Changes at Haspin - ALL TF ATTENDEES, PLEASE READ

[keister]

I just got off the phone with Bryan at Haspin. There are some changes to the park (for the better).

First up, MX:
They have hauled some sand into the MX track. There is now sandy soft soil on the corners. Dirtbike guys love it - trikers should too.
There is a big MX race there on Sunday (as usual, I think). MX races are Friday, but he is keeping Saturday for us for a rain date.
Bryan will arrive at Haspin at 7am Friday AM to finish MX track prep. Track will be ready by noon.
They have 2 water trucks now. And finally.... wait for it....
For the first time ever, WE WILL BE USING HIS DROP DOWN STARTING GATE FOR THE RACES!!!

Misc:
The drag strip is in good shape. It has been groomed twice this year. We will have access to barrels and rope to rope it off for prep when needed.
He is putting in a UTV track. It is still unfinished, but may be good news for future years. It has more rolling jumps, rather than the big lips for MX. It is being put in near the start of the Harescramble area, if you know where that is.

Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY:
They have begun to use security at the park. Too many "outlaws" and rule breakers are driving some people away. The park will be patrolled.
What does this mean for us? Very little, I think, but some rules have changed slightly.
There is now a "No dust enforcement area." This is from the MX shelter, throughout the campground, and over to the big barn. Again, positive change.
You can still haul the mail as fast as you want out on the trails, but no longer can we go fast in the parking and camping areas.

HERE'S HOW THE NEW SYSTEM WORKS:
When you arrive, you get the usual wristband and list of park rules.
If you are caught breaking a rule, security will mark a black "X" on your wristband.
Second violation = second black X.
Third violation, you will be escorted from the park.

So that's it, 3 strikes you are out. Sounds VERY LENIENT to me! It's nothing that should affect any of our good time, but he did want to give us the heads up on it. Security will mainly be looking for things like *dust in the no dust zone * helmet enforcement * drunk and obnoxious behavior.
They won't be following us around out on the trails, they will enforce near the buildings for the most part.

So, it all sounds very positive, and now we have been warned. As usual, we will all work together to ensure there is no littering and the bathrooms stay reasonably clean. See you all next week - I can't wait!!!!!

[shovelryder]

Good stuff fer sure! What about drunk and giggling yer arse off????? I know Ima gonna do that! Three beers in and Im a giggling schoolgirl! Thanks for the info!

[fabiodriven]

Don't forget your trash bags ladies.

[shovelryder]

Don't forget your trash bags ladies.

If ya need some, Ill have a big roll......white chev truck with a blue topper.

[hoosierlogger]

Will they still accept hard hats as a substitute for a helmet during low speed maneuvers to and from the bath house and other camp sites?

[keister]

LIST OF RULES STRAIGHT FROM www.haspinacres.com.
Rule #2 has always been waived during trikefest (provided we keep it reasonable).

•Helmets and safety equipment are required.
•No riding after 9:00 PM or before 6:00 AM.
•Speed limit is 15 MPH on all paved and gravel drives.
•Maintain a 20-foot clear distance from all fences.
•DO NOT CROSS ANY DOWNED FENCES!
•No hunting at any time.
•No firearms.
•Fires are to be maintained at all times.
•No fires in the shelters.
•Do not cut standing trees.
•No swimming in the pond.
•Riding is not permitted on pond banks.
•Buggies and/or trucks are not permitted on motocross tracks.
•If you must leave the park for any reason, proof of entry must be shown at the front admission office before re-entering the park.
•Campsite trash is to be placed in a garbage can before leaving the park.
•Drunken or obnoxious behavior will not be tolerated.
•Children 14 years of age and younger are restricted to camping areas and must be under the supervision of an adult.
•No one under 18 years of age will be permitted without a liability sheet signed by his or her parents or legal guardian.
•No one is permitted inside the park without signing a liability waiver.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They also leave the restrooms open all night for us. They don't do that any other weekend of the year.
As most know, Haspin has always been super accomodating to our event.
It is on us not reciprocate - which I think we have for the most part.

[keister]

Will they still accept hard hats as a substitute for a helmet during low speed maneuvers to and from the bath house and other camp sites?

EDIT: I am changing my tune. I will not be wearing a hard hat at TF.

[shovelryder]

No riding after 9????? It's still light out isn't it? And the under 14 thing. That reads like they aren't allowed on trails. They mailed me and said as long as my little ones next to me he's good. I hope he's cool to go out on trails with me.

[Russell 350X]

I hope we can ride after 9pm, that's where all the fun happens!

[Louis Mielke]

Will they still accept hard hats as a substitute for a helmet during low speed maneuvers to and from the bath house and other camp sites?

I think we need to blow this topic out a bit. I don't believe it was officially blessed that "hard hats" or some of the poor excuses for hard hats people wear during trikefest as acceptable helmet replacements. I believe what has been okayed are the DOT approved half peanut shell helmets because they are technically legal motorcycle helmets.

I'm sure I'll get booed as the fuddy duddy but I think EVERYONE should be discouraged from wearing anything less that a DOT approved helmet of some sort even for camp cruising. You can purchase DOT half helmets for $20. Price shouldnt be an excuse. I've seen one too many pictures of people going down the drag strip wearing "hard hats". THIS IS NOT GOOD. The hard hats where a grey area that many turned a blind eye to and of course quite a few individuals took advantage of it and did a lot more than just camp cruising with them.

[jeswinehart]

He did not mention any change to that rule. I intend to wear mine. If they have an issue with it, they will tell us.

So in other words you should bring a real safety helmet that is meant for riding ATV's and not something that you wear on a work site.
I suppose they do sell Helmets down the road, I got a great deal on mine at that little shop just across the bridge if you get one of those X marks,,,,

[Billy Golightly]

Haspin has always been (more than) very lenient with us and accommodating when we are there. I'd just advise everyone to err on the side of caution, always use your best and most intelligent judgement in decisions making processes, and everything will be fine.

On the issue of hard hats, Its my personal preference to see everyone wearing a half helmet at minimum (I mean really, how hard is it to take one on and off if you don't have the strap super tight?). We tried instituting a "Full face" only rule in the drags last year and got some push back from that as it wasn't publicized, but if I see you coming to race in a half helmet and I know you got a full face, just go get the thing and put it on. If you've only got a half helmet, then fine, but particularly in the competitions, if you have a full face, you really ought to be wearing it.

[CRAZY70MAN]

I agree with Louis. I have worn hardhats in the past, but have since changed my tune. From someone that wears a hardhat 8-10 hours a day, I do not want to wear one at trikefest because it reminds me of work anyway Seriously think what could happen if you had an incident and you smashed to the ground with one on? Not good, I have had numerous collisions at work and it is rough on the face and neck let me tell you. Let alone at 10-15 mph going to the hard ground. I think it is a gateway that leads to "Ah...I'm just going up here" or "What could happen, Im only going 10 mph". Complacency can cause bad things to happen. You don't pick the time an accident could and "Will" occur, it does. Just wear a real helmet please. It will look better for our group and is the smart thing to do anyway. No x's on my wrist band, I have had too many of those in my life

[hoosierlogger]

I always wear at least a brain bucket. If I go on any trails or anything I put on the full face. I was just wondering, because I see a lot of guys wearing hardhats.

[Louis Mielke]

We (site staff and event organizers) strongly discourage hard hats. We have a no helmet no picture rule on the site, and in general it's a black eye on the sport, the site and three wheelers in general to be wearing anything other than a real motorcycle helmet even if it's only a half helmet.