The Y2K Event

  The annual New Years day trail-ride started out the millennium with a BANG, into a tree for some participants. Others, were no doubt in shock after the near naked New Year baby’s appearance. This was no other than Steve Sipes for those of you not in the know. The appearance of the New Year baby is bound to become a Black Hills 4 Wheeler tradition, at least as long as we can find good humored, diaper and top hat wearing, half naked people to play the part. I really don’t know when I have laughed so hard or as long as I did upon spying this year’s performance. Thanks Steve for the show, I would have tipped a dollar into your diaper if I had not been overcome by the moment.

No less than 30 vehicles left our staging area for the first trail ride of the millennium. Every type 4x4 thinkable must have been present, from Samurai to Suburban. That’s right Suburban! With more than 90 miles planned to be covered, we headed for the woods. Shortly after the "baby" incident we skated over ice packed and slippery trails, only to regroup at hi-way 385.

Casualties soon emerged, as the terrain became more difficult to overcome. Power steering hoses, lockout hubs, fuel pumps, carburetors, and last nights merriment got the best of nearly 10 of the hearty never say die 4 wheelers. They left the trail early. I’m sure there mothers will be proud to learn their spawn were those that went home while still hungry for more wheelin action!

Meanwhile, the rest of us went over the hill and through the frozen pondra, deer dip, elk dip, and an occasional carcass, back to the secretive home of the original and sacred "Rock Wall". Yes, that 6" pebble referred to so few years ago by Charlie Van Den Bosch as the insurmountable "Rock Wall". This sacred spot is still safe however, from desecration because Wrongway couldn’t remember where it was, thus preserving the myth of the "Rock Wall".

Further down the trail we traversed the hidden valley, or the valley of the side-hill and where those big trees had fallen over for us to climb all up on and get high centered. Winches were un-spooled and tow straps were used to assist those suffering from tree froggites. Some of the fortunate had time to depart their vehicles and view a wondrous tunnel carved from the native rocks of the Black Hills. Ok, the tunnel was one of two along the railroad near Mystic, SD.

Night was falling on us all, yet those most fortunate hurled through the near dark woods on some high cliff ridden traverse on our way to bid so long to this glorious day from the heights of Castle Peak. We almost made it during the day light hours too! Alas, another day of 4 wheeling was nearing an end. Well, except for the fifty-mile trip back into town, that did take some time I admit.

I must again thank Steve Sipes for his flair and bravery for his interpretation of the New Years baby. John Van Vlack (Wrongway), thank you for all your efforts in leading and taking care of many of those present. Even though your group missed the Tunnel, the long dark slippery traverse of the Divide Road, the dark cold climb to the top of Castle Peak, and the very long and Dark ride home. Your efforts are not only appreciated by myself, but by all of those whom you helped throughout the day. May we all relish the memory of this first trail-ride of the millennium, then quickly forget and move on to something worthwhile!