Playing Nice in the Sand
Those of us who regularly drive up and down Highway 13 in Rome, Wisconsin, have something in our backyard that is, without a doubt, the envy of motorheads near and far.
I’m talking about Dyracuse Recreational Park. A park unlike others. A park designed by off-roading enthusiasts, for off-roading enthusiasts, to do all the things off-roading enthusiasts like to do.
Situated on over 700 acres, the park is a rider’s dream come true. There are challenging, heart-pumping motocross and supercross trails for the if-fast-is-good-then-faster-is-better riders. And there are more well-mannered trails for those of us who might just want a scenic, more leisurely ride, designed with that in mind. There is even a newly updated pee wee track for the wee little ones.
BTW, if you haven’t seen a pint-sized person on a pint-sized motorcycle, make it a point to do so. It might just be the cutest thing you’ll ever see. But don’t be fooled. Some of these tikes-on-bikes would leave you in their dust if given the chance.
Before I go any further, if you’re not quite sure what motocross is, to put it simply: motocross is an off-road race where athletes with a penchant for speed, straddle purpose-built motorbikes, and speed over twists and turns and humps and bumps in a track laid out in front of them. The sport began almost by happenstance when adrenaline junkies strayed from the street and chased each other, as fast as they could, through the hills and valleys of England in the early 1900s. The sport slowly grew over the decades, and really took off when it jumped the pond to America in the 1960s.
And one of the most fun and exciting places in America for motocross, or any of the other disciplines that grew from it - like supercross and enduro - sits right here in Rome, open to anyone and everyone who has tasted the thrill of off-road riding and racing.
All in all, Dyracuse has nearly 16 miles of curvy, up, and down trails with something to offer for every riding ability - no matter your vehicle of choice. Whether you’re throttling a motorcycle, ATV, UTV, or three-wheeler, you’ll find the ride that suits you perfectly. There’s even a four-acre sand bowl, and a mucky, oozy mud bog for those who like it down and dirty.
Dyracuse Park, named after the large, prominent geological mound that sits in the heart of the park, is one of just a dozen or so such parks in Wisconsin. But unlike most of the others, which are typically hardened tracks of soil, silt, and gravel, Dyracuse exploits the natural sand dunes that Mother Nature so generously left behind. Experienced riders love the unique challenges of sand, and the up-and-comers love the forgiving qualities as they hone their skills.
The park has been operated by the Town of Rome in cooperation with the Rapid Angels Motorcycle Club since 1979. The club hosts several annual competitions including a GrandPrix, motocross, hill climb events, and the ever-popular Hare Scramble - a mix of tight trails, long climbs and descents, and open fields, requiring both skill and endurance. The Rapid Angels are also instrumental in building awareness and interest in the sport hosting numerous learn-to-ride events throughout the summer.
Dyracuse has a no-fee parking lot with plenty of space for trucks and trailers. So, bring ‘em if you got ‘em. Amenities include picnic areas with barbeque grills and picnic tables, a playground for the kids, hot and cold running water, and clean restrooms. In other words, there’s no excuse for not staying and playing all day long.
Located at 1047 County Road O in Rome, Wisconsin (just off highway 13), they’re open during the non-winter months - typically from mid-April to late October - but be sure to check their Facebook page, or call 715-325-8014 for actual dates and times.
Written by: Lydell Capritta
