Can you say, carnage? Because that’s what event promoter Brian Garrahan says you’re likely to see at this year’s Donner Hare Scramble. Considering the terrain on which the race takes place, you could say carnage comes with the territory.
The Donner Hare Scramble is not for the faint of heart. This hardcore dirt bike race returns to Donner Summit this June 11 and 12 and promises to be a wild ride.
Held at Donner Ski Ranch in Norden, the Donner Hare Scramble is part of a series of events overseen by the American Motorcyclist Association’s District 36. As described in an October 2019 Moonshine Ink article, It Is Not Winter Yet, “specifically,
a ‘hare scramble’ is a type of race designed for rugged, untamed courses that enter forests and
erratic, steep terrain over several miles. A leader becomes the ‘hare,’ and the group has to catch her or him before a time limit expires, or a designated number of laps are completed.”
“This year it will be two separate events,” Garrahan explained.” A U.S. Hard Enduro and a D-36 Hare Scramble. Different courses, differ- ent racers. [In] years past, it was just one or the other.”
Featured riders include Trystan Hart, 2021 Hard Enduro champ; Colton Hakker, three-time World Endurocross champion; and David Knight, four-time world champion.
Local racers hitting the course include national ski champion Darron Rhalves, 2021 D-36 champion Justin Bonita, and D-36 2022 points leader JT Baker.
Garrahan said he’s expecting 700 to 900 participants, including spectators, with people coming from Arizona, Colorado, Ohio, and all over the country. The last round of the U.S. Hard Enduro was in Montana. From big hill climbs to rocks to granite slabs, the 8- to 10-mile racecourse will span the whole of Donner Ski Ranch as riders hit the mud — or dust.
The event will kick off June 11 with kids racing from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Hard Enduro will follow from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday, June 12, don’t miss the Pro D-36 event, as well as amatuer races, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants can register in-person at the event or online in advance via the U.S. Hard Enduro website at hardenduroraces.com or on the District 36 website at ama-d36.org. Fees vary depending on race and class.
A $20 spectator fee, payable on arrival, includes camping, live music, and some awesome race action.
Info: harenduroraces.com; amad36.org
