Paiute Trail UTV Jamboree in Marysvale, Utah
August 1, 2017
in
News
A couple of weeks ago I attended the Paiute Trail UTV Jamboree in Marysvale, Utah and mentioned it here on this blog. I thought that this week Iâd talk about it more in-depth and share some of the events and opportunities that participants can enjoy.
This was the fourth year of the UTV jamboree, and there were about 600 participants. Most came from Utah, but I met quite a few folks from California and Nevada as well as from several other states. To make the jamboree successful, it takes a lot of effort from many of the areaâs residents.
Marysvale, Utah: âThe Exact Center of the ATV Universeâ
Marysvale is located along Utah Highway 89, about five miles south of the Big Rock Candy Mountain in Piute County, which has a population of 1,434. The town itself has a total population of 408 residents, and Iâd venture a guess that there are over 200 ATVs that live there as well. It isnât exactly the Sturgis of off-highway vehicles, but give it time.
Remember I said that there were 600 participants at the jamboree? If I had a lot more fingers and toes, I could tell you that that is half again as much as the total number of people who live in the town.
There are several RV parks and campgrounds, hotels, and a couple of restaurants that cater to ATV/UTV trail riders. You can even rent four-wheelers when youâre in, if you prefer. This is quad-friendly community that lets you roll your UTV/ATV tires down any street in town.
UTV Jam Events
Guided Rides
This year there were 22 guided rides led by local trail experts, all of whom have training in first aid. Ten of the rides included lunch sponsored by a local business. Destinations included high mountain lakes, historic sites, and reservoirs that are popular with anglers.
Organizers categorized the rides as beginner, intermediate, and advanced. On advanced rides the trail can be steep, rough, and rocky so a good set of all-terrain UTV tires would work best.
UTV Rodeo
Events included a slalom course, log climb, tire pile climb, and mud bogging. Anyone willing to kick up some dust and maybe even tip their machine over participated. The rest of us enjoyed the show and cheered on family and friends.
Equipment Vendors
I felt like a kid in a candy store as I strolled though the city park, drooling over all of the fancy-schmancy toys and UTV accessories on show and available to buy. The latest and greatest storage racks, mufflers, goggles, gloves, and helmets were there for the taking.
Stacks of rugged UTV tires stood high drawing many participants over to look. Racks stuffed with sporty UTV wheels were also in abundance. You could even get your hands on one of those sun visors with fake hair on it so all of your friends will think you are virile again.
Food and Music
Like good small town folk are wont to do, each morning began with breakfast in the park and each evening ended with dinner and music. Food vendors selling burgers, tacos, and other greasy goodness were stationed at the event all day long as well. While there, I lunched with the county sheriff who was in attendance and enjoying the festivities.
Music blasted throughout the park and helped to keep a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
UTV Riders Got a Great Bargain
The rides, ATV rodeo, activities in the park, music, and show area were all free to the public. Registration is encouraged so participants could get meal tickets in advance. In fact, unless you purchased food or discount UTV tires or something, the only cost to the UTV Jamboree is getting there.
Besides great memories, colorful pictures, and full bellies, the most important thing everyone got was a passel of new friends. I met a couple from New Mexico that Iâll never forget. We wonât become Facebook buddies, but lots of people make new friends that will last a lifetime at these kinds of events. New riding partners are always welcome.
Ryan Richards