ATV Florida Forum

It's that time again, Pumpkin Run time. A few changes are being made this year, all to ensure a better experience for all.

The biggest change will be that we are bringing back the "old school" main event (main trail) starting at dusk/dark Saturday night. There will be a trail to ride during the day on Saturday, but the main trial will open at dark-thirty.

We will have a kick ass Quader-Totter for use during the day,a Water wheelie contest, a SidexSide only track with a MUD drag, and of course we will be doing the Poker Run again with $500 cash to the best hand.

Here is the event flyer;

(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll301/Backerdown/PumpkinRunFlyer2012jpeg2.jpg)

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask away.

I will be offering FREE tickets to the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run starting soon, so check back often.

AMC

Well,..... I was waiting for the first person that replied to this post to give them the first FREE pass to the 42nd annual Pumpkin Run, but since no one will reply or inquire.

I will take the ninth person to post a "question" related to the Pumpkin Run..That perosn will win the first of several FREE passes.

One winner per (user name) per year.

AMC

Where is it going to take place?

I was wondering the same myself.

Is this event mostly for utility's?

Will the trails have a lot of water on them this year?

Will UTV's be able to navigate the main trail? Will it be wide enough?

Is there an age limit for kids to ride?

Is there a charge for Kids?
Age limit for free or reduced entry fee?

Will the showers have hot water?

Do we have to have flags on the ATV'S?

Can we have camp fires?

Well.........I think I am the ninth person to post a question.  ;)
Had a blast last year!
Looking forward to this year.

1.  The event will be at the same place it was last year...J/K :D The location is 1.8 miles south of 44 on SR 415 which is about 5 miles south of the Samsula/Spruce Creek area in Volusia county.

2. This event started 42 years ago as a timed "motorcycle" night race through the woods. It has since evolved into the coolest ~20 mile night time ATV/side xside trail ride in the country. 10 years ago it was considered the largest one day ATV event in the world, and as eveloution has it the are many "mud parks" now that offer "events"every month, but none of them offer what we do...and we only do it ONCE a year.

3. Right now, there is a LOT of water holding in the low areas but the camping pasture is suprisingly high and dry.

4. We are offering a side x side only area during the day on Saturday and working on laying out the "main" trail now with width in mind.

5. Kids 12 and under "riding" with a parent or guardian are free, if the child intends on "driving" there own ATV or "driving" mom or dads ATV they will have to pay the same $25 (pre) $35 (post) entry fee as everyone else.

6. See above.....

7.We will have showers again this year with hot water. We will also have a radiator wash station availabe to rinse bikes.

8. No flags needed....because there are NO reckless mud trucks allowed on the property.

9. YES...campfires are more than welcome ( I hope and pray it will be cold enough for a camp fire....I'm soooo ready for some cooler temps) all we ask is that you do not bring pallets or anything else with "nails" that would be left behind.

Congratulations TRIPOLAR2 you are the winner of the first FREE pass to the 42nd annual Pumpkin Run, send me your name and contact info for details on how to claim your FREE pass.

AMC

I have a couple of questions.

I have a Yamaha Grizzly 550 ATV. This vehicle is designed for one person. Can my wife ride on it with me during this event?

Do we have to wear helmets during this event?

Larry

Hmm. Tripolar had a blast last year, yet still has so many questions and has now won a free pass. Congratulations.

Everyone entering the property must sign a release of liability waiver.....remember this part first and foremost.

With that said, our helmet and passenger policy are posted online and will be posted at the front gate reminding everyone that it is in your best interest to follow all manufacture recomendations, and to wear all protective gear to protect yourself, but you are signing a waiver releasing the land owner and Apollo Motorcycle club of any and all liability, so if you choose not to wear protective gear and ignore manufacture recomendations and something happens, you have no one to blaim but yourself.

