Last Updated 6/19/2004
On a cool and windy Saturday morning in early April, we arose early to pack up bikes and gear. However, the destination was not the desert. It was much closer. Practically down the road from our house. Between the off road and motocross enthusiastic counties of San Diego and Los Angeles lies the town of Temecula. This is hometown to numerous AMA PRO Motocross racers, many top industry motorcycle companies and the place my family calls home. And if everything goes as planned, it will soon be the home of Temecula Ranch Family Sports Park.
We arrived at the future home of the Temecula Ranch Family Sports Park where we met up with our friends Mindy and Glenn. We all had been invited up to the Ranch to ride our bikes while the proper authorities performed a sound test. We joined about fifty others in the staging area next to the lake. As I got out of the truck and looked around, I saw the rolling hills, the open valley spaces and the canyons cut into the steep mountains. Yes, I told myself, this is truly a "field of dreams".
Now I know what your thinking, "field of dreams"? When will off roaders get a real honest to goodness riding area close to home? Well, this field is definitely different. The folks behind this project are family oriented, conscious of the surrounding environment and are geared up to hit a grand slam home run. In July of 2003, the ranch was purchased by two families who formed a partnership; Canyon Lands, LLC. Three years of searching had finally produced the perfect property for development into a very unique "Family Sports Park". Canyon Lands, LLC plans to transform this property into a beautiful park to be enjoyed by families who love the outdoors. Those involved in the development of the ranch are dedicated to creating a family atmosphere. There will be a strict no alcohol policy in the park. Off-highway-vehicle riding will be allowed in designated areas, the canyons. While there are vast amounts of flat, open spaces, there are also deep and steep canyons on the property. These canyons provide excellent barriers both for safety and noise containment for OHV use. The steep canyon walls are perfect for containing OHV noise and keeping riders secluded. The canyons will feature OHV riding for all skill levels from designated youth areas to advanced riders. Special attention will be given to safety as well as preserving the natural terrain. All vehicles will be required to have appropriate spark arrestors and silencers.
Situated on 520 acres, the Family Sports Park is located 13 miles east of Interstate 15 and nestled in the foothills beneath Mount Palomar near the town of Aguanga. A great deal of effort was put into finding the perfect location for the park. The goal was to determine a location for the park that would accommodate the widest range of activities, while creating a minimal impact on the surrounding area. This property is perfect.
Temecula Ranch Family Sports Park will soon become a premiere recreation area for all ages. The ranch will be a wide-open park with acres of shaded picnic areas surrounding a 9-acre lake that will be stocked with a variety of fish to challenge the enthusiast. For those who prefer to simply enjoy the peacefulness of the lake, rowboats and canoes will be available for rent. There will be areas for hiking and Frisbee or just plain relaxing.
There will be paint-ball and a world class BMX facility hosting ABA sanctioned racing. How much area will be dedicated to each of the major activities? There will be 300+ Acres of Open Spaces and Hiking Trails, 60 Acres of grassy Picnic areas, 11 Acres for BMX and Mountain Biking activities, 14 Acres for Paint-Ball Activities, 9 Acres of Fishing, Canoe, and Row-Boating and 66 Acres for OHV operation.
So, do we have your interest yet? Now your asking, how can I get more information about Temecula Ranch Family Sports Park? They have a website located at www.temecularanch.com. The Ranch needs your support! Go to the website and register on their contact list to stay up-to-date with what's new. Or you can write to them at Temecula Ranch Family Sports Park, 41751 Hwy. 79 South, P.O. Box 248, Aguanga, Ca 92536.
So how did the day turn out? Wonderful! We rode for hours through the canyons, fast around the turns and straight a ways. The bikes and riders were pretty dirty and muddy by the end of the morning, indicated a bonus on the fun level! And the best part? We were home quickly, able to clean up and enjoy a Barbeque with friends without the long drive back from the desert. Definitely a "field of dreams"!