We gathered all the big names we could round up for one big "hero shot," but the I-5MX parking area was so jammed with more than 500 people that some key riders missed the photo op. In the midst of being as busy as one-armed paper hangers, we noted the presence of, in no particular order:
Shane Watts, Sarah Whitmore, Russ Pearson, Rodney Smith, Glen Kearney, Doug Dubach, Juha Salminen, Robbie Jenks, Joel Albrecht, Malcolm Smith, Brian Garrahan, Pat Garrahan, Kellon Walsh, Scot Harden, Mike Lafferty, Robie Peterson, Pete Postel, Nick Pearson, Kerry Peterson, Jon-Erik Burleson, Gary Jones, David Pearson, Dave Donatoni, Chris Carter, Chris Blais, Johnny Campbell, Ty Davis, Steve Hengeveld, Kendall Norman, Robby Bell, Mike Childress, Danny La Porte, Ronnie Renner, Dick Burleson, Larry Roeseler, Fred Andrews, Ricky Dietrich, Destry Abbott, Lance Smail, Nathan Woods, Mike Kiedrowski, Kelly Yancy and Brett Peterson.
This group accounts for 17 national enduro titles, at least 30 Baja wins, 80-100 ISDE medals, two X Games medals and a ton of titles such as WML wins and hillclimb victories. But even with this star-power, we had a much simpler brand of heroes on hand.
The Dirt Rider 24-Hour is an invitation-only event, but each year volunteers from all over the country submit rsums to the BlueRibbon Coalition vouching for at least 25 hours of volunteer time during the previous year to keep riding areas open. Of the applicants, the BRC selects a group of deserving individuals, and we invite them to our party. They get to rub elbows with industry greats, and we get to give a small thank-you for what they do. This year, though, there were others saying thanks. The following companies and riders donated products to the BRC land-use volunteers, showing how much we all appreciate their work:
Rekluse (Z Start clutch), Nite Rider (H.I.D. helmet light system), Rhino Lift (a stand), Fox Racing (various gear and bags), Cycra Racing (various products), Steve Hengeveld (signed gear), Yamaha (cool watches) and Beaverton Honda/Yamaha (gear bags).
A big, new addition to the 24-Hour family was having Red Bull as a partner, making the 2006 Dirt Rider Torture Test the best yet. The company spared nothing in its hospitality, supplying mass quantities of Mexican food for lunch and dinner, heaters, tables and chairs, bean bags, video games, music and-oh, yeah-all the Red Bull you could want for everyone in pit area. Its tent made a great hub in the pits and really helped keep everyone going throughout the event.
Every major manufacturer had a presence at our test, and there was also strong support and representation from Bridgestone, Dunlop, Maxxis and Michelin, Smith Sport Optics and Scott USA, along with a majority of the off-road motorcycle industry apparel and aftermarket manufacturers.
 Wattsy flew out to our 24-Hour...  Wattsy flew out to our 24-Hour to fly around the course. |  | 
Mike Lafferty |