The only thing that you will be stopped and questioned about will be if you are not wearing your wrist band,... if you lose it you will be ejected from the property and will have to pay the entry fee again to re-enter, or riding around with glass bottles, other than that we want everyone to have a great time and not get hurt.

Next person to post a picture of their group doing their thing will receive the next FREE pass to the 42nd annual Pumpkin Run.

AMC

Our group doing our thing.

Quote:
The only thing that you will be stopped and questioned about will be if you are not wearing your wrist band,... if you lose it you will be ejected from the property and will have to pay the entry fee again to re-enter, or riding around with glass bottles, other than that we want everyone to have a great time and not get hurt.

If my wife and I ride together on one ATV, do we both have to pay a registration fee?

Any discounts for people over 60 years old?

Larry

Registration is $25 per person (pre registration) and $35 at the gate.

In years past we charged $50 per atv, but folks were upset because they wanted to bring more than one bike in case they had a problem with one and would have a "spare" bike to ride.

Now you can pay your $25/$35 per person and bring as many bikes as you like. It really works out the same.


We use to have a contest at the "riders meeting" and the oldest rider would get his enrty fee back, and last winner was like 89 yrs old and could wheelie his Suzuki Eiger like a 12yr old on a huffy... :o

But to answer your question...No, no AARP discounts for the Pumpkin Run.

OK, Thanks for your speedy reply. Larry

When you answered my 2 questions, I felt like I committed a sin for asking them. Like how dare I ask questions that goes against safety.

I just goggled pumpkin run and watched a video from another year where ATVs were running around a mud pit. I didn't see anybody wearing a helmet, (could have missed one though), and I saw several riding double with no helmets.

I understand that you have to cover your butts, but do most ATV riders wear helmets?

Do a lot of ATV riders ride double?

Larry

P/S I think you should award me a free pass just for asking real questions. Everyone else who has posted here are only posting when you offer a free pass.

LBP
I have been to this event many times.  I have signed the release, but never actually really read it.  I would look at this event like a trail ride at 5A or Holopaw.  Do what you do, the way you do it.  No one will say anything unless you are wreckless or otherwise impaired beyond control.  I personally do not wear a helmet and my wife rides with me.  My boys are required to wear their helmets at all times while riding.
I would say come out and have some fun!

I've done several Pumpkin/Rabbit runs, always rode double AND on a sport quad. It's always a good time. One year got REALLY muddy, we couldn't even get the trucks out, had to be pulled to the gate by the loader. AMC do you remember what year/event that was? Must have been a good 4+ years ago...

How are the trails looking? Wet/dry? I have a sport again this year, but may pick up a 4x4 by then also. I'm planning on going this year.

Thanks Tripolar for your answer. Sounds like a good time, but for $50.00 I guess I'll stay at 5A and ride for free. Larry

Just keep looking here.  There will be many opportunities to win a free pass here.  That way you only have to pay for one.

When you answered my 2 questions, I felt like I committed a sin for asking them. Like how dare I ask questions that goes against safety.

I just goggled pumpkin run and watched a video from another year where ATVs were running around a mud pit. I didn't see anybody wearing a helmet, (could have missed one though), and I saw several riding double with no helmets.

I understand that you have to cover your butts, but do most ATV riders wear helmets?

Do a lot of ATV riders ride double?

Larry

P/S I think you should award me a free pass just for asking real questions. Everyone else who has posted here are only posting when you offer a free pass.
[/quote]

WOW...LBP300 (Larry) I sure didn't mean to make you feel that way. If you would have asked me the same question in a PM the answer would have been short and sweet. But in an open forum for the whole world.....my fellow club members....our insurance company to view, I had to word it such that it there is no confusion as to where we stand on this topic.

And as TRIPOLAR has stated keep checking back, I will have several chances for the good people of this forum to "win" a free pass...( I don't award passes)

The next FREE pass to the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run will be coming at 6:00pm this evening.

Ready, set, go!

