Sand Mountain NV Ride Review
Well, I must say if you have never been to the sand, you really are missing a great time.
This was our first trip to the sand and it was a blast. Sand mountain is about 1 1/2 hours outside of Reno, or about 1/2 hour from Fallon NV. That put it at 6 hours 15 min. from Clearlake CA. So we had quite a drive before riding that day.
We arrived at sand mountain at about 9:30 am and at about 4 degrees outside. It was really cold. That day it only warmed up to the low 20's. But being from PA the cold didn't bother us too much, we were dressed for it. When you first pull in, the mountain itself is big but you really don't realize how big it is until you get closer. It is huge. Very, Very, tall. And the surrounding sand dunes are cool too.
I started the day on my z400 and was having a great time but was extremely unhappy with the amount of power I had. My z is stock and it was doggin going up the hill. I switched to the cannondale after that and then it was great. I had enough power to pull out of anything I needed too. The riding area is quite large around the mountain, and we rode all that we could. No other people other than a few were around, because of the cold, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. That was great, but I don't know what it is like when there are a lot of people there. From what I understand most people stay on the front of the mountain and race up the hill. That's cool, but It was great chasing each other around too. My perspective on the mountain itself was, it is tall. The people I was with were great they had been there numerous times and were used to it. Me, well, I would get to the top and start sidehilling behind them and start to lose it, turn downhill and then realize how high and steep it is. Going up isn't bad, it's coming down that freaked me out. It was a long way down and very steep. I guess you eventually get used to it. It took me a while. We had a great time riding there, but one of our party had a bad crash. She was a tough girl and stayed another day while we rode. She was definitely hurting. It was not pretty to see. She slid out on a hill and hit a bush going sideways and got thrown. HARD.
A warning, if you go through Fallon on your way there, do not speed. There are cops everywhere. Town speed is 25, then it goes to 35,45,55,70. I have never seen so many cops in a small town like that. And don't forget to not patronize the indian gas station at end of town. It is called fox peak. They are working against ohv use at sand mountain. They may say they are for it, but they have filed many petitions for closure. Do not but your gas from them. Even though they are cheaper. Keep the dune open. Sand mountain was a great time, and I will definitely be going back. I had a blast. Next time though I will go when it is warmer.
THE WIND CAN BE FIERCE THERE. BE PREPARED!!
Sand Mountain Pics Sand Mountain Review 2
