Back to the Center.
Wallace, Idaho is the self proclaimed Center of the Universe. They have the manhole cover to prove it. This year, ATVNation chose to go “Back to the Center” for our 2009 National Ride. We experienced historic Wallace and the surrounding area and communities in 2007, and we figured the riding and hospitality was so great that we’d make a return visit for our 2009 National Ride.
It turned out to be a good choice.
Dropping down into the Silver Valley on Interstate 90 on a cloudy, rainy day did not dampen our spirits. The weather for the day provided a different view, and promising the next days ride to be dust free. After all, that’s why we were back, to ride.
Wallace welcomed us back with open arms and signs in shop windows commemorating our return. What a great little town. For the outdoor adventurer, it’s a jewel in the Northern Idaho Mountains. An ATV friendly community that fully supports the responsible rider, it was like coming home.
We met up with riders who had arrived before us, and after a hearty round of handshakes and hugs with friends old and new, the offer to help us unload and organize two 28’ enclosed trailers full of gear and quads and equipment was made. We had those trailers unloaded and the contents moved to our temporary residence in short order. Seems you can never find a better group of folks than ATV’ers. Always ready to lend a hand to get the job done.
Each morning of our weeks stay, we’d meet at the Brooks Hotel Parking lot and groups of riders would hook up with a local rider for a jaunt into the mountains. The rides were set up to accommodate the varying levels of rider skills. Some of the surrounding trails can be pretty intense and challenge the best of riders. We didn’t want anyone out there to be put in a situation to exceed their abilities. As the week progressed, the rides tended to head towards the more challenging areas as riders gained experience and found that personal comfort level.
With a few days of light rain prior to our arrival, and the first couple days of off and on rain showers, the riding was great. Keeps the dust down and riding temps cool. Dress in appropriate rain gear for riding and your good to go.
The scenery is spectacular. You grind up a tight mountain trail and get to the opening vista near the top of any number of mountains, and the view is breathtaking. It’s a wonder for even the experienced Wallace area rider, it’s really fun to see the look on peoples faces who are experiencing it for the first time. Not only are they impressed with the natural beauty around them, but they are amazed at what they just accomplished to gain that view. The trails and riding can be intense and folks are usually amazed at what they just rode thru to get to the top of a mountain. It’s an empowering feeling knowing that you can make it up those trails. A rider will gain more skills in week of riding the mountains around Wallace, than a lifetime of flatland riding.
Several videos by some of those attending have already been posted on the video page at ATVNation.com. It’s interesting for me to watch those videos.
In the scenes with the intense climbs, the video can’t quite portray just how steep the climb is. Perhaps, while watching the video, if you tipped back in your chair to that point of tipping over, and hung onto your keyboard until your arms ached, then you might get a wee bit of the sensation we had in the mountains around Wallace.
Evenings, found us enjoying the hospitality of Wallace and friends staying in the area. BBQ’s at the Depot Campground, après socializing at the 1313 Club and Pizza Factory. Dinners at the Smokehouse. The time flew by too fast.
There is some speculation that we could return, maybe 2012. For me, I’m all for it. In fact sooner would be better but, we have other areas to explore, other rides to complete.
To all who helped make this happen with volunteer labor, and to those who sponsored our ride, much thanks. Your efforts and contributions are greatly appreciated.