The next person to post a picture of their Ride will win the next free pass to the 42nd annual Pumpkin Run.....

DING

Well, we have our next winner of a FREE pass to the 42nd annual Pumpkin Run....... :Clap.gif :Clap.gif

Send me your contact info in a PM and I will let you know how to claim your FREE pass.

AMC

Ooops, sorry....Hondaquad19 won the second FREE pass and asmart82 won the third FREE pass to the 42nd annual Pumpkin Run.

send me your info Hondaquad19 and Congrats.

 asmart82, I got your info....

AMC

Thanks for offering the free tickets to a good event

I got your info Hondaquad19.

See you there.

Just got back from spending a few days up at the event property, and quite a bit of the "main" south trail has been put in and the property got a little over an inch of rain yesterday.

As expected, the low areas are still holding plenty of water but the main camping pasture is high and dry (for the most part).

Did I mention I freakin hate love-bugs? Really glad they will be gone by the end of October.

AMC

I can't wait!

Let's give away another FREE pass to the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run,.........

The next person to post a picture of someone sitting on/in their ATV/SidexSide wearing a Holloween mask will win it.

AMC

Here you go
Don't be scared!!!

(http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s373/LIP-PIERCER/HappyHolloween.jpg)

DANG,..... TRIPOLAR that was quick.. :o

Well Congrats, you will now get to join your wife (TRIPOLAR2) at the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run....for FREE.

Send me your contact info via PM and I will give you the details on how to claim your FREE pass.

AMC

Thanks
She was threatening to leave me behind.
Can't wait!!!
See you there.
 

With the rain pattern this week....looks like there might be some MUDDY trails for the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run.....

The 10th person to reply with; "I LOVE me some MUDDY trails" (one post per user name)

will win the next FREE pass the the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run.

AMC

Here, I'll help someone else get a free pass.

I LOVE me some MUDDY trails"

Your welcome!

anyone on here on tampabayridingdirty..i cant register...

dieselbeef, What type of problem are you having trying to register?

Here's a freebe......"I LOVE me some MUDDY trails"

8 more to go..........

"I LOVE me some MUDDY trails"


After all, I am the 10th person !

Now THAT is thinking "outside" the box......LOL

Welcome to ATV Florida forum and Congratulations.

I did say the 10th Person to post the quote......and well..... You are the.... "10th Person".

Send me your contact info via PM and I will give you the details on how to claim your FREE pass to the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run.

(for future refrence I will not accept any winner with the user name "next person" or "first person"....just sayin)

Tripolar, My wife and I have decided to go to the Pumpkin Run this year. You talked us into it. We bought helmets last week, but are going to ride separately. I have a Grizzly 550 and my wife has a Grizzly 300. We're going to camp out there both Friday night as well as Saturday night. My wife can't wait to go.

This will be the first night riding that we have done since getting our ATVs. I bet that will be a blast.

We figured $25.00 for pre registration isn't that bad for a whole weekend of fun. We'll see you there.

Larry & June

Will somebody explain to me what the Poker Run is?  Larry

You go to check points along the trail & get a card, in the end the one with the best hand wins!!
Instead of sitting around a table & have the cards delt to you, you ride your wheeler to the check points & get a card!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Steve!

Does everybody do this or do you have to sign up for it?

Are you going this year Steve?

Larry

I'll have to let AMC answer the ? about signing up for the poker run.

Not sure if I'm gonna go or not yet Larry!!!!

Hey Larry (LBP300),

I'm glad you and your wife have decided to attend the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run. You won't be disapointed, this event is the most unique event of its kind anywhere, and if you have never been on a night ride before....this is going to be simply amazing to you guys.

About the poker run,....I will be signing people up for the poker run as soon as the gates open Friday at 4:oopm until Saturday at 11:00am. The cost is $10 a hand and the winner will collect $500 in cash.

