Sandhill ride review: Sunday 8/27

[connelly29]

I rode at Sandhill on sunday with my son Ian (6 yrs old, KTM 50). I only went because it was the only open track anywhere near me (santa cruz). I was originally planning to ride SJMX sunday but... well, they closed. Bummer.

There were a lot of riders there. I'd guess 60+.

I've always said that if you didn't like a track, say that you didn't like it and give reasons why (rather than saying "it's total garbage" or somesuch). So here goes.

I hated it. Ian hated it. We got there at 10:30. The place was a huge dustbowl. The peewee track and beginner track had not been watered at all. They were both deep with silt and dust. Ian rode the peewee track for about 5 minutes and then went to the beginner track. It was so dusty I couldn't see him halfway across the track, and parts of the track were so deep in silt that Ian could barely stay going straight.

I rode on the main track for a few laps and pulled off. Half the time I couldn't see where I was going. The rest of the time I had to deal with bikes everywhere and hardpack with holes.

While I was on the main track, Ian crashed (he said "A guy cut me off!") over a berm and smacked his face pretty hard. Thankfully a few people out there helped him (thanks guys) and he's OK, just has a black eye. I haven't seen him that pissed in a long time. He hated the dust and wanted to go on the main track just because it wasn't as dusty as the beginner track.

At around noon they closed the main track to water it. They took an HOUR to water it. Afterwards they opened it up... to minis!!! Let's put a bunch of little kids with small bikes on a slick track with big hills. Great idea!!! Long story short: I got one hell of a workout.

I would have taken pictures, but when I got out there to start snapping shots I was told I had to get off the track. OK, no pictures.

After that they let EVERYONE on the track at once. I rode 2 laps and pulled off, and stopped counting at 60 bikes.

I will not be going back.

Sandhill needs to:
1) Water the damn mini/beginner tracks! Sheesh!
2) Put in fire hoses and water throughout the day instead of closing the track for an hour.
3) Segment practice: minis, beginner/vets, novice/int/pro.
4) till the track

It's sad, because they have great dirt. The place should be awesome.

[nysurfsf]

Thanks for the review. I almost headed out there today.

Wed. this week they are the only game in town so here is hoping they find the time to work the place on Tuesday.

[MX_563]

Being a Brentwood resident, I tend to defend Sandhill on this forum but I have to admit that it can get pretty bad there. I can especially understand your frustration considering the long drive from Santa Cruz.

I will say however that there is usually a window of killer riding at Sandhill in mid-late winter.



Man, MX is the only industry that seems to defy the supply & demand theory of economics. Record breaking bike sales and few places to ride. I'm glad I got one last ride in at SJMX last week.
Sigh.

[3SIX9Photography.com]

Yeah, when it rained for 3 weeks straight, and Sandhill re opened during the winter, it was awesome. Ton's of sand and tons of ruts. That was about the only time Ive gone and liked it...

[MX#26]

Me and about 5 other people went out to SandHill Sunday also we all thought it was pretty good except for the fact that every turn had about four or five guys in it at a time. But after about 1:30pm it was just like a wednesday practice there was barely anybody there. I will admit though that those people operating the hoses need to take a proper lesson about how to water a track without flooding it.

[TomMason1968]

Like Alex I agree the only time to go there is in the winter. Like most of you I can accept any track condition except for too much dust. Yea I know its "dirt biking" but dust, coupled with an overly crowded track makes for not too good riding.

[crfdude3591]

what are sandhill's prices? they dont have them back up on their site and i'll prolly be going this sunday.

[r6matey]

Originally Posted by connelly29

Sandhill needs to:
1) Water the damn mini/beginner tracks! Sheesh!
2) Put in fire hoses and water throughout the day instead of closing the track for an hour.
3) Segment practice: minis, beginner/vets, novice/int/pro.
4) till the track

I totally agree with you. I was out there Sunday also and felt the same as you. With the amount of riders that are frequenting this track it should be in tip top shape. There is no excuse for poor maintenance. There is so much silt and fine dust on top of that hard pack.

I was standing by the fence watching while taking a break and I said to a friend that they need to have water hoses at the corners so that the track can be watered throughout the day instead of once at 12:30. I also mentioned as I was watching that having the little kids out there right after watering is a disaster waiting to happen. It is hard enough for me to stay upright right after they water let alone a young kid.

I feel that SH needs to put their pride aside and take rider input on the track layout. This place could be so much better.

Also, I was out at the track again today (Monday) with friends and just as an FYI, they DO NOT water or prep the track this day. It is not worth your money to go on Monday if they are not doing maintenance. The track was brutal.

I can’t wait for CM to open. Competition is a great motivator. I will definitely be at CM when they open.

[r6matey]

Originally Posted by crfdude3591

what are sandhill's prices? they dont have them back up on their site and i'll prolly be going this sunday.

20 greenbacks.

[CURTIS105]

sand hill is better than that bicycle track at san jose any day connely