a concussion, and I am a miracle, I should be paralyzed. Yes, I will be wearing a backbrace for at least another 6 months (to hold the fractures in proper alignment), but I am alive, and capable of walking. This happened at oldsmobile. I do not know the girl was who helped me, but I wish to meet her again and thank her for her kindness and help. I also would like to thank her boyfriend for trying to beat up the drunk who hit me. The drunk in the sandrail took off like a coward by the way. People need to know that Glamis is fun, but it is extremely dangerous!!! None of us are safe from harm, or the drunks. Have fun, be safe, and please save the drinking and partying for when you get back to camp, and plan on staying there! The guy who hit me, I am sure never intended to hurt anyone, but he could have killed me easily. I love to party as much as everyone else, but nothing is worth hurting a fellow rider. Suzy Yanez P/S If anyone remembers me(pink and blue 1999 banshee, oldsmobile, 10/29/99), or knows the very kind woman who helped me, please contact me, I owe her a thank you, possibly for my life.
Maurading Cretins I just read this article and had to wonder why someone from Colorado would want to have the Glamis Dunes closed? I agree with her that people who would attack the rangers are not the kind of people I want to have out at Glamis but I don't think closing the dunes "for awhile" is the answer. I suspect if the dunes were closed to riding for awhile, it would end up being forever. Why should the responsible riders (the majority, as the article pointed out) suffer because of a few irresponsible people? My friends and I have already stopped going to the drags and stay at the top of Comp Hill to avoid the chaos below. We clean up trash our own trash and trash left by others. We support the rangers and will help do whatever we can to work to keep the dunes open. Carolyn
Excellent Website We are big dune enthusiasts. In fact, we just got home from Glamis about 3 hours ago. On our way home we saw 2 small signs that said glamisdunes.com. So I came home and checked it out. You've done a geat job on this website and we will be regular viewers. Keep up the good work!! Jim and Lauren Wilson
Thanks Cool site! I'm originally from Brawley, but left at age 12, and am now a civilian contractor for the Army in Germany. Your site brought back some good fun memories. Before I thought all I missed was the warm weather and Carne Asada! But my Ukrainian Fiancee' still doesn't understand the attraction of sand-thrashin' with silly machines. Thanx for making me feel like a so-cal boy again. Eric Melton
Build it and they will come I was one of the many thousands that visited Glamis over thanksgiving. I was at the sand drags when the riot occured. I along with mant others saw the problems progressing and chose to take my family back to camp. One thing I noticed as I was pulling away. Accually I have noticed this type of thing before, The people leaving with me where real duners. I saw Quads, Buggies, and ATC's pulling away in large numbers. What was left in large part was "duners" in their pick-up trucks. I started thinking about who was walking over to join the riot. It was the pick-up truck crowd. Few people left their buggies to join in. I noticed the same thing at Comp hill. You don't see many people sitting around in their buggies lighting fires in trenches. What you see is a bunch of morans in the back of trucks. So we have to ask why are they there. It's simple to me. Because the rest of us are there. They don't come to watch trucks parade back and forth. They are there to look at bikes and buggies. They are there to watch the bikes and buggies race back and forth. I would assume if there were no bikes or buggies racing up and down the hill or at the sand drags, it would get pretty boring. Of course you could never pull off a boycott of the drags or comp hill, or could you. I'll bet they never thought a single person could organize the Glamis cleanup day either. Ya just never know. I for one will no longer go the drags or comp hill at night. It may be only my little boycott but at least I can say iI did not fuel the fire. As we all have heard many times... "If you build it, they will come" also true is "a moth won't fly around a unlighted bulb."
Stupid people are pleantifull these last few big weekends To all the people (generally 15-25 years old) who lack the ability to generate enough brain cells to remind themselves that they are impressing only each other. Yes... they come from all areas and bring whatever they can rent, steal or borrow. Few can afford even the minimum camping equipment to take care of the basics, but they manage to show up and are determined to try and impress their guest and themselves... We have seen this in so many recreational areas before and with so many previous generations. But this new breed of people glamis goers have a total lack of respect for the area itself. I have been witness to all sorts of government and bureaucratic shut downs of areas such as these. We have so few areas to be so free and do what we want.. Why do these people fail to see that by continuing this behavior, the eminent close or over sanctioning is not far away. The parties can be fun, the big fires are cool, the jumping and driving crazy is all part of being free to do what you want in an area like this (as long as its not right next to campers). But why these young kids think its so cool to leave beer cans, trash, burnt vehicles and all sorts of junk in camp and wherever they get out for a break in the dunes is absolutely unbelievable. I personally feel that these people do not have the right to enjoy such a cool place. I look forward to more fines and more arrest as its the only way to tame such stupidity. TO ANYONE THAT TAKES PART OR WITNESSES SUCH ACTIVITIES... REMEMBER WHEN THEY CLOSE GLAMIS YOU CAN BRAG ABOUT HOW YOU HELPED........KEEP YOUR TRASH AT HOME AND IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD.. THIS PLACE IS FOR US.. LETS KEEP IT AS FREE AN AREA AS POSSIBLE.. ITS STILL COOL TO INSIST ON PICKING UP YOUR CANS AND CAMP WHEN YOU LEAVE!!!
