Many of us would never think of going riding in the rain, let alone duning in the rain. This year, however, it has been a very unusual year. We have received record rainfall in California and parts of Arizona. With that said, drastic times call for drastic measures. To find out what happens when it rains in the desert, I decided to take a trip. I wanted to see first hand how people dealt with the rain in the sand. I also learned a thing or two and came back with some helpful hints about duning in the rain.

Wet Sand Car during the storm

All week I had been following the weather report, trying to plan my weekend trip to the desert. The weatherman said it was going to rain this weekend. It has been like this for the past few weeks. I wasn’t going to stay at home stuck inside again. I needed to get out and be one with the desert. I needed to breath some fresh air, and kick up some sand…so I loaded up and headed to the Imperial Sand Dunes (a.k.a. Glamis).

Sand Cars Unlimited car getting ready for a run up Comp Hill

On my way out to Glamis, I could see there were dark clouds lingering in the distance above the dunes. The contrast of the white sand and the dark clouds gave the dunes a magical touch. I couldn’t wait to hit the sand and rip through the dunes. Part of me wanted to turn back because I knew it was raining hard. As I got closer, I noticed many rigs pulling trailers heading back home. What the heck was I going to do in wet sand? Then there was thunder and lightning, this really made me uneasy, but there was a curiosity that grew within that made me continue on my venture. I needed to complete my journey, and I was also determined to see how many off roaders would be duning in the rain.

Coozie hanging out at Glamis the day after the rain

When I arrived at Glamis, I turned onto Gecko Road. I could see the Sand Drags were going on, so I headed over to the sidelines. To my surprise, there were a few hundred people out there, and plenty of eye candy (sand cars that is). I could tell that the storm was not far, cold air was starting to blow in our direction as the black clouds moved closer. Next thing I know, the people racing down the sand drags started to disperse as soon as the first drop hit the sand. I have never seen anyone move so fast. It was an awesome sight, seeing trucks, quads, dirt bikes, jeeps, and sand cars buzz out in every direction. Mother Nature had come to claim her sand.

The dark clouds have an awesome contrast against the tan sand

The funny thing about this was seeing how people reacted. Some drove slow, others drove fast. Some duners didn’t know what to do. Most duners, however, decided to head back to camp or find shelter. I found a group of guys that went as far as running into the bathroom stalls near the ranger’s station in order to find cover from the rain. One thing is for sure; most sand cars are not built for rainy days. I cruised around Glamis for a while, and found a group of sand cars that caught my eye. These cars were not your ordinary sand cars. They were hot, they were wet, and they were dirty. It was like being at a Sports Illustrated photo shoot. The sand cars looked extra sexy with water rolling off their bodies, and the sticky sand added mystique to their already awesome fabrication.

Sand Cars ripping through the damp sand leave their mark

I love this sport. Only duners are wild enough to drive $100,000 + sands cars around in the rain and be okay with it. Obviously the group that was out here were hard-core enthusiasts. I looked around and everyone was gone. They had either gone back to camp or made friends at a local site. Anything to get away from the rain, even if it meant hiding in the porta potties. I waited out the rain as well. Once it was over, I couldn’t help but think how beautiful desert rain is. It was like Mother Nature had come to wash away the sand, and give everything a new beginning. After the rain stopped, I could see that the wet sand was going to add some interesting variables to my adventure. The thing about riding in wet sand, if you haven’t done it before, it can be fun or it can be a workout. If you are hitting fresh dunes with no tracks, no problem. It’s when you ride on the dunes that others have touched before you get there that it can be difficult to maneuver. The wet sand doesn’t have much give, so ruts start to form. This can lead to a very rough ride, even if you have the longest travel buggy on the sand; you’re going to feel the difference.

Group of people taking shelter from the rain

A good thing about the wet sand is that you get much better traction. This can be good or bad, depending on your power train and equipment. For the most part, the added traction gives you a faster acceleration, and much more responsive handling. Not to mention how cool the wet sand looks when your paddles send it flying into the air. During my wet weekend, I thought about tips on how to make the weekend better for others when camping and playing in the rain. My recommendation to those going to the sand in the rain is to make sure all your equipment and sand toys are as waterproof as humanly possible. You don’t want wet air filters, seats, GPS, or electrical. Today’s sand cars are more show and go. Custom seats, turbos, leather interior, on board video systems and concert ready stereos add much more risk to hurting your sand car when playing in the rain. If you know it might rain, carry some extra rain gear and covers for crucial areas of the car that might be damaged by water or wet sand.

Sand Car with windshield

A windshield can also come in handy in the rain. There is nothing worse than the feeling of rain hitting your bare face as you speed through the desert at over 100 mph. It feels like little pellets hitting your face…OUCH! Having an enclosed trailer to shelter the car from the rain is also good. Since not everyone has a toy hauler, I found that a simple $5.00 blue tarp would do the trick. Most importantly, you want to make sure that you can cover your toy if you’re not going to be using it in the rain. You want to try and avoid soggy seats and wet engine components that might then not work—cutting your trip short.

Sand drags at Gecko before rain fall

A nice warm camp to come back to can also make a huge difference when you’re freezing your tail off. Remember to take your time heading back to camp or finding shelter. Driving at high speed with poor visibility can be really dangerous. You’re already wet, so who cares if your boxers are too. Hopefully you have a clean pair waiting for you back at camp. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather get wet to my bones than crash and soil my pants (no pun intended).

Roger and friends enjoying the fresh dunes

I had a really good time and I was able to meet people and talk with them about the day and the events that took place. We also chatted about what tomorrow would bring. A few hours of rain aren’t bad when you are getting a full day of playing in the sand. I would highly recommend this to anyone who’s not afraid to get a little dirty. Duning in the rain is not for the faint of heart. Your custom paint, chrome, and race inspired seats will probably get a little wet and dirty, but if you time it right, you could get a full day of adventure with minimal rain. (Disclaimer – the weather may vary, check with your weatherman). Better to try, then sit and home and wish you were there.

Super Duty running down sand drags at Gecko during rain

Most importantly, you need to smile and have a good time. Accept the fact that you’re being forced to take the shower that your woman has been begging you to take since last year. Duning in the rain isn’t that bad, it’s what you make out of it, so make it the best!