SPODE'S  Annual quest for SUPERCROSS

 Salt lake City Utah 2003

          Most of you know I live in So Cal. That makes me able to attend up to 4 events every year without traveling over 100 miles. This year I was fortunate enough to attend 2 Anaheims, San Diego, Phoenix, Salt Lake and Vegas. However, all of them are in the early part of the season. And after a few months of listening to them on the live WECASTS, I get a real hunger for the smell of the exhausts, the screaming of the 125's, and the thuds you feel in your seat when you sit right near the landings of the triples. Nothing comes close to a live SX. So last year was the beginning of a tradition for me and my family. I ventured up to Salt lake City for round 15.        

          Although it is quite a drive at roughly 10 hours, it is well worth it. Round 15 is held at the local University of Utah's Rice Eccles Stadium. Compared to some of the bigger venues, Rice Eccles is much smaller in over all area. That makes a day at the races awesome. Plus there just aren't as many people there, so the crowds are minimal..

All in all I love this venue. I hope it remains on the schedule for some time to come

Last year we made the trip in one day with SLOW and I. However this year with the entire family we took two days. Our first stop was St George Utah about the half way point. This town is beautiful in the spring.

These spots were right over the curb in St. George. Above the main street on a bluff.

(Click images to enlarge)

The pits are great at Salt Lake. And the latest trend in the industry are these custom motor homes. Reeds got a 35" flat screen inside his. They all have exercise bikes to warm up before motos. 

This is the view from the top of the grand stands overlooking the city of Salt Lake and the pits. Although there are a number of people in the pits, it's not nearly as crowded as any of the other venues I've attended.

Larry Ward taking a break from practice. Being towards the end of the season, all the riders are more laid back and approachable.

Who said it's lonely at the top?

Now that's the life. Check out the exotic finish and mirrors. Mitch's guys travel in style!

Great Lay out!.

Various Pics!

The trip home is always a bummer. So to offset the "no-mo-fun-factor" we jogged south west to Zion Nat'l. Park.

This place is serene!

Spodes family is always the first to crash the pool !.

We have plenty of towels thanks!

BEAUTIFUL!

SX WRAP

.....Salt lake is just a great time. I have met some really nice people there. I look forward to more visits if the venue remains on the schedule. I would encourage any of you within a days drive or so to consider it. This year the people in front of me in line were from Wyoming, and the folks behind me were from Colorado (Hi, guys if you are reading this :)  There are no bad seats anywhere in the house.

.....Congrats go out to James Stewart for the clinching of the 125 west SX title.  

.....And two thumbs up to Chad Reed who continues to drive home the point that he is the real deal.

.....So far the season's be a barn burner in all divisions. Next year will prove to be another I hope.

SPODE.