Question by sarahoots: What is the best way to put a atv/dune buggy adventure together?
Im looking to put together a dune buggy/atv/sand rail adventure in Oregon late October and am curious what would be the best way to go about it. Being from Texas, not quite sure where to start. I am wanting more of an adrenaline rush rather than a family enviroment. New to the sport, so I would like a group of people, but not the typical tourist trap, more gritty
if camping can be integrated, even better! Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by Jim
Heya Sara! Use to live in Oregon for about 20 years and live in Nevada now. I do this stuff all the time. If I may, let me give you some thoughts. Your question has a few things to take into consideration. It sounds like you are new to the Oregon area and that you presently don’t have a lot of friends into the sport as yet. Being as you are from Texas, let me tell you about the weather out here in October. It could be beautiful sunny days, non-stop rain, or snow/wind/freezing cold. October may not be the best time to do this. The West does not have nearly the relatively stable climate of Texas. I’m not saying don’t do it…..I do! =) Just be aware, that the weather we have now, won’t likely be the same in October. You will have to pack and plan accordingly….
The first place to start, assuming you don’t have a circle of friends into this stuff is to find a a club that is into this stuff. If in fact you do, I will expand on that later. There are numerous ATV, off-road and sandrail/dunebuggy clubs that organize events that you are looking to participate in. Do a Google search for your area. You might find a club in Madras or Pendleton that has your interests, but maybe not one in Portland, just as examples.
Start off looking for a club. If you do in fact have friends that are into this, where you can put a group together, I would look anywhere East of the Cascades and South of I-84 to put a trip plan together. Most of the areas opposite of these boundaries are pretty tough to make a “gritty”, non-family, non-tourist trap adventure together due to restrictions, private property, etc. If you go to the boundaries I suggest you will find more open space, less restrictions and many opportunities for unrestricted ATV activities and camping. If you are planning a trip such as this, get some BLM maps and check trail usage regulations, camping regulations, etc. If you have any questions, contact the field office for whatever area, explain what you are trying to do, and verify it is okay to do that. Oregon, Washington and California change their regulations not only regularly, but seasonally.
Living in Nevada, and it not being that far from any point in Oregon, I would consider a trip down here as well. Lots of wide open space, liberal regulations on ATV use and you can pretty much camp wherever you want as long as not on private property.
Feel free to drop me a line with more specifics if you would like more info or ideas. Have fun, be safe and hope I helped.
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