I have only done the Terlingua D/S once, in 2002, I think, and I heard Burl's story about how he is getting more and more flack from the locals... I talked to a friend who went to Terlingua this year and he relayed that Burl is seriously thinking about only doing Terlingua another 1 or 2 years, again for the same reasons - too much flack from the locals about riders misbehaving, straying off the trail, trespassing on private property, etc.

Speaking for myself, the one year I went, the riding was pretty tame, but there are parts of the desert that are just magnificent, and I really love the Big Bend area. I think it'd be a shame to lose this event. I understand they had 170 people show up, and were supposed to limit it to 120. We have already lost access to the area which is now Big Bend Ranch state park. We can still ride the dirt roads in the National Park if irresponsible people don't screw that up.

Anyone else have any insights on the future of the Terlingua D/S?

Hoop....I think you're functioning with some incorrect info....This date of year's event was moved to please some of the locals....That made them happy....A major contribution to the Ranch makes them happy....All the locals are happy for the boost to the economy...There were no complaints at all this year apart from someone got a little roosted driving in their pick up truck. There were a lot of folks riding but they spread out pretty well and the dust was not too bad. Everyone stayed on the roads and trails, even where the ribbons were not readily apparant. This was my third event and this was the best so far. We went way North on Terlingua Ranch this year it was spectacular.

Every year Burl gives us a coundown to his last event, only two more to go.....Please be assured that if TRH would like AMSA to take over in 2 years we will be happy to do it....This ride cannot be allowed to go away....If you found the 2002 ride to be tame and not very challenging it's probably because your expectations were not appropriate or you were riding with the wrong guys. As far as the State Park area, I don't think we could ever legally ride there so nothing has been lost. There is talk of opening up some multi use trails in the future.

I would be bored to tears riding with guys on Rokons, even if they are neat guys from Beaumont....Come back next year and ride with some of the AMSA folks....I know you'll find out how much fun can be had in the desert even on public roads.

I'll be in Beaumont this weekend by choice visiting friends, hope the weather behaves.

Steve Smith
AMSA President

Re the State Park, way back when it was private land, you could legally ride on the dirt roads and it was a major hoot trying to get through some of the creek crossings in one piece.

I wasn't riding with the Rokon gang in 2002, it must have been 2001 when I went. I just don't find riding in a dust cloud on dirt roads very interesting. I don't like fixing flats either, so I tend to take the turns more or less under control so I stay out of the cactus.

I'll probably try to go again next year. Glad to hear the enthusiasm for keeping this ride going.