‘Steel Stampede’ Storms Crooked River Ranch

Crooked River Ranch residents greeted the thunderous sounds of motorcycles from the past this weekend.

The 2012 Steel Stampede, now in its sixth year, had competitors ranging in age from 30 to 80 on motorcycles from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

The course consisted of hills, valleys, ruts and jumps.

Trials took place Saturday, and the races were staged on Sunday, the winners being the ones able to complete the obstacles in the quickest amount of time.

The stampede resembled what some of the earliest forms of off-road motorcycle competition used to be like.

“This is kind of a senior tour of motocross,” said organizer Pete Fisher. “But we have a great time. Everybody is good friends, they will help anybody — it’s just a really friendly event.”

Numerous community members helped put on the stampede including the Crooked River Ranch Chamber of Commerce.

The money generated from the Steel Stampede is used to fund various ranch projects, like the information kiosk, and various clubs, such as the Lions Club and the Boy Scouts.

This year, the Terrebonne Boys and Girls Club were the fund-raising recipients.