August 09, 2005: I just happened to run into Carl and Mark, from Dune Excursions, down at the Egin Lakes parking lot. They were on their way out to pick up a couple of rental units. One was "burnt - down" some ways west of Crapo's and the other had gone off of a dune into the lavvees, about half-way between Crapo's and the Oasis. They invited me to come on out and get some pics so I hauled on home, broke out the Grizz, and raced out to meet them.
The guy that rented this wheeler probably has a few bruises. Squeek told me that the bars were pushed all the way forward. As I was also told, the guy just looked away for a second, at his son, and went flying off the dune. OOPS! He's lucky to walk away. Some haven't. Some get a ride to EIRMC on LifeFlight and some aren't lucky enough to require such a fast evacuation off the dunes.
Here is a shot of Mark doing a recreation of what probably happened. Puts ya right in the action, don't it.
This is the one that done the damage. Notice the silver paint.
Purdy, huh.
This was taken from the top of the dune that the 400 went off of. Dude must have flown. When we got out there, there were a couple of guys from Washington, examining the wreck. That's them by the two intact 400's. That's Mark in the blue shirt. You can almost see the word "sh*t" ballooned above his head. Not an easy thing to look at when you make your living renting those things out.
To add a insult to injury, some "good citizen" came by and stole the battery and airbox clips. Bet that guy's parents are real proud of him. This is a family web page, but I gotta say that someone who would do something like that is lower than snake's belly in a wagon wheel rutt.
They even took some of the freakin' plastic buttons that hold the plastic on. Not DuneRatts...just plain R-A-T-S. Nuff said!
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I think the pics were interesting enough to make a good page but they were at the expense of some hard working guys. I think that the fun and excitement that is had when you rent one of these machines is worth every penny. I'm also positive that you can ride the dunes safely and have a great experience at the same time. The guy that rented this machine should really count himself lucky that all he walked away with were some bruises and a lighter wallet. Should you come to the dunes and rent a wheeler? Absolutely! Will you have a fantastic time on the dunes? Right on! But read the rule and suggestions sheet that they give you and use some common sense. If you've never been on the dunes before, take it easy and come back again.
