Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/935202
February 2018 29 the stereotypical Southern personality traits of welcoming, extremely friendly and laid back. In stark contrast to the almost nonchalant demeanor exhibited by the staff, with a sense of urgency Chip and Dariush were encouraged to select their pit before the area filled up. With plenty of spac- es to choose from, they selected a stall located towards the end of pit road where they unloaded and settled in for race day. The start area was located on one of the moto- cross tracks and then routed racers onto an18- mile race course that utilized various portions of the facility's established trail system along with some fresh-cut transfer sections. To their surprise, the trails' terrain appeared more similar to home than the Georgia clay they had expected and which the motocross tracks and berms had been formed from. As darkness set in the eve of the race, Chip and Dariush spent time talking with fellow riders and joined a few around their campfire. They spoke about the distance they'd traveled to attend the race (which garnered a surprised reaction from most), what to expect on the course, and typical riding discussions. Later in the evening, a man approached the campfire with his daughter, a bag of marshmallows and an armful of firewood. In typical Southern fashion, he generously asked if he could contribute and toast some marshmal- lows; they were quickly welcomed to the group. As time wore on, it became clear it was time to call it a night and everyone retreated to their camping areas and settled in for the evening. With temperatures dropping into the mid-20's, it was quiet but for the few generators left running for heat. While there had been a bustle of arrivals later in the afternoon on Saturday, there did not appear to be the type of crowd that the boys are accus- tomed to. They went to sleep unsure of what type of turnout there would be. When morning arrived, the facility had become extremely active with vehicles and trailers pulling in one after the other to fill up the open spaces. The race had over Meghan Heath Photography