Let's face it. Dune season is over at Dumont and the triple digits are here to stay until September. While most of you are headed up into the mountains or to the lake to beat the heat, some of you get those summertime dune withdrawals. They usually start to set in around June or July when all you want is a quick sand fix. Well we're here to give you some tips on how it can be done.
Summer sand fixes should only attempted by experienced and dedicated duners. They aren't for the average weekend warrior or faint-hearted. Newbies best stay home until Halloween weekend rolls around. You have to come prepared and know Dumont well. Summer brings on a whole new set of challenges for going out and shredding the dunes that you thought you were familiar with. The sand changes...considerably. Those lines you usually take during the season are long gone. There are zero tracks to follow. The dunes take on different shapes and razorbacks become back-cut drop offs and are almost impossible to traverse like you normally would. "Witches Eyes" form and can swallow up a side x side like nothing. There are no BLM or medical personnel on site and there are very rarely any other duners out there either. Never rely on your cel phone for your life line. You must go prepared and take extra caution.
So how can one even think about going out and enjoying this dangerously scorching hot sandbox and treacherous landscape? Well to start, weekend trips are out of the question unless you plan to run your generators all weekend only to cool off your RV to 90 degrees during the day. So a quick, very early morning trip is the way to do it.
1. Pick Your Day Wisely.
The first thing you should do is watch the weather. Follow the forecast and go out when the temps are at their lowest. Even a dip of 5-10 degrees makes a big difference. Sometimes you can even catch a break and get some unseasonable cool weather. Follow
2. Forget About Sleeping In.
If you want epic conditions and want to go duning, you have to be dedicated enough to wake up in the middle of the night to leave. Yes, we're talking like 2 or 3 AM depending on how far from Dumont you live. A trip like this is typically only possible for those who live 200-300 miles from Dumont. Plan on arriving about 45 minutes before sunrise or even earlier if you don't mind unloading in the dark. You will be able to get about 3-4 hours (at the most) of duning before the temperatures rise to the upper 90's. It sounds short, but it is so worth it. You'll wanna get out of Dodge before 11AM. Even in the shade, the heat radiated from the sand is no fun to sit and relax in.
3. Don't Skip the Essentials.
While you are so stoked at the first sight of that virgin sand and can't wait to go carve it up ....hold up. Just because you are most likely the only group out there you should still always run a flag. This helps others in your group follow and keeps you guys from running into each other should you find yourselves in some tight areas or crossing back over towards the rear of your group. Helmets and wrist restraints should ALWAYS be worn in side x sides. They prevent major injuries and save lives. And as always, ATV or motorcycle riders should wear full riding gear such as boots, helmet, goggles, etc. Consider wearing a chest protector too. Those witches eyes can be very dangerous and stop you really quickly sending you right into the handlebars. Don't forget water and even some sunscreen too. Plan for the breakdown, not the ride.
4. Bring Your Wolfpack
As much as you want to bring the whole family and show all your buddies who have never seen Dumont before, this should only be a trip for the most experienced duners you know. You don't want to invite the guy who never maintains his ride either. Summertime is no time to be messing around out there with broken equipment. If you or someone in your group has a breakdown, be prepared. Have at least one decent tow strap in the group, preferably 2 or 3. Many of us run the Super Straps too. They are a must-have for recovering vehicles from the dunes. Another good idea is to have a good toolbag with the basics plus things like ratchet straps, zip ties, etc.
5. Choose Your Lines Wisely
As mentioned earlier, the dunes change in the summertime. With no traffic and shifting seasonal winds, the dunes can be dangerously different from what you are used to during the season. The sand is usually very "slippery" in summer too. You should basically treat Dumont like a place you've never been to before and use even more caution than you normally do. Watch for those witches eyes and it's best to take a familiar route through the dunes first in order to make some tracks to follow on your next ride or way back to the truck.
If this sounds too dangerous and risky for you, it probably is. However, if you are a die hard, experienced duner that wants to shred Dumont like no other time of the year, the dunes are flat out epic. They resemble scenes from a movie. There's something extra special about being out there on the virgin ripples of sand when the sun is just rising and there is nobody else out there except you and your buddies. Knowing that you are on your own and if something goes wrong, it adds an element of adventure and adrenaline to the experience. That might sound a little crazy, but that's why you don't see anyone out there in the summertime.
Go prepared, take calculated risks, and enjoy Dumont like never before.
photos by Pete Greep
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