This year’s Pre-Event proved to be a little bit different condition wise to what the guys have been used to in the last few years. With winds not dropping below 25-30mph every day, it was the 4m Blade V that saw all the action. After arriving a day late, Will finally got a chance to ride although taking a slightly more cautious approach after taking a fall on his longboard the day before he left for NABX. (To be fair to him, it is a fairly impressive bruise to the lower back!)  Harper Dry Lake offer some great terrain to explore with small, raised outcrops of shrubbery stretching into the lakebed forming ‘bays’ to go and explore. The guys took some time out and fixed one of their GOPRO cameras to the front wing of their truck and follow some of the Dutch race boys onto the lake to get some close up shots of their speed runs. The footage they got is incredible! (Watch this space!)

The day before the guys left to return to Primm, saw the Pre-Event’s windiest day and Craig was not going to miss the opportunity to attempt to break the 60mph barrier which he so nearly did last year! Kitted up and ready for the off, Craig shot out onto the lake with the 4m BV to try his luck. A chase car followed to capture the action on cameras and to offer any support if needed. After a few attempts, sneaky rides back upwind in the car and a set of tires, Craig managed a new PB of 62.8mph which he was stoked with, however slightly gutted that he was only 0.4mph off Will’s best speed the year before of 63.2mph!  (Will: ‘Miss by an inch, miss by a mile hey Craig!’ )

Dave then went out for his attempt at a top speed run, however by the time he got onto the lake bed, the wind had dropped off, and he was only able to manage 59mph but as the wind had got less gusty managed to get a few jumps in!

Apart from the people and riding, the other highlight of the pre-event is the food. Every morning, the whole camp chips in and helps to make a hearty breakfast for all to enjoy. A pan of boiling water, a plastic sealable bag, eggs and some tasty ingredients make an ‘Omelette in a bag’ to die for! The evenings were a similar story. A variety of meals from pasta to a Mexican theme night was created an enjoyed by all. FANTASTIC!

Will, Dave and Craig packed their stuff up early on the night of the 28^th ready for the trip back to Primm. A detour was decided upon on the drive back to the hotel with Blake Pelton, The Dumont Dunes.

The Dumont Dunes is an amazing sight that should be visited if possible! On arrival, it was like driving on the surface of the moon. The dunes tower above the cars making them look like match box cars. The size of them is just un-comprehendible! The guys drove round the edge of the dunes trying to get to the other side in the search for any wind to have a play. Unfortunately the wind decided not to play ball and there would be no kiting that day. Not all was lost however. The view from the top of one of the dunes was spectacular! Craig also found out that the Jeep hire car was not four wheel drive……

Back at the event the guys pulled upto Ivanpah dry lake and dropped all the gear off ready to start the set up of the event over the next few days.

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