Letter to the PRT Editor 

I read with great interest the story “A Spirited Gravel Weekend” in the Dec. 2021 edition of the Patagonia Regional Times. The early November event drew a tremendous crowd of participants and guests. It also appears the event did a fine job patronizing the local business establishments which certainly supports the local economy.

However, you did miss another event held on the 20th of November. My off-road motorcycle club, Trail Riders of Southern Arizona (TRS) hosted a recreation trail ride and fundraiser called There Will Be Dust. TRS is a 501(c) 3 club that promotes safe and responsible off-highway motorcycle recreation through action and education. We drew almost 90 riders for this event. Riders rode the dirt roads out in the San Rafael Valley, we had lunch at the San Rafael Ranch House (managed by Arizona State Parks & Trails) and finished the day with a dinner meal and raffle party at the Wild Horse Restaurant. Aside from having an enjoyable day riding over a 100+ miles of rugged roads, we raised money for the East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank, located in Patagonia. From this event, TRS proudly donated $5,100 to the Foodbank.

The event in Nov. 2021, was not the first time TRS has hosted this ride and fundraiser. Beginning in 2013, we have staged our event locations throughout southern Arizona. Since that time we have donated approximately $18,000 to the local food banks. We intend to continue this tradition this year.

George Wysopal

President, Trail Riders of Southern Arizona