This is how it works, You sign up and pay for a card/cards as soon as you get to the event property (from me), and on Saturday at 1:00pm you will gather will all the other particpants of the poker run and be given the actual card which you will carry with you on a special 4-5 mile trail on the north end of the property where there will be 4 poker run staff members in various location along the trail, any cards not picked up by 1:30pm will be disqualified, with no refund.
 Each particapant will draw a card from a bag of a complete deck and the poker run staff member will mark that card being drawn for with the appropritae rank and suit of the card drawn, you will then continue along the trail until you have all 4 trail cards drawn, then you will proceed back to the main parking area where you will come back to the same spot you got your card and draw your last card (5th card) from me. The 5th card can be drawn starting at 4:oopm but no later than 4:59pm (no cards will be drawn after 4:59pm) and who ever has the best 5 card poker hand at 5:oopm will walk away with $500 in CASH.

It's always a great time, so sign up and enjoy the fun.

AMC

Thanks for explaining it to me. Sounds like fun!

Larry

Heading up to the event property this weekend to layout a few more miles of trail.

I will take pictures of the conditions and post them here when i get back.

Listen for our Ad on WHKR 102.7FM and check out our ad in the October issue of Woods-n-Water magazine.

AMC

Counting the days....
Grizzly 700, Fresh brakes and new winch.
Grizzly 660, fresh brakes, rebuilt winch and new snorkle (Probably gonna need it)
Rhino, Well it is ready and been ready.

May have to test drive one of the toys Shorty is bringing.

...

Thanks Asmart82,

Yes, my wife and I are going for sure. We have even invited a couple from Vero Beach to go with us. We'll see you there. Larry

shorty,

I can assure you that the "horror" stories that you have heard are just that......... "stories". We have been dealing with Seminole Powersports since they opened and have a very good relationship with them, I will be speaking with them today to express my concern about them brining someone with them to this event who would slander the long standing good name of this event without first consulting with the people who are brining you with them.

Anyone reading this post, please know that this is a "Family Friendly" event, we have been doing this event once a year for the last 41 years. We are nothing like the "other" mud parks that have sprung up in the last several years who have no other agenda other than a free-for-all where anything could happen.

If you have an ATV, side by side, or off-road Dirtbike, and LOVE to ride trails......this is the event for you.

AMC

Team Apollo and The Pumpkin Run,

Please let it be known that Seminole PowerSports was unaware of Shorty's post until today, and in no way, share the same concerns.

SPS has been attending/sponsoring, and Loving The Pumpkin Run for almost 30 years and other than a few bruised egos and some hangovers, every year gets better and better.  My first year was 2000 and I have enjoyed every moment there since. 

Shorty has received some very good feedback from his question and ,in no way, meant it in a malice way.  He listened to 1 person that obviously either didn't know what the H%!! he was talking about or had the forum/event confused.

Sincerely,

Kirby Sr.
Owner - Seminole PowerSports   

I apologize to Seminole Powersports and Apollo Motorcycle club. I was going off bad information. Too everyone involved im truely sorry for offending the event that has been going on for so long. I will not make this mistake again and will think first before posting .

KirbySr,

Thank You for your prompt attention to this matter.

 

shortysps26,

Thank You for realizing your mistake and your quick retraction.. Your apology is accepted.

AMC

Speaking of water under the bridge.......... ::)

The event property is pretty wet right now, but with little to no rain in the future forcast the main parking area should dry up nicely to allow all our guests a high and dry area to camp.

The water wheelie pit....it's full

The Mud slinging pit area....it's full

The Side x Side field......super sloppy

This year we will be utilizing our bridge to cross a canal and knowing there are some folks with ()----() wide rides, we made the bridge
70inches wide, so if you have spacer and 30+" in tires you might want to check your width. If your ride is wider than 70inches, you will have to take a detour when you come to the bridge (aprox 11.5 miles in on the night trial)

(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll301/Backerdown/DSCF2350.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll301/Backerdown/DSCF2355.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll301/Backerdown/DSCF2356.jpg)

AMC

That's a fun addition!

