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Show Fall 2000 Discover Dinosaurtand 21 Discover the desert on bike I I , "31 TV Mountainmen and prospectors; the Wild Bunch and dinosaurs; the lives of these characters and creatures weave a captivating story of Dinosaurland's history and prehistory. The ruggedly handsome north eastern corner of Utah, features landscapes as varied var-ied as its past, with 12.300-foot peaks and colorful deserts. So dazzling are the red rock canyons through which the Green River flows, and the Wasatch Mountain range, where tree-lined trails wind past sparkling mountain lakes that mountain bikers are able to find biking trails quite lax and v oid of people. The adventures of mountain biking is on the rise, however, especially with the increased popularity of desert riding. It has become a matter of numbers, as more and more people visit canyon country. There are more bike trails than a biker can shake a compass at right in Dinosaurland's backyard. Inspiring rides through the canyonlands to the top of nigged and breathtaking vistas are known throughout the world as a mountain biker's heaven. "You have to be real careful when traveling through deserts, though," said avid biker. Troy Lupcho. The dark knobby ground that is seen from bike trails is known as cryptogamic soil and to disturb it could throw the whole ecosystem off." The desert is a unique ecosystem. ecosys-tem. Its heartiness confuses its fragility; any changes can have permanent and drastic effects. To preserve and protect it means to be careful when traveling through it The crusty soil of the desert seems totally lifeless but the microbiotic soil crust is the top-soil top-soil of the desert," explained Lupcho. "It's loaded with cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae), the dominant element, also aids plants in gaining nutrients." Lichen, fungi and mosses also play important roles in crust formation. for-mation. Because it is so fragile extreme caution must be taken when walking or biking in the desert Once disturbed it may take 50 to 100 years for the crust to recover from being crushed. "These areas will begin to erode," Lupcho said. "Gullies will begin to form and barren sand dunes could take over the desert" Mountain bikers want to be cautious not to walk, wash, swim or bike in shallow depressions (potholes) in sandstone whether the soil is wet or dry. These lifeless life-less looking dirt filled pits actually actual-ly come alive after a rainstorm. Many tiny crustaceans, larvae, tadpoles and snails lie dormant in the soil waiting for moisture. The grip of life can be snuffed out in an instant when feet or tires crush their home. The organisms have evolved to make full use of the slow natural water cycle. Body oils, insect repellent and suntan lotion can also damage the ecosystem. The desert is covered with die remains of an ancient civilization. The ruins and rock art in the desert are at least 5,000 years old. To have these outdoor museums are fortunate but can be easily destroyed by touching or leaning against them. Two options exist on most bike trails in the desert, pack it out or bury it These are the best methods for preventing contamination of water resources and in keeping solid waste from animals and other humans. Holes must be at least 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, trails or camp and covered thoroughly with soil, rocks and twigs. "Mountain bikers who camp on the desert or in the high Uintas use panniers, racks hooked on the front and back of their bikes that See Desert on page 25 ft-) r 7 ' Lm Jeep makes it over the top. 4-wheel... Continued from page 20 their rig serious stick. Walker has been racing for over 3 1 years with 140 career victories and 20 championship titles. The "Legendary" Walker Evens was the first driver in off road racing history to win the famed Baja 1000 in 1979 and the Fireworks 250 in 1982 overall behind the wheel of a full-sized truck. He has amassed titles in every short-course short-course racing class he's entered including the four-wheel-drive division and is one of the most accomplished competitors in the sport of off -road racing. Randall and Kokoun are from Nebraska. Randall has built his Jeep with a fuel injected Corvette TIP 350 engine. Dana 300 transfer trans-fer case and shorty 904 auto tran-ny. tran-ny. Other winners were Steve Rumore and Drew Barber 1 0th in a 2000 Sniper. Tracy Jordan and Rob Bonney 9th in a 71 FJ40. Jeff Waggoner and John Currie 8th in a 98 TJ. John Gilleland and Kip Gilleland 7th in an 84 CJ-7. David Knight and Andrew Marshall 6th in an 83 CJ-7, Neil Lilian! and Al Dunn 5th in an 87 YJ. Harrold Off and Peter Fogel. 4th in an 83 Scrambler, and Chris Duram and Kevin Nalley 3rd in a O-10. & Dutch John, UT 435-885-3338 A I Z ' ; j : :. - - ' Full Convenience Store World Class Fly Shop Guided Fishing & Scenic Float Trips Raft Rental Shuttle Service Scully's Breakfast & Unci Grill Fall Service Dinner Menu Phillips 66 24 Hour CardSelf Service ft ' "j M '1. ' |