Ridin’ ATVs on Oregon’s Dunes

This Series Ridin’ ATVs on Oregon’s Dunes

Today I rented an ATV and tore up the sand at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area just north of Coos Bay and North Bend.

Got Sand?

Most of the time I had the throttle wide open and an iron grip on the handlebars. As a street rider this was a unique opportunity to shed the hard asphalt, road signs and lines, rules and regulations, and just cut loose. Taking a dive from a quad at top speed is alot less dangerous than hitting a solid stationary object with a crotch rocket at 140 mph. It is this reassurance that prompts one to take more risks and have more fun.

The Conde B. McCullough Memorial Bridge escorts Highway 101 over Coos Bay just north of North Bend, Oregon.

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McCullough Bridge and Coos Bay

Maniacs in the Making

Way back when we were a couple of punk pre-teens my best friend Zeca had a Honda 3-wheeler with big fat knobbies. On my first ride I lost control of the vehicle and drove it into the shorebreak at Sunset Beach.

My first vehicle was a dirt bike — a 1987 Honda CR80. For a 15-year-old this is the best investment conceivable, yielding a high rate of freedom. From our house in Mokuleia I buzzed up the slopes of Mt. Ka’ala, or followed the cane roads into Haleiwa and on up the lush slopes of the Ko’olaus. About the same time Zec’ had a Kawasaki KX80 and we’d ride red dirt trails of Pupukea. Good times...

But I’m getting sentimental here. ‘Nuff of that.

Fishtails and Rooster Tails

Today was a freakin’ blast! Screamin’ down slopes, jumpin’ berms, doin’ donuts, shredding across the hilly expanses and tearing through trails...

At first I took it easy, familiarizing myself with the quad and the novel terrain. At the apex of a steep hill I hesitated once when the other side suddenly dropped into a steep cliff. But after awhile my inner maniac — long subdued by the laws and consequences of the highway — was set free and raged at full speed.

This jump was actually higher that it appears, mostly because this photo captures the descent.

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High Jump

Everywhere riders blazed along in reckless sprees. Despite the madness and joyous frenzy they exercised good sense and caution with regards to proximity. The vast, open landscape and high visibility also reduced the chances of collision.

One of the many enthusiasts tearing around the dunes that day.

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Hey, Nice Quad!

After awhile I met up with other riders and seized the opportunity for some action shots. One fellow (on a nice 2-stroke Honda 250R with a rear paddle wheel) cranked out some spectacular jumps. I would have gladly traded my bulky 2-stroke Polaris TrailBlazer 250 for his limber toy. Despite having four fat tires and a less-than-agile frame I managed to catch air a few times. But the adrenaline rush was fairly evenly spread throughout the whole thrilling non-stop experience. Hana hou!