Riders thrive in mud-slinging event at Stony Lonesome
Benjamin Bullard
bbullard@cullmantimes.com
S
ometimes, nasty weather is just what you need.
Take the riders at Stony Lonesome this weekend, who came from all corners of the U.S. to compete in the two-day Southern Rock Racing Series (SRRS) event. Far from presenting any kind of hindrance, recent rains made for an awesome mud-slinging good time — for both participants and onlookers.
“We’ve seen license plates out here from Michigan; Oklahoma; Wyoming,” said Cullman County Sheriff’s Deputy Joey Cone, who helps patrol the park’s 1,450 acres. “This has been a pretty good crowd, and this event has been super smooth. Considering we have this many people so close together through an entire weekend, it’s gone really, really well.”
The SRRS event is one of a handful of standout events the park hosts each year, attracting hundreds — and even thousands — of enthusiasts who’re willing to travel anywhere to be a part of competitive off-roading. All of the park’s camp sites, cabins and trailers were booked solid for this weekend’s action.
“Everything’s fully booked — has been since January,” said park staffer Kassy Ashley. “When we filled up, we started sending people to Smith Lake, because they also have cabins where people can stay. And of course there are people staying in hotels in Cullman and Jasper.
“The farthest we had anybody come for this event was all the way from Spain. There are two members of the Spanish media here. I don’t even know how much they’ve understood of what we’re saying — but they’re super nice! It’s really neat to have people come and enjoy and appreciate the park.”
Crowd estimates weren’t official late Saturday, but park staff estimated attendance would easily surpass 2,000 people — not counting members of the racing teams, or children admitted with their parents.
Even as Saturday’s competitive activity wound to a close, few were in a hurry to leave. In fact, more trucks and trailers began trickling through the entry gates, showing up for Saturday’s “night ride” — one of several such events the park hosts throughout the year.
The park maintains an active schedule that caters to both hardcore racers and casual, local riders. To keep up with what’s next on the calendar, follow Stony Lonesome on Facebook or visit the park’s website at stonylonesomeohv.us.
Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 145.