Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Irby to grow to largest ‘city’ in the county
IRBY — The 54th annual Stumpjumpers Desert 100 is set to take place April 5-6 in Irby, drawing riders and fans from across the region for a weekend of racing, camaraderie and community spirit.
The event kicks off Friday, April 4, with event shirt sales, registration and food vendors opening. Limited riding will be allowed throughout the day, and a live band will perform in the beer tent that evening. Saturday features a series of poker runs, a mini race and a Ladies Beginner Ride.
A riders meeting is scheduled for 7 a.m. before events begin.
The Family Poker Run, open to all ages and abilities, covers a 20- to 25-mile course and starts at 8 a.m. The Adventure/Dual Sport Poker Run, limited to street-legal vehicles, begins at 7 a.m.
The Ironman Poker Run, a 70- to 80-mile course, also starts at 7 a.m.
The Ladies Beginner Ride, designed for novice riders, lasts 45 to 60 minutes and begins after an 11:15 a.m. meeting. The mini race includes classes for ages 8 and under, 9-10, and 11-12, with a mandatory riders meeting at 8 a.m. followed by the race start.
Sunday’s Desert 100 begins with a riders meeting at 8:30 a.m., followed immediately by the race start. The event follows a two-wave start format and consists of two laps for the 100-mile race and one lap for the 50-mile race. Riders must have a spark arrestor to participate.
Finishers will receive event T-shirts. The 100-mile race includes classes for 200cc and under, 250cc, open, ages 30-39, ages 40-49, team (two riders, one bike) and women’s competition. The 50-mile race features classes for vintage bikes (pre-1986), ages 15 and under, women’s 50-mile competition, ages 50-59, ages 60 and older, ages 70 and older with free entry, ages 80 and older with free entry, and an adventure class requiring a minimum 652cc factory displacement.
The event takes place on private property west of Odessa at the intersection of Highway 28 and Irby Road. Gates open for camping at noon Thursday, April 3. Long lines are expected, with organizers advising attendees to be prepared for delays.
In 2023, lines extended seven miles by late morning on the first day. Stumpjumpers Motorcycle Club chairman Brett Desembaugh said maintaining access is a priority and that Irby Road cannot be blocked.
More than 6,000 people camped at the site last year, and organizers anticipate similar numbers in 2024. Food vendors will be available, including a hot dog truck serving racers on Saturday. Attendees should expect dusty conditions due to frequent southern winds.
Drones are prohibited at the event for safety reasons, as airlift life flight helicopters are often required in medical emergencies. Previous drone interference has delayed critical medivac situations.
Race day begins Sunday morning as more than 1,500 racers line up on the longest start line in North America. The race begins with a cannon blast, and riders must sprint to their bikes before tackling the rugged 100-mile course. If Jaden Dahners wins, he will secure his third consecutive victory, tying his father’s record of three Desert 100 wins.
Desembaugh said this year’s event highlights the legacy and endurance required to compete in one of the toughest races in the region.
The event weekend begins with camping access at noon on Thursday, April 3. Friday includes event shirt sales, registration, food vendors, limited riding and live music.
Saturday’s lineup features poker runs, mini races, the Ladies Beginner Ride and an evening band performance. Three poker run variations are scheduled: the family loop, an easier 17-mile course; the Iron Man loop for experienced riders; and the Adventure/Dual Sport Poker Run for street-legal bikes.
With an expected crowd of more than 6,000, the open rangeland will transform into a temporary racing village. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food vendors, event shirt sales and live entertainment throughout the weekend.
Race announcements and updates will be broadcast on 95.5 FM for participants and spectators.
Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.
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