Looks like fun! Can't wait! Larry

are there trails for beginner riders?

While we don't offer any certain trails for beginners...per say, we will have a short wide trail that will lead to the "side by side" field and back to the main camping area, and a short 5-8 mile trail that can be ridden during the day.

My advice to anyone with limited ATV'n experience would be; If you come to an area that seems challenging, pull off to the side of the trail and watch to see how others navigate that certain obstacle.

 If you only have 2 wheel drive try not to get high centered in deep ruts by straddling the ruts and be ready to "bounce" your way side to side through tight rutty spots, and don't forget to use your body weight to shake side to side.

And finally, If you come to an area with deep water remember to shift your weight back and try to bring the front up to keep from sucking water into the air intake....if you don't have a snorkel that is.

If you do get stuck, don't worry........ ATV'ers are great people, ready and willing to lend a hand, or if things get really bad there will be a number on your wristband to call for a tow back to camp should your ride break-down.

Were all out there to have fun....and FUN is what it's all about.

AMC

I would say 90% of the riding is fairly simple stuff.  Some of the tougher stuff with mud/water usually has some way around.  There will be enough people riding that you can watch what others are doing and mimic them if you get to a spot you are unsure about.

I've personally helped pull out/guide at least 5 people every time I go out. If your out in the middle of the woods and see someone needs assistance, you are just going to help out.  That's just how it is for me anyways :)

We are thinking about going this year which would be our first time. In a earlier post you mentioned there were several trails. How many trails will be available to ride and will there trails to ride if you do not participate in the poker run.

pault,

We plan to have two trails. One 5-8 mile trial that can be ridden during the day on Saturday, and the main trial 15-18 miles that will begin at sunset (dark-thirty).

The poker run route will incorporate part of the Saturday trail.

There will be plenty of activities going on during the day Saturday, like trying out your balancing skills on the Quad-r-Totter, practicing for the Water Wheelie contest, or the Poker run.

We have introduced all these "new" things to entertain our guests during the day on Saturday, this ride use to be "only" a night ride and folks would ride around the pit/camping area all day cooking out and getting primed for the main event, which is what the Pumpkin Run is all about anyway.
It’s sure to be a lot of fun. We hope to see you there.

AMC

Well, the waiting is almost over.....13 days and counting.

A lot of work has been done the past few weeks getting the trails all trimmed and arrows put up.

There are a few sections that have signage stating "WET" and "DRY", the wet side of the trail is for the folks with snorkles, and the dry side is for the family people with 2wd and kids.

The camping area is drying out nicely.

Who's ready for some cooler temps and some killer night riding conditions?????

Who's ready for the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run???

I'm ready for it and so is my wife. Larry

Is the Hyundai gonna make it?!

I hope it makes it!   :)

It's only two exits up from 5A. But just in case, everybody keep an eye open for a blue Hyundai with a 14 ft trailer with two ATVs broken down on the side of the road.  rolback1

If it makes it up there, then I'll see you all there.

Larry

Anybody in the springhill area want to ride together?

Let's give away another FREE pass to the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run.

The next person to post a picture of a PUMPKIN on their 4wheeler/side by side/dirtbike (your ride) will win.

A carved Pumpkin would be nice, but not necessary.

One winner per username per event.

AMC

hope this works

Hope my neighbors dont mind lol

does someone have a physical address that i would be able to put in a gps?

Trailrider77,

Your first attempt was a fail, but jackin your neighbor’s tiny carved pumpkin gives a whole new redneck definition to the term........... "Jack-A-Lantern".

Your efforts have earned you a FREE pass to the 42nd Annual Pumpkin Run.

Send me a PM with your contact info for details on how to claim your FREE pass.

Physical address is;    475 SR 415 New Smyrna Fl.

