Just below the high water mark, tents and trailers lined the sand, the smell of dust and exhaust filled the air, and sparks flew from dozens of campfires across the KooCanUsa reservoir. The anticipated event of the spring season was kicking off with a proper Montana welcome! 2013 Penco Fundays was finally here!
Backtracking for just a moment, this all started back in 1996 with Vaughn, an idea, and a small handful of dirt enthusiasts who were eager to get together and show off their skills. Drag races and an obstacle course have been a topic of preparation ever since. Today, the event has grown to be an annual date on household calendars and hosts around 1500-1600 spectators and racers for the weekend. 17 years later and we are still loving it!
Over these last 17 years we have truly seen a lot! From future little rippers on their training wheel bikes to creek skimming mod snowmobiles. Ford ranger trucks (yes trucks) jumping the "Big Dune", to every possible tow-out-of-the-mud situation you could ever imagine.
This is what we have come to realize: NOTHING, is off limits, or impossible at KooCanUsa Fundays. Just when you think you have seen it all...
The family aspect of Fundays is something that continues to be a priority to the Saturday activities. Many families all take part in the races, even the little ones! The day pans out like this: after signups, drag and obstacle course racers are broken down into classes. Bikes, Quads, Mods, and Kids. Line up is called and lights count your "go time" cue. The dirt and dust fly, as spectators line the courses cheering individuals on. The competition ranges from good practice and pure fun for levels such as the kids class, to hard core old fashion racing between the adults. Some walking away in victory and others with the mindset of "Just you wait until next year.." There is a place for everyone no matter what age, skill level, or machine and on top of that, good hearted competition, Tshirts, and great prizes.
It is always a joy to see all the smiling dust caked faces; some new, others familiar veterans of the event. These faces are what have carried Penco Fundays throughout the years and made it all possible and worth while! The coolest part about KooCanUsa, is everyone is there for the same reason: a weekend getaway of fun, good company, and riding, where no one is afraid to get stuck or a little muddy. With all of this fun comes a lot of hard work. We are so thankful for the awesome law enforcement teams and medical staff that work throughout the weekend keep it safe and fun for all. Without them and their dedication, it would not be possible.
So with another year down, we come away, in need of a long overdue shower, sleep deprived, dust caked EVERYTHING, and more memories to add to our story book than before. Thank you to everyone who joined us, we cannot wait to see you next year!Thank you to Kilee Stevens for the footage
check her out on YouTube!
