As the Rhino enthusiasts began to arrive at the location of the crash for the 11am photo shoot, it became very apparent that the amount of attendees today was going to make this a major event!  The influx of custom machines seemed constant as they made their way to the Jagged X trailer to register and purchase raffle tickets for the overwhelming $42,000 in give-a-ways!  Vendors such as Black Rhino Performance and iShock were on hand to meet, greet and interact with the crowd.

The once open area surrounding the event was quickly becoming elbow to elbow with rows and rows of Yamaha’s popular side by side vehicle.  People were still pouring in
from all directions as Bill Schueler of
Jagged X began to address to the crowd.  After a short agenda the crowd squeezed in together for a slew of photographers that were on hand to cover the event.

Walking through the crowd was almost impossible at this point, so I opted to make my way around the perimeter of machines to get a better look at what great new ideas were being unleashed.  What I did find were
several race Rhinos scattered through the crowd dawning their innovative long travel kits and unique designs.  An event of this nature exposes Rhino enthusiasts to new products from the people that produce them, as well as a perfect opportunity to get some great ideas for your own ride.

Lunch was scheduled for 1pm, so we had an hour or so left for some dune riding before hitting the grub line.  Today the sand was smooth and the sun was shining for the first day in more than a week. It was warm and boy was I planning on taking advantage of it!  For those of you that have not been to Glamis…you need to go, and for those of you who have been there…it’s more than words can say!

By 1pm the line was already snaking its way out toward the dunes, so we quickly grabbed our spot and watched the others fall in behind us.  Up ahead there was a barrage of barbeques cooking up meat just as fast as the cooks could cook in order to keep up with the anxiously awaiting crowd.  On the menu for today was pollo asada and carne asada fajitas with all the sides and fixin’s.  The food service line was diligently manned (and womanned) by a group that worked as smooth and quick as a finely oiled machine.  Before I knew it I was standing at the front of the line with an overflowing plate in my hand.  An interesting fact about this cookout was that all 500 pounds of meat that were brought to this event was consumed…meaning, no one went home hungry!

After lunch I noticed that the crowd had grown even larger than I had seen at the mornings photo shoot, not only were the machines now spilling farther out into the dunes, but they had now created rows along the sides.
It was now 3pm…time for the raffle.  The last of the tickets were going like hot cakes and the crowd was beginning to work their way up to the shady areas closer to the PA speakers.  At this point there were approximately 400 side by sides parked throughout the Crash...

The names and numbers of the winners were now echoing through the camp as a load of billet parts are handed to the smiling recipients.  Front bumpers, a cage, gift certificates, tons of bling, tire/wheel combos…and for the finale, a complete long travel kit from So Cal Fabworks, Elka Shocks and Gorilla axles. 

All of the proceeds from the raffle, which just happens to be a little over $11,000 will be presented to the ASA (American Sand Association) and the UDG (United Desert Gateway).  I was present at last years Crash and had a great time, but didn’t expect it to grow to be as big as this.  Everything that was scheduled today was on time and went off without a hitch; one thing is for sure…I’m definitely looking forward to next year! For more info on Jagged Extreme or the Crash visit them at: www.jaggedx.com

Mike Martin