Thursday, March 10, 2005

Easy passage to fast times at dry lake
El Mirage officially opens new road

By GRETCHEN LOSI/Staff Writer

EL MIRAGE — Off-road recreation enthusiasts and film location scouts have something to smile about.

Mountain View Road has been paved and was officially opened Wednesday, allowing safe access into the El Mirage Dry Lake Recreation Area.

Gary Stone, of Adelanto, is one of many visitors who enjoys taking his motorcycles onto the dry lake.

"We throw them on the back of the truck and spend the day out there," Stone said. "The kids love it because there's no speed limits."

The Off Highway Motorized Vehicle Recreation Commission's deputy director, Daphne Greene, joined other state and local officials at Wednesday's ribbon-cutting ceremony. Several displays and vehicles were on hand for visitors interested in learning more about the many activities popular to the recreation area.

In addition to off-roading, Bureau of Land Management Film Permit Coordinator Joan Patrovsky said wind sailing, gyrocopter flying and camping are also popular activities.

There are also several spots ideal for hiking, rock hounding, photography and filming — something that hasn't escaped Hollywood's eye.

Patrovsky said the dry lake has become a favorite location for Hollywood producers to come and shoot everything imaginable.

Last year, Patrovsky said, the BLM issued about 150 film permits that included scenes from network television series "Alias" and "E.R.," the soon-to-be-released Disney movie, "Herbie Fully Loaded," several music videos and television commercials.

"We do a lot of car commercials. Everything from GM to Toyota has been out there," Patrovsky said.

She said the filming is done primarily Monday through Friday, when the area is less active.

Good to hear, thanks for the update

I was in a video for a couple of Canadian rappers aye. They wanted all the bikes and quads in the area to ride towards these two guys in the background of the footage. I've seen several other shoots out there also. Kinda cool.