AMC

Woohoo awesome thank you ;D ;D ;D ;D

Is there a limit to the number of people and riders allowed at this event? A friend of mine had this concern. Larry

I don't know if there is a limit but if there was, it would be a LOT. The place is huge. The most I've seen is probably around 700-800 and that wasn't busy.  I heard of one a long time ago there was somewhere around 3000. Don't know if that is true or not.

Thanks Asmart82 ! Larry

Asmart's answer is pretty spot-on.

We don't have a cut off per-say and we anticapate around ~1000 people this year.

Past events were advertised to be limited to 1500, but we now realize that with everybody jumping on the bandwagon with mud parks poping up everywhere, our particapation levels have since hovered around the 1000 mark, with muddy/wet conditions bringing the larger crowds, and this year is pretty wet, so it is sure to be a great run.

Most people who have been to the Pumpkin Run, will return every year and bring a friend.

If you have never been to the Pumpkin Run, you owe it to yourself to come and see what a real night "riding" event is all about.

8 days and counting.........Only 6 days left to take advantage of the $10 pre-registration discount at apollomotorcycleclub.com

AMC

Only 2 days left to get the $10 discount with our online pre-registration at apollomotorcycleclub.com

Looks like it's going to be a windy run this year.

AMC

Wind is nice except at night when the air cools down!

cool nights make for nice riding friday is taking forever to get here already lol

With the windy conditions that could be present this weekend, we are asking people PLEASE do not leave a campfire unattended.

C'mon.....Friday ;D

one more day woohoo!!!

Hey Y'all.....It may be a little windy tomorrow, but the event is ON.....

There won't be any dust, and be sure to stake down your easy-ups really good.

This is going to be the largest Hurricane party on the east coast......... ;D

The train has left the station....wooo...woooo!

AMC

See ya tomorrow, Dave!

Leaving now! See ya all up there! Larry

what an awesome weekend had a blast hats off to the Apollo Motorcyle crew they did a great job besides never finding the showers or atv wash section all the trail were great and playing in the mud is always fun

I had a good time too Carlos. June and I enjoyed riding with you and your cousin.

But I think that we made a wrong turn and ended up at Mudmuckers.  rolback1

I couldn't find the showers or ATV wash section either.

AMC, could you please put some toilets around the whole area next time and not just in one place. When you get older, you will find that they need to be closer to where the people camp.  ;D

Also you need to put up bigger and better signs on the exit gate that say  " Do not enter, one way only". We had to pass at least 60 riders that went in the wrong gate. I don't know how they got through the course as all of the orange arrows were at their backs. I'm talking about the day course.

I really enjoyed the night ride and had a lot of fun! AMC did a good job marking the trails. I plan on attending again next time.

Larry & June

One other thing that I learned this weekend is that my little blue Hyundai will go anywhere! Mud is no problem at all!



That is, if it's being pulled by a tractor!!!   rolback1 rolback1 rolback1 rolback1 rolback1



It took me longer to get the mud off of the car than it did the ATV.



Larry

The toilets and showers were in the main camp area.  Unfortunately, due to the unforeseen impact of Hurricane Sandy, the main camp area became the mud pit. The showers and toilets were where people would usually camp but no one was able to get out that far except a select few with the vehicles that could make it.

The showers were where the usually were except this year they were surrounded by mud! The wash station is usually right by the showers as well but I did not see it this year.  I honestly don't think a wash station would have been of any use anyways considering no matter where you went, you had to travel through mud to get back to wherever you parked.

Glad to  hear you made it out, Larry! I was a little worried you'd be stuck there till the Rabbit Run!  rolback1

I had a great time even though it was cut short due to a punctured radiator (not mine) but its probably a good thing because I am sore today.  We made the unfortunate mistake of riding the north trail when it got dark and it was a complete mess but I had a blast!

Ya we tried to do the night trail but that was a cluster but iy was still very cool the night ride was amazing