XDL Round 1 Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu, Arizona is a hidden paradise in the middle of the desert. Our journey to the nearest major airport, Las Vegas, was a bit treacherous. It was one of those flights where every plane was trying to land at once, so we had to circle the airport several times. JP and I were seated near a group of venture capitalists, middle-aged guys who have fun making vast sums of money. They had tons of Vegas stories to tell, along with tips of how to write off a Vegas trip as a business expense. They became more intoxicated as the flight went on, and I got more and more airsick. One more circle and it would have been miserable for those around me on the plane.
We finally landed, and I was so happy to be on the ground. We had the weirdest experience in the rental car line. I guess it was a particular agency’s “mega” deal that made my boss JP, like everyone else, decide it was worth the hourlong wait. We took turns waiting in line and going to the bathroom, like we were in line for tickets to a rock show. All the other rental agencies were ghost towns, with not one person waiting in line.
When our turn came, we picked out a white Charger and headed into the desert, which was beautiful. Along the way we stopped at a Taco Bell; behind it was a road that led straight up onto a large dune. Now, it’s a fact that JP is a risk-taker. He’s also known for harsh vehicle treatment. Put it all together and, well, let’s just say, on the Stunters Edge ’09 video, you will see footage of a Charger doing things you wouldn’t think it could possibly do. You’ve gotta check out that video.
After two hours or so of driving, we spotted one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen, coming into view from behind large rock formations. Stunning scenery. We drove through the downtown and along the beautiful lakeside strip, all leading up to the venue for the Lake Havasu XDL stop No. 1. Hats off to Randy Grube for picking this beautiful site.
We met up with Bill D, Destiny, E-Brake, Jesse Toler, Shaun Parrrish and a few others. As we headed toward the hotel, we passed a Suzuki shop that was allowing locals a spot to safely practice for the next day’s XDL competition. It was really nice to see some Suzuki support at the local level. We were all wondering when Suzuki and Honda would get their act together and join Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, Aprilla and Ducati – among other big names – as corporate sponsors. There is a ton of unsigned rider talent out there. I challenge Suzuki and Honda to get behind a rider for the fastest-growing, most exciting sport on the planet. Those companies are already in the game: The longest stoppie at Stunt Wars was won on a Suzuki, and the year before last an XDL championship was won on a Honda.
This year’s field was wide open. Nick Apex, wearing a shoulder sling for a shoulder injury, was working the video camera for friends, going back to his roots. He was, as you probably know, last years’ champion. Two other former champions, Aaron Colton and Alex Flores, were also in attendance.
Competition was tight with Bill Dixon, the Stunt Wars champ; Chris McNeil; Brian Bubash and many other skilled riders rounding out the field. Warren James was impressive in practice, as was Lin Savage.
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