I recently had the opportunity to experience Rip & Dip Ranch, a Motorsports Haven devised by professional racer Sara Price. Organized by Price and Bfgoodrich tires, the experience mixed exciting off-roading with relaxation on the river, which shows that the desert has discovered the best of the sidewalk. As one of the first guests who dives in this unique escape in Mohave Valley, Arizona, I discovered a world where adrenaline serenity meets, all under the watchful eye of a woman who has conquered some of the most difficult races on the planet.
RIP & DIP Ranch is a 4-hectare playground along the Colorado River, complete with a workshop of 10,500 square base full of tools for tuning vehicles and a private beach for relaxation after the ride. Price, a BFGoodrich ambassador and off-road racing phenomenon, built this ranch with her friend, fellow racer Ricky Brabec.
For the price it was a child’s dream that came out, but it was not as easy as waving a magic wand. “We had no idea what we were doing,” Sara laughed. It took grit and perseverance to bring the ranch to life. The unique facility is designed to serve as a Basecamp, with extreme test sites at more than 100-degree-grade temperatures and the Colorado River for an opportunity to relax and cool off at the end of the day.
Trail bone with a pro
Our adventure started early when we were picking up in helmets, glasses and gloves. After a fast walkthrough led by prize, we jumped in a fleet of Can-Am UTVs equipped with BFGoodrich tires made to handle robust desert site. The 50 miles loop was not a Sunday ride. It was a master class in off-road, navigating through rocky paths, steep slopes and whoops that put our vehicles and us to the test.
What makes off -roading so addictive is not only the speed and challenge to navigate through unpredictable terrain. It is the unparalleled views and incredible landscapes that you simply cannot experience in the same way of the air -conditioned boundaries of a vehicle on the highway.
We drove through a landscape with the kind of views that make you feel an insignificant yet incredibly alive. It was all thanks to the price that we made our way through a great route, but even without a professional, the experience of off-road competitions is one to not miss.
The wild side of the desert
While lunch was rolling around, we arrived at the Gold Digger Saloon, where we enjoyed barbecue, Chile and some ice -cold drinks to cool everyone. The food was fantastic, but what made it memorable was the chance to explore a nearby mine. It was super creepy at the same time it was fascinating. A rusty iron gate unveiled a tunnel just high enough for a person to walk. Our guide took us to the darkness where we saw the old mine shaft down to the darkness and stepped over rusted rails that once wore carts back and forth in the mine.
After our walk to the mining of Arizona, we climbed back in our UTVs and rolled in Oatman, frozen a quirky town over time. It is famous by wild donkeys who descend from those my days. Nowadays they wander through the streets as the locals and do not do any spirit of vehicles. Unless you happen to be in a UTV, in that case they will immediately put their nose inside in the hope of a treat.
River Reset
Arriving at Rip & Dip Ranch at the end of a very nice but dusty day, we visited through the huge workshop. It is the paradise of a gearbox with space for vehicles and rooms for the equipment of Price, together with the trophies she has collected over the years. Then we exchanged our glasses and gloves for shorts and swimsuit and jumped on a pontoon boat for a small cruise on the Colorado. The water was a refreshing antidote on the heat and washed the grit off the path. It was the perfect hinge of high-octaan to rejuvenating relaxation, and emphasized how the ranch is balanced.
While the sun dived to the horizon, we gathered on the private beach for dinner. The conversation naturally turned to the adventure of the day with memories of the donkeys, our journey in the mine and, of course, the incredible landscape. We withdrew to Bivouac-style tents on the sand, equipped with bedding, electricity and even creature comfort for a Dakar inspired at night. Sleeping under the stars was a memory that leaving the sidewalk behind the doors opens to nature in a unique way. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, off-road, is an adventure like no other.
#Embrace #wild #side #offroad #adventure