Banner Staff Report

GILBERT - It's that time of year again when ATV enthusiasts from all over the country converge on the town of Gilbert for the annual Trailfest ATV event

The Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority will be celebrating its eighth birthday this month, and the big event will run October 9-13.

There will be plenty of showcase events to make sure Trailfest '08 is better than ever:

* Starting at 9 a.m., Oct. 9, there will be a scavenger hunt throughout the town of Gilbert that will put participants in a drawing for new ATV gear for themselves and their rides.

"In case riding around town searching for clues doesn't get you dirty enough for your liking, be sure to check out Trailfest's infamous Mud Pit that's ready and waiting for you every night of the weekend," a press release from the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority said.

* Haven't been to Vegas lately? Not sure any casinos would let you in the door caked in mud from a hard days ride? Well, at Hatfield-McCoy, the dress code isn't as strict. Vegas Night will be held on October 10, from 8-9 p.m., and attendees can try to win some Hatfield-McCoy money that can be used to bid on prizes from the event's sponsors. Attendees who don't have any luck at the tables, can try winning some cash at the Friday Poker Run and Saturday Dice Run, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., both days.

* If all that cash from the poker run makes your wallet too fat to fit on an ATV seat, attendees can head downtown and check out all the crafts, booths, and events at Gilbert's 10th Annual Fall Festival.

"Make sure you make it back to event HQ by 5 p.m. That's when you'll need to register for the annual ATV Parade. Stop back by the mud pit around 8 p.m. for the brand new Fisher's ATV World Mud Run, where you can pick up more great prizes," the press release said.

* On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, attendees can check out the B.O.S.S. Ball of Steel Stunt show. The Ball of Steel Stunt crew stuff themselves and their bikes into a 14-foot, 5,500-pound steel cage, and then proceed to ride upside down, horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and every other way you can think of.

"It's one event you can't miss," the press release said.

Visit Trailfest '08 online or call at 1-800-592-2217 for more information.

In other trail news:

While some people may think that 500 miles of trails are plenty, upcoming projects should increase that thanks to Hatfield-McCoy's trail techs.

There will be four miles of new trails leading from the Browning Fork system into the town of Gilbert, and 12 to 20 miles of new single track is being worked at Buffalo Mountain, which should be ready to ride by the end of the year, according to trail officials.

In an on-going project on the Pinnacle Creek system, 10 miles of new trail have opened, with an additional 10 still to come soon.

"Be prepared for about 75 more miles to be added to Pinnacle Creek as well, because they're currently working on a connector trail to hook it up with the Indian Ridge trail system in neighboring McDowell County," the press release said. "It's still in the early stages, but riders may soon be able to hit both of those systems after rolling out of their cabin at Twin Falls State Park, where a connector trail is in the early planning stages."

According to the press release, the Dingess Rum system just added 15 miles of new trails, with more on the way. Also of note is that the trails are currently plotting a route to allow trail-goers to link up with the Fountain Place Mall outside of Logan. Big changes are on the way for the Little Coal River system. Starting this winter, Hatfield-McCoy will be converting it to a UTV Park that will accommodate Rhinos.