Nighttime is Like No Other Time in the Dunes
by ASA Staff & Del Albright
There’s something magical about riding the sand dunes under a full moon. The temperature might still hover over 100 degrees even at midnight, but the moonlight casting shadows over the dunes, the total silence, and the surreal views—will touch your soul like nothing else.
But make no mistake: planning isn’t just smart—it’s survival. A summer night ride in the dunes is thrilling but also unforgiving. Here’s your guide to doing it right, keeping it safe, and making it unforgettable.
1. Know Your Crew
This is not a ride for unprepared or uncooperative friends. Know your fellow riders and drivers. Everyone should be experienced, helpful, healthy, and ready to work as a team.
️ 2. Vehicle Prep is Mandatory
Don’t show up without your rig 100% dialed in:
- Lighted whips (required)
- Fresh spark plugs
- Spare drive belts & master links
- Full fluid check & extra reserves
- Lighting checks (headlights, brake lights, whips)
- Proper jetting (for carbureted engines)
- Quality, non-ethanol fuel
- Full tool kit and spares
TIP: If you have a 4-seater SxS, consider riding with only two people to carry group gear and lighten the load.
3. Must-Have General Gear
Pack for the unexpected:
- High-powered flashlights & headlamps
- Duct tape, zip ties, hose clamps, stop leak
- Jumper cables, tow strap, jack, and shovel
- First aid kit (personal and group-level)
- A hat for body temp retention if stranded at dawn
- Neck gaiters soaked in water for quick cooling
- A space blanket or light bedsheet for thermal extremes
️ 4. Navigation & Emergency Readiness
Every rider and vehicle should have:
- GPS with preloaded routes and waypoints
- At least one charged satellite communicator
- A roster with:
- Names of participants
- Emergency contacts
- Medical info (conditions, meds, insurance)
- Driver’s license & vehicle info (plates, sticker numbers)
Everyone in your group should know where the emergency gear is and how to use it.
5. Ride Etiquette & Group Dynamics
- Start with full fuel tanks
- Set GPS to track mode
- Choose a leader (rotate if needed)
- Never leave the group without telling someone
- Leader does vehicle counts every 3–5 minutes
- Regroup every 15 minutes for a safety and condition check
This is a ride, not a race. Help each other. Pick easier lines. Stop and enjoy the quiet beauty of the dunes.
6. Personal Hydration
- No alcohol for 4+ hours before the ride
- Hydrate until you pee – seriously
- Use a CamelBak or hydration pack
- Bring at least 1 gallon per person
- Sip regularly rather than chug
- Wear moisture-wicking clothes—sweat is your A/C
️ 7. Ride Ideas & Cache Spots
- During cooler months, GPS scenic routes, shade trees, and rest spots
- Before your night ride, pre-stage an ice chest with snacks or backup fuel at a safe dune-edge location (never rely on it—just a bonus)
Mark the cache on GPS! It’s a reward, not a survival plan.
8. Plan the Date & Time
Use the moon to your advantage:
- Ride 4 days before or after a full moon
- Check moonrise/sunset timing
- Best: 2+ hours after sunset and 2+ hours after moonrise
- Try to finish before sunrise to avoid heat exposure
Want to stargaze instead? Head out just before sunset, find a good perch, and soak in the stars. Stay put—don’t try to move in total darkness.
9. Check-In & Communication
Always leave a plan behind:
- Use your satellite communicator to check in with a designated emergency contact
- Send your departure/return plans, GPS drop pins, and the all-clear message when you’re back
Remember: Temperatures can kill. The sun can kill faster. Be smart. Be ready. Be safe.
Ride Smart. Ride Free.
A summer full moon ride in the dunes is a rare thrill—but only if you plan for it. At the American Sand Association, we’re all about keeping the ride alive and safe. Share this guide with your riding crew and help us keep our sport strong and responsible.
Learn more about dune safety and responsible riding at americansandassociation.org
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