Cleaning it up I agree we should be working together or we'll be talking about how we can get things back the way they were... open. There is a buggy club in Phx.(azbuggy4u@aol.com) that is going to start putting a checkered black and white flag on their whip to show they support the law enforcement at the dunes. This isn't endorsing the fee or anything else, but to show law enforcement that there is support from duners that want people to respect the Dunes (TRASH) and other people. I have not been one in the past to get involved in anything like this, but I feel if we don't start doing something, we will be sorry because it will be to late.
Ranger Support First of all, great site. We have been going to glamis for 15 years now and its a great place to get together with family and friends and in the last few years we have noticed more and more partiers going out there. I guess most of the kids think there are no rules out in the dunes; that they can drink and do what they want to. I am glad to see the rangers out there in force, to me the fee I paid is worth it, but it is not just the kids making trouble. I remember last year when I went to comp hill one night on thanksgiving, a well known off-road racer, Robbie Gordon was instagating one of the trench-digging episodes, I could not beleive someone like that would be involved in it. People like that influence others and he sure did influence alot of people, so its not just the kids,its poeple like robbie gordon we can do without.
Glamis Support OUR FAMILY AND OTHERS ENJOY THE DUNES EVERY CHANCE WE GET. IT WAS FRIEGHTING TO READ ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THAT TOOK PLACE THANKSGIVING. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP THIS SITUATION.
Cleaning it up I am willing to help get the jerks out of Glamis so that is is safe like it was when I first started going. Let me know how I can help!
Glamis Thanksgiving I was at glamis on thanksgiving weekend and was very disturbed at what I had witnessed , I was also very saddend , my family and I spend countless hours and dollars to make our trips to the desert and for it all to be ruined by people who do not care , what I witnessed at the sand drags on sat afternoon was scary we where at the front of that riot locked in our truck because we where blocked in by other vechicles , what those people where doing to that ranger was awful (he was only doing his job and that is to protect us ) , I thought to myself if I was laying hurt in the dunes or needed assistance the rangers would be there to help me not those mindless idots, they are definately ruining it for the rest of us. Burgan Solbue
Get rid of the punks!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE more rangers and cops to get rid of the stupid punks out at glamis. It used to be a great place for the family. I will not be back. I was apauled at the article about these punky kids attacking the Rangers!!! What a bunch of Idiots!!! They have ruined one of the best places to ride in the United States. Sorry to hear about the injured rangers. I hope you enforce the drunk driving idiots more and more. Just look at the clients that are in the pictures in this web page. What a bunch of Dirt Bags. Thanks for ruining a great family place you Assholes!!!!
The passing of a legend and a good friend: Chuck Boardman It is with a great deal of sadness I announce the passing of Chuck Boardman, who died last Wednesday, Dec 1st, after a long bout with leukemia. Chuck was the owner and operator of Boardmanville for over 20 years, and a cultural icon for the gang at Glamis. Chuck did a great deal to further our sport and keep the BLM off our collective backs. As well as running my most favorite watering hole on the entire planet. Chuck was one of the hardest working men I have had the opportunity to know, and worked at the one thing he loved up until the very end. Chuck, you were one of the meanest sumbitch's I have ever had the questionable pleasure to meet, I'm glad I had the chance to know you, and to call you my friend. I'll take the secret fact that you were really a great big pussycat to my grave. Via con Dios, amigo! We will always love and miss you! At this time, no services are planned. The funeral is to be kept private and for immediate family. There will be a wake held in the near future... I'll let you know the details as soon as the are announced Mr. Dune
About The Unwelcome Restriction There are many, many Brawley and Imperial Valley residents that appreciate you and your business when you visit here. We welcome you and want you to continue to come back. I and others here are strongly opposed to the new fees imposed upon you recently. Many of the local residents here are ready and willing to help those of you who wish to fight back against the new user fees, increase in ranger presence, and what ever other curves that are being thrown your way to prevent a good time at Glamis. I myself was directly involved in trying to stop the Desert Protection Act. We didn't win that one but it was a good fight. Let us know what we can do to help. Law enforcement was supposed to be for the purpose of protecting the citizens from the criminal element not to be unwanted baby sitters. Sincerely, Jon.
Glamis Fees One thing just occurred to me while reading about the camping fees at Glamis. What would happen if campers paid their fees and then decided to leave their trash behind because they "Paid to camp here". Enough people leave their trash behind now. Could it get worse under BLM pay camping? I liked Glamis the way it used to be without outhouses and asphalt campgrounds. Real duners don't care about such things. I haul my own facilities with me. Use the BLM fees collected to remove the outhouses and asphalt campgrounds. Leave me the dunes and I will be happy. Take my money but don't build more structures blighting the landscape, tear them down! Then only the hard core duners will remain. The drunken Yahoos will go elsewhere, leaving the law-abiding duners. Bill Jones, aka Quad Commander
A Glamis Poem GLAMIS Down the highway, thru the last town, 35 miles to go. The excitement is building and the tension of the 4 1/2 hr. drive is draining away. The hills start to gently roll and gradually build into something from a fantasy dream. You top the crest of the hill and there before you, you see the immense landscape that words can hardly describe. The feelings of elation are evident. They've been building since the last time you left, knowing that you would return in a few months time. The endless sights, sounds and smells fill your senses as you look for a place to camp - hoping you don't get stuck in the fine grains of sand. Heedlessly tossing stuff from the back of the truck to wherever it lands - you are eager to get out the machine. Now you need to find the gear bag with the boots - ahhh there it is right next to where you finally decide to make your camp fire. Pulling them on you head for the machine only to discover you need to mix the gas. Once finished your ready. swing over the leg - put on the helmet and give it a kick, once, twice, thrice - what's wrong - turn on the gas. Try again - once, twice, thrice ahhh the sweet sound of success. Warm it up and then your on your way. Soaring, jumping, gliding, flying - emotions are flying high as a kite. Get in all the fun you can, take a thousand pictures because words can never say enough about this place. Sometimes there are thousands, sometimes only a few hundred, but the dunes are never left for long. Trails criss-cross and you never go to the same place twice, unless of course it's the infamous Comp Hill or Oldsmobile. Two days go by and now it's time to leave. Packing to go is the hardest thing to do. You'll have the memories of this trip and the pictures of course to carry you through the next few months until once again you can pack up and head out. You share your thoughts and feeling with the friends you've made and try to convince the ones who are skeptical about the joy you get from hanging on by your fingertips. There's only one place this can truly happen and until they experience it they will never know what the true meaning of excitement is...GLAMIS
Restrooms at Glamis What happened??? Last year there were restooms at Glamis for Thanksgiving. Granted they needed to be cleaned more often. But they where there. This year there where none, is that an example of our Fee dollars at work. The Fee's are okay but I want to see something for them. This is the second season and I see less. I have heard figures bandied about on the numbers on people that came to for just Thanksgiving this year. Figures like 50,00 clear too 100,000 if only have of the people paid there fee's that would be a sh..load of money. Compared to nothing just two years ago. Also spending of lots of money only in the Gecko Road area I think is a poor choice of spending too. I like to stay on Gecko Road but truth be known unless you get there real early you are out of luck to camp there. At this point we usually end up in the washes behind the Glamis Beach Store along with a hell of a lot of other people. A lot more than on Gecko Road. With no spent there EXCEPT FOR PAY BOXES and at that only two. SO WHERE IS THE MONEY... If there is a problem with the cleanliness of the Out houses have them cleaned more often. Twice over the Thanksgiving weekend is not enough, two or three times a day would be about right... The fee's from say a hundred or even two hundred campers would pay for a crew and equipment from one set of restrooms to another just cleaning even if you had to go out side of normal maintenance people to private to do this service it can be done including the ones on Gecko Road these need to cleaned much more often lets get serious about this. Also there a real big need for one or two Dump stations. This kind of stuff doesn't years and years to complete. If the money stays at the Imperial Dunes Park like it says on the back of our receipts lets see it really ... not a bunch of political crap. PS. We spent over a hundred dollars in gas in Imperial county on this one trip alone and we where with over six family's spending about the same Gas Tax Dollars At Work plus sales tax too. Dennis Banks
Support Thanks you for putting up this web site, I think this is a really good idea for all of us that use this area for fun. I just got back from Glamis this weekend, I had lots of fun, I paid for my fees, but I noticed that not too many people did pay for the fee that applies. I wanted to mention that if we as "riders" want this sand box open to play, we need to enforced this fee even more. I don't mind paying my $30.00 season ticket if its going to improve our play ground, and keep it OPEN. I was looking around at how many people just don't pick up after themselves after leaving the place. Thats what upsets me the most, of all this. Maybe someone may want to go around the campsites and past out flyers or even the word to leave their campsites clean when they leave. Because I'm sure I don't want to pay the price for somebody else. If they get this place closed down. Okay.......I think, I already put my two cents in.................... Thank you for supporting our Biggest Sand Box in the World!!! Guillermo Millan |